Maximising Your Time at Subsea Expo: A Strategic Approach
- David Sheret
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 12
By David Sheret, CEO of Sheret Energy Offshore
Let me share a secret some of you may not know—socialising is not my strong suit. Despite a career that has been largely front-facing, I do not find it easy to meet and chat with people and I find it very difficult to be in any social event/circumstance/function. However, I have had some great mentors throughout my career and have absorbed a wealth of insights from leading communicators and psychologists. What follows is a distilled version of their wisdom, filtered through my own experience to hopefully help you maximise your attendance at one of the world's premier subsea events, held right here in Aberdeen, Subsea Expo.
1. Do Your Homework in Advance
A successful exhibition starts well before you arrive. Subsea Expo publishes its exhibitor list well in advance - here it is - review it thoroughly. Identify key companies, understand their objectives/news/strategies, and determine where your offering aligns. Walk in with a strategy rather than reacting on the spot.
2. Schedule Meetings Beforehand
Do not rely on chance encounters. The most influential decision-makers I've seen or worked with have structured schedules, and securing time with them requires prior arrangement. Reach out well in advance to try to set up meaningful discussions.
3. Make a Strong First Impression
People form impressions quickly. The way you carry yourself, engage in conversation, and present your offering will determine whether someone is interested in further discussion. Try to be as confident, clear, and genuine in your approach as you can.
4. Stay Focused on Business Priorities
Subsea Expo is a work event. While there may be opportunities to catch up with familiar faces, ensure that your primary focus remains on business objectives. Use time wisely and engage with key contacts who can contribute to your goals. You're hunting PO's not likes.
5. Lead with Thoughtful Questions
Avoid generic sales pitches. Instead, try to ask relevant and open-ended questions that encourage meaningful discussions. This positions you as someone interested in industry challenges rather than simply promoting a service or product.
6. Communicate with Clarity and Purpose
Ensure that when you describe your business, you do so in a way that clearly articulates the value you bring. Focus on impact and outcomes rather than broad statements. I guarantee that if you stand in front of a mirror at home and recite it 100 times you WILL pitch better than if you didn't.
7. Be Strategic About Your Time
Not all attendees offer the same level of opportunity. Identify where decision-makers and influencers will be, such as key networking events and conference sessions, and prioritise your time accordingly. Analyse, rank, target, engage.
8. Follow Up with a Purpose
Collecting business cards is meaningless without effective follow-up. After each discussion, take note of key details and ensure that your follow-up communication is personalised, timely, and action-oriented.
9. Leverage LinkedIn for Continued Engagement
Rather than relying on business cards, connect with key individuals on LinkedIn immediately after speaking. This keeps the engagement active and provides a direct channel for further discussions beyond the event. They may leave the company they work for, they'll probably be on LinkedIn for life.
10. Set Goals and Measure Success
Define what success looks like before the event and assess your progress afterwards. Whether it is securing meetings, gathering industry insights, or building relationships, evaluating outcomes will help refine your approach for future events.
Final Thought: Preparation and Focus Lead to Results
Subsea Expo is an extremely valuable opportunity, but approach it with intent. Advance research, structured engagement, and effective follow-up will ensure that your participation is productive and delivers real results.
To find out more about SEO and how they can help your business, drop me an email at david@sheret.net
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