Networking In Tourism

Sensory Architecture: A Journey Through the Senses A client approached us with the vision of creating a wellness retreat that transcended the conventional. As with all our projects, we began with Land Studies, exploring its natural systems and understanding that the users were not the only guests but also the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of the place. This research led us to question: What if architecture did not only adapt to nature but co-created with it? More than a physical space, a wellness retreat is an experience. Designing in harmony with nature means creating a living, responsive architecture that interacts with its surroundings and strengthens the connection between people and the natural world. To achieve this, we studied light, sound, wind, vegetation, temperature, smells, and the metaphysical features of the site, asking key questions like: How can sensory experiences promote healing? Each site visit revealed new aspects, allowing us to map natural rhythms—light movement, wind patterns, biodiversity, influenced by the time of day and the season of the year. Studying the senses can seem overwhelming due to their subjective nature, so it was essential to understand how to measure and quantify the effects of these sensory elements on well-being. •⁠ ⁠Sight and Light: Light, essential for visual perception, influences emotions and biological rhythms. Orange light (582-620 nm) stimulates vitality, while blue light enhances concentration but can disrupt sleep. Based on these effects, one can design lighting strategies that respond to the physical and emotional needs of users at different times of the day. •⁠ ⁠Sound and Frequencies: Sound travels in waves and affects mood. Low frequencies induce relaxation, while high frequencies create alertness. Mapping natural sounds—wind, water, birds—allows us to define zones of tranquility and areas with greater sensory stimulation.  - Touch and Textures: Tactile perception involves pressure, temperature, and texture. Smooth wooden surfaces convey warmth, while rough stone evokes stability. By analyzing local materials, we design spaces that foster relaxation and a connection with nature through touch. •⁠ ⁠Smell: Smell is linked to the limbic system, influencing emotions and memories. We identified natural fragrances—like citrus & wood—to integrate them into architecture and enhance well-being. For example, we aim to design an experience where guests wake up to the invigorating scent of citrus, promoting energy and alertness, and wind down at night with the calming aroma of lavender, encouraging restful sleep. To bring this vision to life, we are working with experts from various disciplines, focusing on ecology, environmental conservation, neuroscience, and the use of local materials and construction techniques. Sensory architecture transforms design into a living organism that breathes, listens, and responds.

I've closed more deals from photographing a table plan than from any pitch. Teach me how to get great at networking, and a table plan is exactly where I would start. The people who are good at networking aren't necessarily the smoothest talkers in the room. They simply did the work before they arrived and are more interested in you than in sounding interesting themselves. Most of the value isn't created at the event at all. It's created before and after it. 1. Before I commit to anything, I ask for the guest list. Who's going, where do they work, and whether it’s worth my time. If I can't get a list, I think hard about whether to go at all. Your time doesn't come back, so make the room earn it. I'm not there to collect fifty business cards. I'm there for a few conversations that do actually lead somewhere. 2. Then I sort the boring stuff, because the boring stuff is what trips people up. A business card, even now, with a QR code I've checked actually works. One broken link can quietly cost you a deal. A phone with enough battery to swap details all evening. And the right clothes for the room. Knowing the dress code does more than make you comfortable. It makes you look like you belong, and people walk towards those who look like they belong. 3. In the room, I keep one rule: The conversation goes both ways. A short, confident introduction is enough to break the ice. After that, I'm asking questions to learn, not perform.  There's good research showing that asking someone for advice makes you look more capable, not less, especially on a hard problem. People remember being asked. The intern you're chatting to today could be running their own company in five years. 4. Now the table plan: If I can’t get the guest list, I photograph any list of names there and name badges before people arrive. By the end of the night, I've got a record of everyone I didn't reach. I did exactly that at The Times CEO Summit recently. I followed up with the people I'd missed, asked for a coffee, and some of those chats are now future projects. Do it within 48 hours, while the event is still fresh in their mind. 5. The part most people get wrong is treating networking as transactional. The relationships that have mattered most to me were built authentically. I worked out what I could offer first, then led with that, whether it was an introduction, some hard-won experience, or a door I could open. Know what you bring and give it without keeping score. None of this is a rigid set of rules. It's about preparation, and genuinely curious about people. Get those two things right, and networking starts feeling like the best part of the job. What's the best networking advice you've ever been given? I'd like to hear it. For more founder questions and answers, join my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/ergDQtiK

I’ve been having lots of conversations about LinkedIn for events from organisers wanting to drive visibility and engagement, to exhibitors heading to upcoming tradeshows, and everyone in between. Whether you’re hosting, exhibiting, or attending LinkedIn can help you get more out of every event: ✨ More visibility 🤝 More connections 📈 More business outcomes Yet LinkedIn is often underused in the event space. A one-and-done post. A quick thank you. A flurry of activity... then silence. But here’s the thing: the event isn’t the beginning and it shouldn’t be the end. To get the most value, LinkedIn should be part of your strategy before, during and after the event. Here’s how to make the most of it: 🌠 1. Be LinkedIn Event Ready Your profile and company page shape your first impression often before anyone meets you. They should tell a clear, credible story that aligns with your event involvement. Organiser Tip: Create a LinkedIn Brand Kit for your speakers, exhibitors, and team – banners, hashtags, talking points, and example posts. Exhibitor Tip: Use an event-themed banner to show your stand details or branding. 🌠 2. Build Relationships Before the Event The most valuable connections rarely start cold on event day. The lead-up to the event is prime time to increase visibility, build familiarity, and position yourself as someone worth connecting with or visiting at the stand. Organiser Tip: Spotlight speakers, exhibitors, and sessions early and use tags to amplify. Exhibitor Tip: Shortlist people you want to meet - clients, prospects, collaborators, media and start connecting early. 🌠 3. Maximise the Event Experience Use LinkedIn to take people behind the scenes, amplify moments as they happen, and make your presence visible to those who couldn’t attend. Organiser Tip: Have someone live post from the floor, tagging participants and sharing session soundbites. Exhibitor Tip: Make it easy for people to connect with you it creates immediate pathways to keep the conversation going. 🌠 4. Keep the Momentum Going This is the stage where most people go quiet, but this is when the real relationship-building begins. Use LinkedIn to keep the conversation going. Share your takeaways. Follow up with new connections. Repurpose content into future posts. Organiser Tip: Share a highlight post and set the stage for what’s next even a “Save the Date” works. Exhibitor Tip: Send a personalised follow-up message referencing your chat. 🌟 Key Takeaways LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools you have to extend your event beyond the room. It allows you to build relationships before the first handshake, stay visible throughout the event and strengthen credibility and connection long after the banners are packed away. And if you'd like support to develop your own LinkedIn event strategy that's more than one and done, I’d love to help. Because showing up is just the beginning. #linkedin #events #eventmarketing

Over the next 3 months, I’m hosting 4 major events in France, UK, USA and KSA. Beforehand, I want to share my top tips on how to get the best out of networking. 1. Set Clear Targets Action: Make a hit list of the top 10 companies or people you need to meet. Research what they care about—know their wins, pain points, & what they’re hunting for before you walk through the door. Outcome: These conversations won’t just happen by chance. By doing your homework, you’ll turn a five-minute chat into a deal-building moment. Schedule meetings in advance, & after the event, send a tailored follow-up email that shows you were listening. 2. Take the Stage (Literally) Action: Get on the agenda. Whether it’s a keynote, panel, or fireside chat, nothing says “I’m the one to watch” like holding the mic. Use this time to address the industry’s biggest challenges & position yourself—& your company—as the answer. Outcome: Speaking builds instant credibility. It’s not just exposure; it’s authority. Post-event, share the highlights on LinkedIn & invite attendees to continue the conversation, turning an audience into a lead pipeline. 3. Own the Floor Action: Don’t just lurk—work the room. Engage with key exhibitors, ask questions, & position yourself as a resource, not just another pitch. Be direct but curious: “What’s your biggest challenge this year?” and “How can I help?” are powerful openers. Outcome: You’ll stand out as someone who listens. Take notes during conversations, & follow up within 48 hours with a personalised message. Not a generic “great meeting you”—send actionable insights or specific ideas that move the ball forward. 4. Host the Inner Circle Action: People bond better in a more relaxed setting than over Wi-Fi. Organise an exclusive dinner, roundtable, or cocktail event for a curated group of heavy hitters. Keep it intimate—this is about building relationships, not just showing off. Go easy on the heavy sell. Outcome: People remember who brought them value & connections, not who handed out free pens. Post-event, share any key takeaways & book one-on-one follow-ups to solidify what you started over drinks. 5. Hack the Tech Action: Use every tool at your disposal—event apps, LinkedIn, QR codes. Pre-event, reach out to attendees & book meetings. At the event, swap contacts digitally to keep things seamless, & use a CRM to track every interaction. Outcome: You’ll leave the event with an organised roadmap of leads, not just a stack of business cards destined for a desk drawer. Follow up strategically with segmented, value-driven emails & keep the momentum alive. The Bottom Line: Trade fairs & exhibitions aren’t just networking. Preparation, presence, & follow-up separate those who close deals from those who just collect swag bags. Be human. Don’t think of this as just a branding exercise but an opportunity for long term partnerships. Be genuine - your new contacts will become close contacts, if not friends. Make it count! #revenuegrowth

How differently can you interact with the executives at the year-end party? I remember our annual fundraising events, usually held at a hotel with lots of parking and good food. The thought of approaching high-level leaders and guests invited was often intimidating at the beginning. However, the relaxed environment was too inviting to let go of the once-a-year opportunity. Thankfully, I was involved in the preparation of the guest list. This helped me prepare intentionally for conversations with key executives or guests. One of the interesting networking books that has been beneficial to me is Keith Ferrazzi's 'Never Eat Alone'. PS: If you want to be intentional about your networking at events as a leader, this book is a must-read and belongs to your home library for regular reference. Ferrazzi emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships. Here are some tips from his book. 1. Be prepared with conversation starters. Before the event, think of some engaging questions or topics to discuss. Research the executives you may meet, focusing on their recent achievements or initiatives within the company. For example, if you know they led a successful project, you could ask, “What inspired your approach to that project?” This shows you’re invested in their work and opens the door for a deeper conversation. 2. Use the give-first approach. Ferrazzi advocates for a mindset of giving before expecting anything in return. Look for ways to provide value to the executives you meet. This could be as simple as sharing an interesting article related to their work or offering insights on industry trends. When you focus on how you can help others, you create an atmosphere of reciprocity and goodwill. 3. Practice Active Listening. Listening is a vital component of effective networking. Show genuine interest in what the executive has to say by asking follow-up questions and engaging with their responses. This not only fosters a deeper connection but also demonstrates your respect for their time and perspective. 4. Be Mindful of Body Language. Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in how we are perceived. Maintain eye contact, smile, and use open body language to convey your interest and enthusiasm. Your demeanor can help create a welcoming environment that encourages more profound interactions. 5. Follow Up with Purpose. After the event, don’t forget to follow up with the executives you connected with. Send a personalized message expressing your appreciation for the conversation. Mention something specific you discussed. This will help reinforce the connection while also showing that you valued the engagement. According to Ferrazzi, 'The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity'. Remember: Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. What else would you add? Share in the comments below. #leaders #leadership #management #careers #womeninleadership #womenwholead

Always go into an event with a strategy, and here's why ⤵️ Many companies are tightening budgets right now. And often, the first thing on the chopping block? Events. I may be biased, but events shouldn’t be seen as a “nice to attend’’ for a company... ...Done right, they’re a need to have, a goldmine for finding new clients and relationship building. But, you can’t just show up and hope for the best. You need a plan in order to get the most value out of it. Ask yourself: Why are we attending this event? → To build relationships and network? → To increase top-of-funnel leads? → To learn from industry experts? → To have a strong visual presence and brand recognition? Whatever the goal, define it clearly, set KPIs, and align the team before you get on-site. ⭐ Here are some of my top tips: → Sign up for the event networking app early. → Use LinkedIn to connect with others who are attending. → Research external events happening around the main event, brands are always hosting ‘unofficial’ parties. → Is there a hotel or bar next to the venue? Chances are, that’s where most attendees will be when they’re not at the conference. These areas are secret hotspots for networking. → Go to the event’s scheduled parties; they bring everyone together and are a great way to relax while doing casual networking. → If you’re slightly introverted and the idea of networking is your worst nightmare, take advantage of structured formats like speed networking; it’s a great way to meet and network with people in a more guided setting. When you know exactly what success looks like for you and your company, your event spend transforms from an expense… into an investment. Hope these tips help!! I'll be at VidSummit next month. If you're attending, let me know. It's always great to connect with people IRL.

Following my last post on networking, a common question came up: “How do you actually do it, especially as an introvert?” I used to find large rooms daunting. That changed when I stopped trying to be an extrovert and started leaning into my natural strengths. As introverts, we tend to be thoughtful, detail-oriented, and good listeners. Those are exactly the traits that make networking effective, just in a different way. Something I learned from direct marketing stayed with me: The power of multiple contacts. While others try to “work the room,” you can win by what you do before and after the event. I once read that a CEO landed his role at a major hotel brand because he had stayed in touch with the Chairman over the years. When the opportunity came, he wasn’t just a name on a resume, he was the first person they thought of. Here’s what has worked for me: Before the event Send a brief note to someone you know will be there. It turns a cold start into a continuation. At the event Listen more than you talk. Look for common ground - where you’re from, a shared interest like golf or a favorite team, or a business challenge you both understand. Commonality draws people closer. It creates an immediate sense of connection. And that’s what makes any follow-up feel natural, not forced. Right after Follow up within 24 hours. Reference something specific from your conversation. That’s what makes it stick. Then comes the real work Stay in touch, with a reason. Share an article, congratulate them on a win, or send a quick note over holidays. Small touches, over time, consistently. Networking isn’t about being the loudest person in the room. It’s about being the most consistent after the event. You don’t need to change who you are. You just need to lean into the strengths you already have. I’m curious: What’s one small way you’ve stayed in touch that made a lasting impression? #Leadership #Networking #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #Introverts

𝗜𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱? 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝘁 $𝟭.𝟰𝗧 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴, 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀. Trips used to mean beach naps and buffet lines. Then hotel gyms and spas became a way to move more and recharge. Next, people will choose hotels for longevity itself, with DEXA scans, stem cells and diagnostics the priority. From Blue Zones to biohacking resorts, travel is now about extending healthspan, not just escaping stress. Here’s an overview of the leading destinations I hear about most: → NEXT|HEALTH at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts: Imagine getting a stem cell infusion steps from the beach. This partnership brings cutting-edge treatments like NAD+, ozone, and lab reports into a tropical luxury setting. → SHA Wellness: Where East meets West. SHA blends traditional practices like acupuncture and macrobiotic meals with genetic testing and IV detox protocols. Each stay starts with a doctor-led assessment. → Six Senses: Already known for luxury-meets-wellness, Six Senses doubled down with their RoseBar program, built with Mark Hyman, MD. It layers in red light therapy, cold plunges, hyperbaric oxygen, and personalized lifestyle plans based on real-time biomarker data. → CLINIQUE LA PRAIRIE: A pioneer in medical wellness. Known for combining advanced longevity science with luxury hospitality offers genetic testing, cell therapy, and regenerative treatments in a clinical-grade spa setting. → Canyon Ranch: has always been a go-to for holistic health, but Longevity8 is their upgrade. It’s a full reset, sleep tracking, metabolic testing, IV therapies, and medical insights packed into a 4-day high-touch retreat. These are just some of the many destinations shaping the future of longevity travel. 🌍 Europe Lanserhof Group; Surrenne at The Emory (Maybourne group); Grand Hotel Tremezzo; Lefay Resorts & Residences Lago di Garda; Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve; Grand Resort Bad Ragaz; Clinic Buchinger Wilhelmi I The Fasting Experts; Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne; Hotel Krallerhof; Palazzo Fiuggi; Mayrlife Altaussee; The Kusnacht Practice; ✈️ North & South America Sensei Lanai; THE WELL Bay Harbour Islands; THE RANCH; Golden Door; Cal-a-Vie Health Spa; Lake Austin Spa Resort; Equinox Hotels ; Andaz Costa Rica (Hyatt); Lapinha SPA; Kurotel Spa Médico; 🌟 Asia & Middle East SIRO Hotels; The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel; Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som; Amanpuri(Aman) ; RAKxa Integrative Wellness; Kamalaya Koh Samui Blue Zones; COMO Hotels and Resorts Shambhala Estate; The AEON Clinic; Clinique La Prairie at One Za'abeel; Ananda In The Himalayas; Longevity is no longer a clinic visit or a spa week. It’s a travel lifestyle. What other destinations do you think should be on the map?

There is a distinct shift happening in wellness hospitality, and it challenges the old assumption that bigger is always better. The default strategy in luxury development used to be volume. But when a property scales up to hundreds of rooms, operations inevitably pivot to managing crowds. The guest experience, the fundamental reason people travel to recharge, gets diluted. This is why the current momentum behind the micro-resort is so compelling. By intentionally capping properties at under 50 keys, we are seeing a much smarter approach to wellness real estate. Commercially, the appeal is obvious. Developers reduce heavy infrastructure costs and get the asset operating faster. But the true advantage is the product itself. You simply cannot mass-produce intimacy. A smaller, highly intentional footprint allows a property to integrate quietly with its natural surroundings. It shifts the focus away from sterile, over-built facilities and anchors it in the environment. This delivers exactly what modern wellness travelers are actually looking for: space, silence, and authentic connection. It is a rare alignment. Developers protect their capital, operators run a more efficient business, and guests get a profoundly better, more restorative stay. Building less actually creates a much higher-value experience. Are you seeing this same demand for intimate, nature-focused spaces in your own projects or travels?

Wellness tourism is worth $894 billion. Growing 9% per year. One of the most profitable segments in hospitality. Yet walk into any random hotel and tell me what you find. Minibar stuffed with Coca-Cola, Pringles, and M&M's. Breakfast buffet with croissants, bacon, fruit juice from concentrate. Zero movement options except a basement gym with two treadmills from the '90s. Room service menu that seems designed to raise your cholesterol. Meanwhile, science says something else. A Mayo Clinic study published in JAMA Network Open in December 2024 measured the gap between lifespan and healthspan. On average, we spend 9.6 years in poor health at the end of life. In the United States, it reaches 12.4. Almost a decade and a half of chronic diseases, disabilities, compromised quality of life. The Danish Twin Study showed that 80% of longevity depends on modifiable factors. Nutrition, movement, sleep, stress. Genetics accounts for only 20%. Translation: what you eat in a hotel, how you sleep in a hotel, how much you move in a hotel matters. A lot. And what do most hotels offer? The exact opposite. Then there are those who get it. Clinique La Prairie opened Longevity Hubs in Dubai and Doha. Six Senses has longevity programs in Portugal. SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain is booked months in advance. They're not selling spas. They're selling years of healthy life. Luxury is changing its definition. It's no longer the biggest suite. It's reaching 80 with the energy to enjoy it. But most of the industry keeps selling all-you-can-eat buffets and minibars that look like gas station vending machines. There's a market worth almost a trillion dollars growing at double digits. And most hotels are actively working against their guests' health. This isn't an ethical problem. It's a business problem. Whoever wakes up first wins.