Make the Most of your Time in Abu Dhabi!

World Routes opens in just two days time and with more opportunities to meet than ever before at the 18thWorld Route Development Forum we’ve outlined some top tips on how you can optimise your time in Abu Dhabi and make the most of the extensive programme of events that World Routes presents.

Meetings – There are countless opportunities to meet during World Routes whether through the pre-scheduled Face to Face meetings or through extra meetings arranged during the event itself. Visit the Diary Advice Desk for advice on delegates’ availability to meet and to make a request using the simple and effective Extra Meetings System.

The World Route Development Strategy Summit – Taking place on Sunday 30 September to Monday 1 October, alongside World Routes, is one of the most important industry events of the year for the route development community. The event brings together airline and airport CEOs, government ministers and aerospace leaders in an unparalleled environment which facilitates networking and learning.

Networking Village – Walking around the Networking Village is a great way to soak up the atmosphere and experience the different cultures whilst networking with your key targets at World Routes. As well as the longer strategic meetings which now take place at Hosted Networking Stands there are many activities at various stands to get involved in. All delegates will be given a ‘Visit Me Guide’ at registration which lists all the refreshments, entertainment and activities, including unique gift giveaways taking place in the Networking Village.

Route Exchange Airline Briefings – Route Exchange is the online platform for air service development which allows airline and airports to share information on a year round basis. Route Exchange Live takes the online product into Routes events by giving airline members the opportunity to promote their brand to their target airport market. Over 35 airline briefings will take place in Abu Dhabi and, unless otherwise stated, these are open to all attending airports.

Routes Talks Seminar Theatres – Located in the Networking Village, these unique spaces for briefings, presentations and discussions are open to all delegates and address three key areas; social Media & Online Marketing, Tourism and Industry Issues and Suppliers.

How Routes Works – Taking place in the Routes Talks Social Media and Online Marketing Theatre on Sunday 30 September at 14:00, this informative session will provide all delegates new to Routes events with all the information needed to make the most of the event.

ASM Masterclass – Taking place in the Routes Talks Industry Issues and Suppliers Theatre on Sunday 30 September at 15:00, this session will not only provide advice from leading consultancy Airport Strategy and Marketing on 'Making the Most of Routes' but will also provide attendees with a taste of the 2013 ASM training programme and the opportunity to book early for these popular courses.

World Routes Smartphone App – New and improved for 2012, downloading the World Routes App will ensure that all essential information is available at the touch of a button. Along with the floorplan, airline table locations, delegate listings, city guide and social media links this year’s App includes an improved event programme area, message wall facility and meeting diary access.

World Routes Delegates ‘PocketGuide’ – Abu Dhabi - In addition to the Event App, all World Routes delegates will be able to access an Abu Dhabi City Guide which will be provided by ‘PocketGuide’, an award winning smart phone travel application. PocketGuide now offers free city guides in more than 80 cities and tourist destinations around the world. All you need to do is download the PocketGuide app, enter the coupon code and you'll be able to turn your phone into a personal tour guide, all without the need of an internet connection.

Please find the instructions on how to redeem your free guide by clicking the following link:

http://pocketguideapp.com/en/routesconference

Informal Networking Opportunities – There are a number of hospitality functions taking place at World Routes which provide many opportunities for networking. These more informal events are a great way to reinforce relationships, introduce yourself to your key targets or re-connect with contacts made at previous events. The Saturday Reception, sponsored by Dublin Airport Authority and The Gathering Ireland 2013 is a great way to start your networking early with other hospitality functions taking place throughout the event including the Welcome Reception, Abu Dhabi Networking Evening and, finally, the Farewell Reception hosted by World Routes 2013 Host Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Register for Next year’s Events – Visit the Routes Stand (N54) for details of the 2013 event programme and book early to take advantage of discounted rates and other early booker incentives.

Richard Maslen

Richard Maslen has travelled across the globe to report on developments in the aviation sector as airlines and airports have continued to evolve and…