There’s nothing quite like being a VIP at an event – preferential treatment, VIP-only lounge, and – best of all – free drinks and snacks. So what does a VIP get up to in a day at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe? Below we’ve set out a potential day in the life for Mr. I. Crews, top Executive at a cruise line, to give you an idea of how a VIP would fill their day at CSIE.
A Day in the Life of Mr I. Crews, VIP at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe
Morning
On the morning of the first day of the show I head down to the lobby of the CSI HQ hotel to grab a coffee. While in the lobby I bump into a couple of colleagues – we decide to share the short Uber ride over to ExCeL London.
We arrive and head straight for the VIP Lounge, where I’m greeted by the VIP Management Team for an exclusive complimentary breakfast hosted by one of the CSI exhibitors. It is the perfect opportunity to catch up with colleagues and friends over some delicious European-inspired cuisine, before watching a presentation from an up-and-coming designer.
By the time breakfast is just wrapping up, the hall has filled up with exhibitors, and visitors are starting to flow through the doors. I decide to walk the show floor before it gets too busy.
As I make my way around the show floor I am struck by the innovation and inventiveness of the CSI exhibitors – and not just of their products, but of the stands themselves! Aware that there will be an award for the best stand, I make a mental note of my favourites.
I arrive at the Cruise Conversations conference just in time to catch a panel of industry experts, from cruise lines and design agencies, discussing future trends in the industry.
After this insightful session, with a head full of ideas I head to a prearranged meeting. This was organised by the CSI Matchmaking team, based on my requirements for a project due to start next month. I decide to invite them to the VIP Lounge as my guest, so we can have an in-depth discussion over a coffee and pastry, kindly provided by the show organisers.
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Lunch
Once the meeting is done, I head over to the concessions area to grab my complimentary lunch and take a seat at one of the tables. I’m sat with someone from an outfitting firm, a fabric and textiles supplier, a lighting designer, and a couple of colleagues from the cruise line I work for. We have a great conversation over lunch; it’s always interesting to hear perspectives on the industry from all sides. We exchange details and arrange to meet at the Happy Hour later on in the day.
Afternoon
I spend the next couple of hours walking the floor, meeting exhibitors for stimulating conversation, and watching conferences when my feet get tired.
Realising my phone battery is low I head to the VIP Lounge, grabbing a cold drink and finding a quiet spot next to a charging point to catch up on emails away from the hustle and bustle of the show.
Whilst in the VIP Lounge I spot a colleague that I worked with back in 1996. We have a catch up over a coffee before heading back out on the show floor. An announcement over the tannoy lets us know that the Happy Hour is starting, so we make our way over to booth 7034 and enjoy a couple of complimentary cold beers. I introduce my old friend to the new acquaintances made over lunch, and we meet a couple of people from the CSI Team.
Once the Happy Hour is over, we head back to the hotel for a quick freshen up. Once refreshed, we get out into London for dinner with colleagues who have travelled over from America for the show. Between delicious courses we chat about the new discoveries made during the day, and which booths we want to head back to tomorrow to discuss future projects with.
What a day!
In one day at Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe, Mr I. Crews reconnected with old friends, got inspired by exhibitors and conference sessions, and made new connections, all while being able to grab a free coffee and a croissant in the exclusive VIP Lounge. Do you qualify as a VIP? Fill in the form and our VIP Relations Manager Bethany Davies will be in touch!