How to Maximize Business Presence at a Wine Festival

More and more companies are taking initiatives to bring new team-bonding and networking formats into the business. As such, a city food tour or a wine tasting experience could become the backdrop for business interactions. How do you best prepare to make it work? Wine festivals are especially popular because they expose attendees to a variety of tastes, flavors, and gourmet influence. Typically, people who attend such events have a gourmet background, so they know how to appreciate and recognize good wine. But, you can also find first-time participants who are training their palates to sophisticated experiences. If you are invited to attend as part of a business event, you want to prepare to make a positive first impression. Arrive early and don't be afraid to be adventurous by trying out new wines and flavors. You can use your wine knowledge as a way to break the ice with other participants.

Be Ready to Sell Here and Then

Sales are typically prohibited at wine festivals, as the law frowns upon aggressive wine selling. However, if you are attending in a business capacity for an industry that isn’t related to wine, you can seize the opportunity to make new deals. You are unlikely to sell items that could be easily damaged or misplaced during the tasting experience. However, service businesses can discuss deals and potential contracts, using hardware solutions such as this chip card reader to secure agreements. You can, for instance, take a deposit to activate service memberships for your customers.

Have a Pitch Ready

How do you pitch your business at a wine-tasting show? Contrary to common beliefs, you can pitch almost anything as long as you can make a good and positive impression. A good business pitch doesn't need more than 30 seconds to establish a clear message and connect with potential investors or clients. You can practice ahead of the event so you can effortlessly explain your expertise in a relatable voice. Additionally, wine festivals also dictate a fast networking pace. People spend a short time at different stations where they can taste individual wine. This is your window of opportunity to make an impression.

Be Willing to Forget and Forgive

Wine and food festivals in general can help break the ice between participants. However, youre always at risk of crossing paths with someone who may not be on their best behavior. First comers to such events could fail to understand their limitations. It's easy to get a little intoxicated if you are not familiar with wine festivals, for instance. Therefore, if you are invited for networking, try to be understanding with participants who are unfamiliar with wine tasting best practices.

Be Friendly and Accessible

Other participants, however, may find it hard to combine pleasure and business, which can make such networking events feel unpleasant and unnatural. Make it a priority to break the ice by engaging on a friendly level, helping people relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Wine tasting and food tour networking events can be highly successful as they help professionals to get to know each other on a personal level. Sometimes, in networking, you need to take the first step for others to follow.

Are you networking in an unusual team-bonding activity? Wine-tasting festivals, food tours, and cooking workshops are some of the most engaging events that bring people together outside of the office. Understanding how to put those around you at ease while keeping your business mind switched on is crucial to success.