This year marks nine years at Stamegna Retail Management, a journey that has taken me from sales and client management to now leading our Events and Operations team.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with suppliers and retailers from around the world, arranging thousands of business meetings, countless handshakes, and more cups of coffee than I could ever count.

One question I often hear from suppliers, especially first-time attendees, is: “How do I make the most of an event?”

While there is no magic formula, the suppliers who achieve the best results tend to follow a few simple principles:

Know Your Purpose

Don’t arrive at an event hoping the opportunity will simply find you. Know what you are looking to achieve, whether that’s entering a new market, meeting specific retailers, or launching a new product. A clear objective turns a busy schedule into a focused strategy.

Do Your Homework

A little research goes a long way. Understanding the retailers you will be meeting, their customers, and their priorities helps transform a standard introduction into meaningful conversation. Buyers can tell when you have done your homework, and they appreciate it.

Making a Connection is the Key

This may sound startling, but the best meetings are not always the ones with the strongest sales pitch. Retailers are looking for partners, not just products. Focus on understanding their challenges, sharing insights, and exploring how you can create value together. The most successful conversations feel like discussions, not presentations.

Cultural Intelligence Matters

One of the greatest parts of working in international events is seeing how business is done differently around the world. What works in one country may not work in another. Some buyers prefer direct and concise discussions, while others value relationship building first. Punctuality, negotiation styles, and decision-making processes vary significantly. In my experience, cultural awareness is just as important as market knowledge.

The Event Doesn’t End When the Meetings Do

You would be surprised how many opportunities are won or lost after an event. A timely, personalized follow-up can make all the difference. Great meetings create momentum; great follow-up turns momentum into results.

More Than Meetings

What keeps me passionate after nine years is seeing connections turn into partnerships and conversations turn into business opportunities. Behind every successful event is a shared goal: bringing the right people together and creating an environment where meaningful relationships can grow.

If there’s one lesson I have learned throughout my journey, besides meeting wonderful people and the never-ending cups overflowing with caffeine, it’s this:

Suppliers who prepare, stay curious, and focus on relationships leave not just with meetings, but with partnerships and meaningful connections.