Business Travel

Short cuts for long haul meetings

Making a valuable and impressive contribution to a meeting straight after a long haul flight is a real challenge for even the most seasoned business traveller. But there are things you can do to make it easier to perform at your best after a prolonged journey.

The key is to plan as much as possible in advance so you can relax on your flight. Need extra leg room? Book it early. Want to use the airport’s arrivals lounge to freshen up? Check that there is one and book that too.

Also, make sure that you’re aware of any cultural differences that might have a bearing on your business meeting. Do you know how to address your hosts? Are you doing business in a country where an hour-long wait before anyone turns up is usual? Will there be an interpreter or will the meeting be conducted in English? The more you know beforehand the better prepared you can be.

Here are some other tips to make long haul business meetings as painless a possible:

Set your watch. You can minimise jet lag by changing your watch to the time of the place where you are going as soon as you get on the plane. Forget about what time it is at home.

Fly business class. If possible, get a reclining seat. You may not sleep well but it will be more relaxing than sitting up for hours.

Eat lightly: Don’t eat a heavy meal on the plane. Something light with protein and fruit or vegetables will be better for you than a carbohydrate-rich meal that will make you feel sluggish. Drink plenty of water and go easy on the alcohol.

Wear the right clothes: Try not to travel in the clothes you will wear to the meeting. At the very least, take a clean shirt or blouse and travel in a T-shirt.

Don't work on the plane. If you’ve mugged up beforehand, there's no need to work now. A few hours of relaxation will do you the world of good. Take a book or an iPod – anything to help you switch off for a while. Keep some crib notes handy to read just before you go into the meeting, to refresh your memory.

Freshen up. Arrange your itinerary so you can drop your bag off at your hotel, shower and change. A quick shave will make men look fresher if time permits. If there simply isn’t time to go to your hotel before the meeting, you might be able to use the airport’s arrivals lounge.

Take notes. At your meeting, it can help to have a list of questions and notes on areas to cover to make sure you get the most out of the meeting. Make plenty of notes and reminders during the meeting – more than you would at home, because however sharp you are, a two-way long haul flight will take its toll.

Stick to water. You’re tired after a long flight but don’t be tempted to drink coffee throughout your meeting to perk you up. Water is much better and will help you stay clear headed.

Get out. Try to see a bit of the country you are visiting. You’ve come a long way so even if it’s just a meal out see a bit of the place. It’s good for you and for business as the more you know about other countries’ customs and markets the better. It’s also an opportunity to talk to your hosts or international colleagues in a less formal setting.

Enjoy it! Many people would envy you the chance to travel for work and see some of the world so make the most of it.

This feature was written by DialExpotel for Expotel, the UK’s leading hotel, travel and venue booking agency. To find out more about Expotel, call 0844 793 7300.

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