GUEST BLOG: The Business Travel Show, a journalist's point of view.

A successful two days event, where visitors had the opportunity to walk around Olympia to discover a panoply of the latest travel products and services available.

The organisers definitely demonstrated their expertise in putting together all that is needed to please their audience. The building provided all amenities - restaurant, cafés and lounges -to retain visitors and ensure a most enjoyable day for all participants. The range of 252 exhibitors made it the biggest show in its history, and many of the hosts were catering for their visitors with special events. We particularly loved, and sure it was the same for many of the visitors, the Cellar in the Sky wine tastings, organised by Business Traveller, followed by the special cocktails and liquid nitrogen ice cream presented by Chambers Travel Management, perfect opportunities to work in a relax and chilled atmosphere.

The event was tailored with a particular attention to detail to please all of its attendees, hosting conferences running throughout the two days plus a pre-show conference for hosted buyers only on Tuesday. From the Fundamentals of Business Travel to Technology and Data, there were interesting tracks for all visitors. The numerous networking opportunities, one of which being in partnership with UK Trade and Investment, gave guests the opportunity to enjoy meeting prospect and exclusive buyers whilst enjoying Champagne, canapés, coffee and gifts.

We noticed this year the increasing trend of serviced apartments, 28 exhibitors in total offering this recent and appealing solution for corporate accommodation.  A few years ago, when travelling for work purposes, professionals and corporate were mainly considering prestigious, practical and comfortable of hotels to rest after a long day of meeting and work. Following discussions with several of the exhibitors, we believe this popularity is mainly due to the enormous improvement made in recent years, refurbishing and making the apartments more luxurious to compete with 5 star hotels.  Overall the elegance, privacy, space and home-feeling make them Ideal for short and extended stays around the world, for both leisure or corporate the range available will suit any need.

Our attention was also captured by the WOW (Work On Wheels) vehicle. An innovative solution that allows professionals to travel in style and work in privacy. The Mercedes vehicle has been carefully modified to the luxurious standard similar to that found in a private jet.  The four leather seats either provide individual work areas or can be used as a private meeting room. Having experienced this beautifully designed interior during the show, the sound proofing particularly impressed the Ad Astra team. From the moment the door shut, all the noise from the show just disappeared and we could hear each other perfectly by just whispering. It really gave the full impression of what it would be like when driving around in the noisy London traffic.

From global airlines, hotel accommodation, security services, travel management to innovative travel companies and technology provider, the show hosted all of the possible details businesses need to arrange perfectly tailored travel anywhere around the world.

This blog post was written by Amélie ARRAS from Lifestyle Magazine http://lifestyle-listing.com/.