She said that the biggest difference between most industry trade shows with exposition halls , and a BCI event , is “ the matchmaking format .” She added , “ It ’ s how we structure the events . We have three days , one day of the conference ( with Tier 1 and OEM presentations ), and two days of one-to-one meetings .” She shared that the core function of the events is to ensure that the participants are involved in 10-16 prescheduled meetings with prospective customers .
Registering and preparing to attend the event
When registering for industry conferences , often the process is simple — determine if you are attending and if you ’ d like a booth to exhibit your business . The registration and preparation to attend A & DSS is a little more comprehensive , because of the engagement with OEMs and prospective customers through oneto-one meetings .
Artemova said that they want the event to be beneficial to attendees , both financially and through the connections made . There is a questionnaire the prospective attendees fill out , focused on capabilities . She said there are companies who sometimes are not a good fit for the event , and she will advise them if that is the case .
But for many , she spends time coaching and advising about how to get the most from attending the event . “ My concern as an organizer is to make sure the event goes well for them . I guide them in that questionnaire — how to put the company in a good light and include the right details — listing the right capabilities .”
She said that they have over 400 profiles to review for A & DSS Seattle , which is completed within a 10-day period as they matchmake companies for meetings .
Participant Julien Acis , senior manager of key accounts for Albany Engineered Composites , attended the 2022 event .
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Interestingly , he said they chose not to exhibit specific “ parts or structures ,” but instead chose to , “ focus rather on establishing connections and representation .”
Acis has been involved in the aerospace industry for 20 years and has attended many BCI events , “ Since the beginning of my career , I have participated in the BCI events … in Toulouse , Mexico or in the United States . BCI understood very early that since the aerospace industry is a global supply chain , they propose a global and international approach to their event . They have today developed all the necessary contacts to make it a real useful resource in market and technical intelligence with the quality of ( the ) organizations and attendance .”
The 2018 event provides data on satisfaction , ( since the 2020 event was canceled ), and Artemova said , “ 85 percent said ‘ yes ’ they met with the right contacts .”
Success measurement
Their goal is to help small and large businesses to thrive . Artemova reflected on the plight of the small business owner in the aerospace industry , “ If you think of what it is like to be a small business , the number of hats that leadership wears , the pressure of running the business , it is a great duty and privilege to help them .”
She said that success is measured in the connections made by participants , no matter the size of the company . “ I want it to go well for all of the participants that I work with .