A conference abroad can be a golden opportunity for any business. It brings together the best in the industry under one roof. Not only can you make new connections, but also generate new leads for increased growth.

Research has found that leaders attributed more than one-third of their company’s total sales growth to meetings from travel. They also noticed a boost in employee engagement and lower employee turnover.

It’s not so much a question of why you would attend one, but why wouldn’t you? Unfortunately, attending a conference can be difficult. Unless someone else organizes one, you’re stuck waiting. That is, until now.

Rather than just sit and wait, you could make it happen yourself. Planning a conference abroad might seem difficult in theory. But when you break it down, it’s achievable. With that in mind, let’s consider different ways a business can make a conference abroad happen!

Four Tips to Bring Your Conference Abroad Together

A growing number of businesses are taking charge and hosting their own conferences. This allows them to seize new opportunities within their niche.

Below are four tips that can help you plan a successful conference. By applying each one, you’ll enjoy a successful, stress-free event:

• Choose Your Destination Carefully

When picking a town or city, you must prioritize travel and accommodation. With travel, ensure that you pick a location that is easy to access. Does it have an international airport from which guests can fly in and out? How frequent are flights? Are there any stop-overs travelers would take?

You should also consider public transport around the location. Is it well supported by rail and buses? These can impact how easy your conference will be to reach.

Next, consider accommodation. You won’t attract many guests if there is a shortage and no one can stay nearby. Check to see if a healthy supply of hotels or Airbnb rentals is within commutable distance.

Sometimes, a conference might partner with hotels to simplify these issues. Hotels might block out rooms for potential guests to book or offer special discounts. This can give travelers peace of mind that they have a place to stay when committing to a trip.

• Inform People of Travel Requirements Ahead of Time

Another consideration when planning a conference abroad is travel requirements. Countries may have unique conditions for people to enter, especially for work.

Some important conditions you should verify on behalf of travelers include:

• Passport: Check to see how long a passport needs to be left on its expiry to still be acceptable.
• Visa: If people are being paid to attend, they may need a work VISA instead of a tourist one.
• Expenses: Some countries may require visitors to submit proof of funds to prove they can sustain themselves.
• Conformation: Does a confirmation letter regarding the conference need to be issued?
• Insurance: Some countries may require proof of travel or medical insurance.
• Travel itinerary: Visitors may need to supply proof of accommodation and flight details.

You may also need to check whether an employee is prohibited from entering specific countries. Sometimes, a criminal record can be a red flag at customs. Knowing these requirements, you can give everyone a chance to get their documents in order.

• Ensure Everyone Has Connectivity

While a conference abroad can be an excellent way for people to meet, it does have challenges. Connectivity, for example, is a huge issue, as many guests will not be able to connect to networks while abroad. 

This means they can be isolated from their colleagues back home. One amazing solution to this problem is getting an online eSIM card.

So, what is an eSIM, and how does it work? Well, it’s a virtual version of a SIM card found embedded within smartphones. Its main aim is to help simplify changing network operators when abroad.

With an eSIM, everything is controlled within an easy-to-use smartphone app. By taking out a plan, you can connect to the best local networks at your conference without any stress.

When all employees have an eSIM, they can stay in touch at the conference at all times. This ensures everyone is on the same page with events and can collaborate and link up when needed.

• Take Security and Health Into Your Planning

When organizing a conference abroad, safeguarding the safety and well-being of attendees is a high consideration. Participants must feel safe and confident with the destination before committing to attend the event. Their desire to travel is heavily influenced by the organizers’ perceptions of safety and preparedness.

To provide peace of mind and a seamless preparation process, begin by thoroughly researching the host country or location. Investigate any potential security threats, political stability, or shared concerns that the region may confront. Eliminating high-risk places from your list of potential venues will help you avoid attendee reluctance and focus on safer options.

In addition to security considerations, health risks should be thoroughly assessed. Certain places may have health issues that necessitate immunizations or preventative measures, such as Tetanus, Typhoid, or Yellow Fever. Make sure to study these criteria ahead of time and inform your participants about any required vaccines or health cautions. By advising guests about potential health hazards and providing information on required actions, you may help them protect themselves successfully and improve their overall sense of security throughout their trip.

By proactively addressing these issues, you will provide a safer and more desirable experience for your conference attendees, boosting their chances of attending and enjoying the event.

Conclusion

A conference overseas can be an exciting way for people to meet face-to-face. It allows you to make new connections and enjoy new experiences, too. But it’s not without its obstacles.

Planning a conference takes time and effort. Proper infrastructure must be in place to support guests, or productivity will suffer. eSIMs, for example, can ensure everyone on site enjoys reliable connectivity throughout their trip.

You also need to invest time researching the best location for the conference. Focus on guest safety and security, and your event will undoubtedly be a success!