SOCCEREX 2016 -

Network, Network, Network

Another successful year of Soccerex. I drove over to Manchester on a sunny day looking forward to a day of well organised, informative presentations, and ample opportunity to Network with old friends and start relationships with new contacts - All of us working within the football industry.

At Manchester Central Convention Complex, the entrance to the building was adorned with Soccerex flags and video screens showing the inside of the show. At a cost of over £1000 per ticket, it was only going to be those whose business was going to benefit from attending who would walk past those burly security guards.

Inside were around 50 stalls of top tier organisations, ranging from Tailors to 5+ star hotels, coaching academies to technology leaders. I didn't find it quite as varied as had been in previous years, but there was still plenty to look at and new technology to be aware of. I met several owners of the top tier companies who I have got to know over the years, all really pleasant and all extremely helpful and interesting. I'm lucky as one of a few Girls around, that I am noticeable and enjoy the fact that most of the Guys are happy to chat with me.

There was definitely more technology based presentations this year, more discussions about social media and how marketing and fan enjoyment was changing - how was the industry keeping abreast of the changes, and who were the players taking this progress forward.

There was a whole afternoon of women in football, with panels including top players, top business women and top media females. Discussions about the present role of women in football, and how quick the women's game was going to progress.I spoke with friends from the 'women in football' organisation, and chatted with the ladies from 'She-Kicks'.

I was surprised at how many people I knew. The conversation was definitely flowing, and I was introduced to other associates who I have already started to contact. It is a fantastic day to Network and relax in an environment where you know that everyone had that interest of football, and you could start a conversation with anyone.

Networking is so important. It is scary at first, but the more you do it, the more confident you become, and then the more benefits you see from it. It's not about using people, but it is about building up relatonships where you are not only friends or associates, but you are also allies to future business.