Whether it’s making a pitch or bringing your team up to speed, the meeting room is where your skills as a leader really shine. But traveling in Asia means having meetings off your home turf. To help you select a space that will fit your needs and not make you lose your edge, we’ve gathered 5 meeting room ideas for female business travelers in Asia. Knowing where to go and what to look for will help you succeed no matter what the world throws at you.
Pay the Price of Security
If you are concerned with safety, then you will want to choose more expensive and frequently used spaces. Places that are frequented by international companies will be more acclimated to servicing foreign women travelers. They will also likely be more expensive, but it’s worth the price tag to feel at ease. You won’t be at your best if you are feeling anxious.
Have a Professional Presentation
In many parts of Asia, the companies you will be meeting with may do very little business with foreigners, and even less so with foreign women. You’ll want to set the right tone for a first encounter by choosing a space that represents your image of the partnership. Presenting yourself in a modern and professional space will help the people you are meeting with have confidence in you and your company.
Know the Boundaries
Often women travelers will need to meet with collaborators or clients one on one to go over details or build networking relationships. Depending or where you are in Asia, the location for a face-to-face meeting will change drastically. For women, the customs of the region may suggest meeting in a more open and public place. While in other places it is perfectly acceptable to schedule a private meeting. Researching the customs of the area beforehand will help you avoid any gaffes.
Embrace Local Customs
In America, we have culturally approved meeting locations all around us. Quiet restaurants, coffee shops, and even golf courses play host to many business transactions every day. However, in China, for example, one of the most popular places to take a business contact for negotiation and networking is a KTV (karaoke lounge). While western coffee shops are growing in popularity and may offer a homey feel, your hosts will appreciate your attempt to recognize their culture in your meeting place selection.
Know before you go
Travelling to unfamiliar countries, regardless of how successful you are, can still be daunting. The last thing you want to be doing when preparing for an international meeting is fretting about the location, infrastructure and security, so it’s best to do your homework and be prepared. There are many global office providers that offer office space in Asia, and hire meeting and conference space on an hourly basis. You may be able to book through their offices that are local to you. Making it easy to get confirmation of your booking as well as organize any catering or equipment hire services.
Alternative Options
If you work for a company that allows you to veer away from the traditional meeting setting, new technology is offering alternative options to traditional spaces. Try browsing sites like ShareDesk or AirBnB, which allow you to rent spaces by the day from individuals and verified companies. Find a quiet nook to meet with fellow creatives or draw up plans in a modern flat to give you a more local feel. To add fun and enjoyment, book large cottages with indoor swimming pool ad games room.
No matter where you choose to host your meeting, it always helps to do your research beforehand and have a well-prepared game plan in mind. Following these tips will help you have success in choosing a meeting room on your next trip to Asia.
