Having been selected to exhibit in the European Pavilion at FIME 2022 in the context of the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs (OTF) Programme 2.0, MYSPHERA acquired valuable insights into international markets, gained recognition and maximised their brand visibility. The Head of Marketing of MYSPHERA, Daniel Vera, highlights the positive business impact stemming from the participation in OTF 2.0 and shares insightful tips for a successful presence in high-level business events.
What is the business impact created following your participation in the trade fair? Is there any milestone achievement to announce?
DV: While immediate client acquisition wasn't our primary goal, we have made progress towards corporate agreements. We are currently in advanced discussions with several healthcare institutions for potential partnerships that will lead to the deployment of our transformative management technologies. These trade fairs acted as a catalyst for awareness and brand visibility, enabling us to lay the groundwork for partnerships and collaborations in various regions.
Our participation in the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0 allowed us to gain valuable insights into international markets, learn about new technologies, assess competitors, and identify emerging trends. This experience has proven instrumental in our strategic decision-making, further solidifying MYSPHERA's commitment to expanding its global footprint.
The impact of this programme has been instrumental in our ongoing efforts to establish MYSPHERA as a global leader in healthcare management solutions. We deeply appreciate the EIC's support and guidance, which have been essential in achieving these significant outcomes.
To what extent did the EIC Trade Fairs Programme 2.0 help you in achieving your organisation goals and business growth?
DV: The programme significantly enhanced our global visibility within the healthcare industry. Participating in prestigious trade fairs like Arab Health and FIME, alongside other industry leaders, allowed us to showcase our innovative solutions on an international stage. It helped us make a strong impression and gain recognition.
Access to high-level decision-makers in the healthcare sector was a primary objective of our international expansion. The programme provided a unique platform to engage with C-level executives, hospital administrators, and key stakeholders. This access was crucial in establishing connections and initiating discussions that align with our business goals.
Participation in the trade fairs allowed us to gain valuable insights into the dynamics of international healthcare markets. We had the chance to study market trends, competitor strategies, and emerging technologies. This knowledge is invaluable for our strategic planning and adapting our solutions to meet global needs.
Through the programme, we gained credibility and recognition as an innovative healthcare technology provider. This enhanced brand perception has positively influenced our image and contributed to our business growth.
The educational approach we took, using interactive live demos with a hospital model, was instrumental in attracting visitors to our booth. This engagement strategy allowed us to effectively explain our technology and its potential impact.
In conclusion, the EIC OTF Programme 2.0 has been instrumental in helping MYSPHERA advance towards its organisational objectives and business growth. The exposure, connections, market insights, and brand recognition we gained through this programme have positioned us for success in our international expansion efforts. We remain committed to leveraging these achievements for continued growth and innovation.
What business aspects do you think exhibitors should consider when preparing for tradeshows, both locally and internationally?
DV: Exhibiting at tradeshows, whether locally or internationally, is a strategic move for any business. Proper preparation is essential to maximise the benefits of participation. Key business aspects exhibitors should consider the following:
1. Clear Objectives
Define specific goals for the tradeshow. Whether it's lead generation, brand exposure, or product launches, having clear objectives helps in planning and evaluating success.
2. Target Audience
Understand the audience attending the tradeshow. Tailor your messaging and engagement strategies to resonate with their needs and interests.
3. Booth Prints
Invest in an appealing booth design. It should grab attention, communicate your brand effectively, and provide space for engaging with visitors.
4. Marketing and Promotion
Develop a pre-show marketing strategy to build anticipation. Utilise diverse channels to reach your target audience before the event.
5. Product Demonstrations
Consider how you will showcase your products or services. Interactive demonstrations often have a significant impact. Be prepared to explain your offerings clearly and concisely.
6. Follow-Up Strategy
Plan your post-show follow-up strategy. This includes sending personalised thank-you emails, nurturing leads, and tracking conversions.
Incorporating these business aspects into your tradeshow strategy will help ensure a successful and productive event, both locally and on the international stage. It's a valuable opportunity to make connections, showcase your brand, and expand your market presence.
What are your ambitions and future expectations for the company after this experience?
DV: Participating in the EIC OTF Programme 2.0 has been a pivotal experience for MYSPHERA, setting the stage for our future ambitions and expectations.
Our participation in international tradeshows has strengthened our position and visibility in key global markets. We are expanding our footprint in healthcare facilities worldwide.
Through this experience, we've established valuable relationships with other businesses and healthcare institutions. We expect to leverage these connections for strategic partnerships that enhance our offerings and market reach.
Building on the insights and feedback gained during these tradeshows, we plan to further enhance our solutions. We will invest in research and development to introduce new features and capabilities that address evolving industry needs.
We look forward to further collaborations with the European Innovation Council and exploring future programs that can support our growth, enhance visibility, and foster innovation.
In conclusion, our ambitions extend to making a substantial and positive impact on the healthcare sector through innovative technology and solutions. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, and the experience gained from the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0 has reinforced our commitment to achieving these goals.
Finally, could you offer any tips to prospective applicants?
DV: Let me share a practical example from our experience. We understand that when you're a start-up or a scale-up, standing out at trade fairs can be challenging. However, thinking outside of the box can lead to remarkable results. At MYSPHERA, we brought a unique approach to the trade fairs. We created a hospital model, using toys equipped with our real-time location technology. This not only attracted a significant audience to our booth, but also provided an effective way to explain our technology.
Our toy demo was an engaging and interactive tool that allowed visitors to see our solution in action. It showcased how our technology can optimise processes within a hospital setting, offering a tangible and memorable experience for attendees. The positive response and the connections we made during these events demonstrated the power of creativity and innovation in trade fair preparations.
So, to prospective applicants, I would emphasise the importance of creativity. Don't be afraid to stand out, leverage unique ideas and think of engaging ways to showcase your products or services. Trade fairs are an excellent platform to capture attention and leave a lasting impression.
About MYSPHERA
Based in Valencia, Spain, MYSPHERA is currently an EU leader in patient flow automation, using Real Time Location Systems with more than 50 hospitals in Spain, UK, France, among others. The company was founded in 2012 and has been awarded by the EIC with blended finance to go global. Concerning USA, Mayo Clinic has selected MYSPHERA to participate in the Mayo Innovation Exchange program to prepare its USA landing. The company’s mission is to put its expertise at the service of technology and people to automate, simplify and speed up the most complex processes of a healthcare organisation.
About FIME
The Florida International Medical Exhibition (FIME) gathers thousands of medical device and equipment manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, distributors and healthcare professionals. Boasting a remarkable attendance of more than 13,000+ healthcare professionals and a diverse array of 1,158 exhibitors representing 116 countries, the prestigious tradeshow provides a strong business platform to exhibit breakthrough innovations and solutions. Several multi-disciplinary educational business conferences run in parallel with the exhibition, focusing on the latest trends and opportunities within the global medical device market space.
About the EIC International Trade Fairs and USA Soft Landing Programme 3.0
The EIC International Trade Fairs and USA Soft Landing Programme 3.0 (previously Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0) supports EIC Awardees to promote their commercialisation strategy in foreign markets and leverage business opportunities at the 12 most popular trade fairs, strengthening the EU innovation brand around the world. Selected EIC-funded SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups from EU Member States and associated countries have access to the Programme.
Check the EIC International Trade Fairs and USA Soft Landing Programme 3.0 or additional information. For stories, open calls and events, you may also visit the EIC Community Platform.
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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.