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Cheska B., Sr. HR Officer |
October 31, 2024
As I walked through the halls of the 50th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) on October 22–23, 2024, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity. How does one effectively communicate in a world increasingly driven by technology? This question was at the forefront of many conversations, including one particularly memorable exchange I had at our booth.
Lexcode had the privilege of participating in this landmark event, organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), which has played a pivotal role in shaping the business landscape for the past 50 years. With a transformative agenda centered on innovation, the PBC&E brings together industry leaders to empower businesses and improve the lives of stakeholders.
After a hiatus due to the pandemic, rejoining this vibrant expo felt like stepping back into a bustling marketplace of ideas and opportunities. As a first-time participant at such an event, I quickly realized the importance of meticulous preparation.
Our journey began with a comprehensive briefing on October 3, 2024, led by Ms. Andie, our Branch Director, and myself, the International Division Manager. Surrounded by fellow exhibitors in the stunning Marriott Grand Ballroom, we delved into the nitty-gritty of the event, from delegate details to the floor layout. The hotel staff shared essential guidelines on security and booth processes, emphasizing the need for a seamless experience.
With just 17 days until the big day, our office turned into a whirlwind of activity. The marketing and design teams sprang into action, crafting eye-catching roll-up banners and flyers. Given that most of our services were newly launched, we faced the challenge of designing flyers from scratch. This involved several revisions—each one a step closer to perfection, fueled by a healthy dose of caffeine and creativity.
As the countdown continued, we also needed practical items: stand flyers, tablecloths, and a video loop for our presentation. We brainstormed booth activities and prizes, ultimately deciding to print promotional pens at the last minute. In a serendipitous twist, we discovered a stash of umbrellas from before 2018 that still worked well, adding an extra touch of charm to our exhibit.
Preparing for the expo meant more than just visuals; it required ensuring we had all the necessary materials. Our rate cards were polished and ready for inquiries, alongside business cards and sample receivers from our interpretation events. We fine-tuned our services to be prepared for potential sign-ups, ensuring every detail was in place.
Setting Up: The Ingress Experience
On October 21, we arrived for the ingress—our booth setup day. The transformation of our space was nothing short of satisfying, and I still chuckle at our initial underestimation of the booth size. We couldn’t use all our roll-up banners, but we embraced the change and swapped them out for Day 2.
The setup was a success; our vision had come to life.
Day 1: A Busy Start
October 22 marked Day 1 of the expo, and excitement filled the air as we welcomed over 50 visitors to our booth. Eager to discover our language services, delegates posed insightful questions, fueling discussions and connections throughout the day.
Our translation service took the spotlight, drawing the attention of numerous visitors who wanted to know how our offerings differ from typical machine translation tools like Google Translate. With pride, we explained our unique integration of AI-powered tools and human expertise, backed by our certifications recognized by several embassies. It felt rewarding to share how our services have assisted individuals with visa applications and official documentation, setting us apart as more than just a translation provider.
Throughout the day, we explored neighboring booths, including BDO Bank and Cambridge Village, where we snagged some delightful freebies—merchant tumblers and tote bags that would surely become conversation starters at future gatherings. Located near a food bazaar featuring local franchises and tech companies, our booth buzzed with curious attendees, making Day 1 an overwhelming success.
Day 2: Challenges and Triumphs
Day 2, October 23, started slowly, perhaps affected by the lingering effects of a typhoon. Foot traffic was sparse, but as lunchtime approached, the crowd began to surge. This time, the focus shifted to our TransCreation service. Many of our visitors were CEOs and presidents from various tech companies and academic institutions, intrigued by how TransCreation offers instant translation while adapting to different writing styles—educational content, presentations, blog posts, and more. With 10 distinct styles available, our service piqued the interest of many.
One memorable encounter involved a booth visitor who passionately argued that AI, exemplified by Tesla’s newly unveiled humanoid robot, Optimus, now possesses emotional intelligence. Although I didn’t argue back, I couldn’t help but reflect that while Optimus can indeed converse and assist with household chores, it still lacks the nuanced emotional intelligence that defines human interaction. This conversation not only brought to light the incredible advancements in AI but also sparked thoughts about technology’s role in complementing—rather than replacing—human capability.
We did, however, face a few challenges. Our booth activity, a raffle draw where visitors answered questions to win prizes, didn’t generate as much engagement as we’d hoped, especially next to a neighboring booth’s golf activity that had visitors lining up to participate. Their more extensive giveaways underscored the importance of interactivity in attracting attendees, a valuable lesson for future expos.
Despite these obstacles, we ended the day on a positive note. We sent thank-you emails to over 20 visitors who left their business cards, sparking potential partnerships and follow-ups. The feedback gathered throughout the event opened our eyes to exciting possibilities for future product development. We look forward to enhancing our services based on these insights to continue meeting the evolving needs of our clients.
Wrapping Up: A Rewarding Experience
Reflecting on our experience at the PBC&E, I can confidently say it was more than just a chance to showcase our services. It provided a unique opportunity to expand our network and raise awareness about Lexcode among other businesses.
As I left the expo, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. We weren’t just participants; we were part of a transformative journey, bridging language barriers and connecting with others who share our passion for innovation.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Lexcode can enhance your business communications or explore partnership opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, let’s break down language barriers and create a more connected world!
