In just over one week, Routes Europe will open to record numbers in Budapest. Here, The HUB outlines some top tips on how you can optimise your time in Budapest and make the most of the meeting opportunities that the event presents.

• Meetings – There are countless opportunities to meet during Routes Europe whether through the pre-scheduled Face to Face meetings or through extra meetings arranged during the event itself. Visit the Diary Advice Desk for advice on delegates’ availability to meet and to make a request using the simple and effective Extra Meetings System. Company profiles on Routesonline can provide you with a wealth of information about the company you’re meeting with. Make sure your own company profile is kept up to date and start connecting with other delegates on Routesonline before the event. Initiate new, or continue existing dialogue with prospective customers ahead of the meetings which will take place in Budapest. Connect now and start networking!

• The Routes Europe Strategy Summit – Taking place on Sunday 12th May 2013 and open to all attending delegates, The Routes Europe Strategy Summit will open the 8th Routes Europe event. The Strategy Summit brings together airline and airport CEOs, government ministers and aerospace leaders and will provide a valuable insight into aviation across the region. This event will include a keynote address from József Váradi, CEO of Wizz Air and a keynote presentation entitled Cyprus – What happens next? Delivered by The Minister of Commerce, Industry & Tourism for Cyprus, Mr Yiorgos Lakkotrypis.

• Route Exchange Airline Briefings – Route Exchange is the online platform for air service development which allows airline and airports to share information on a year round basis. Route Exchange Airline Briefings take the online product into Routes events by giving airline members the opportunity to outline their future plans and requirements to their target airport market. Seven airline briefings will take place in Budapest and these are open to all attending airports.

• Routes Europe App – New and improved for 2013, downloading the Routes Europe App will ensure that all essential information is available at the touch of a button. Along with the floorplan, airline table locations, delegate listings, city guide and social media links, this year’s App also includes an improved event programme area, message wall facility and meeting diary access.

• Networking Area – Walking around the Networking Area and visiting the various exhibition stands is a great way to network with your key targets whilst experiencing the different cultures whilst at Routes Europe.

• Informal Networking Opportunities – There are a number of hospitality functions taking place at Routes Europe which provide many opportunities for networking. These more informal events are a great way to reinforce relationships, introduce yourself to your key targets or re-connect with contacts made at previous events. The Welcome Reception taking place at the Marriott Budapest on Sunday 12th May and the Networking Evening on Monday 13th May at Terminal 1 of Budapest Airport are a great way to continue networking once the business day is over.

• Register for World Routes 2013 – Visit the Routes Stand (S15) for details of the 19th World Route Development Forum which will take place in Las Vegas 5-8 October and register your place whilst in Budapest using the ‘At Event’ special offer.