EAST OR WEST, HOME IS BEST IN CHENGDU
Oslo Kitchen won the Best Stand Award at World Routes 2016.
In Norway, the kitchen is the heart of the home. That’s why we invited the airlines delegates at World Routes in Chengdu, China, to our Oslo Kitchen stand – a comfortable haven where the food, refreshments and fun flowed just as freely as the business talk.
“We succeeded in offering the delegates a taste of the Oslo and Norway experiences. Not just with business proposals, but also on a personal level. One could almost see how people relaxed the moment they entered the Oslo Kitchen,” says Silke Salbert, Director of Aviation Marketing in Avinor.
An all-day hideout
Delegates and airline representatives loved it – the kitchen was packed from early morning onwards. The early birds were drawn to the stand by the delicious scent of newly baked cinnamon rolls. Busy midday visitors stopped by and spent more time than planned, because of the fresh food, warm atmosphere and relaxing Scandinavian design interior. Evening visitors stayed even longer into the night, enjoying a glass of wine or a beer, thanks to our DJ-curated after-work play list, setting the mood for casual networking.
“At the Oslo Kitchen, people could learn about Avinor and our offerings within Norway, using all their senses. Visitors could see, feel, hear, smell and get a taste of Norway. There was no stress, no sales pitches, people could be themselves, chat with everybody, or just read our ShortCut magazine and learn more about Norway without being observed,” says Salbert.
Surprising details
Children´s drawings on the fridges and postcards from all over Norway were some of the details that drew attention. Both the food and the interior design started off many conversations about Norway and all the must-see sights in the regions.
“I think people enjoyed the warm welcome from us and it made them realise that there really is a market here for them. A lady from one of the airlines came up to me and said “I always thought Norway seemed so dark and cold, but now I realise it’s very warm and welcoming.” Norwegians are welcoming, and that is one of many reasons we call Norway the last hidden gem of Europe, Salbert says.
This year was the first time delegates were invited to vote for the stand they liked the most. We are deeply grateful and humbled by the fantastic support World Routes delegates gave our Oslo Kitchen in voting it Best Stand of the event.