A few days ago, our Mexico team was present at one of the most important O&G events of the country, the 2024 Congreso Mexicano del Petróleo (or Mexican Petroleum Summit). Even though we are not strangers to the experience of planning, organizing and setting up our booths and visits to diverse fairs and expos, there is a first time for everyone, specially for young staff.
Read also: Essential HR Conferences to Attend | WTS Energy
This was the case of one of our newest colleagues in Mexico, Brisa Aguilar. Brisa has joined WTS Energy Mexico as a Business Trainee and is already a part of these big events that ultimately bring great value to us.
Brisa’s experience at her first energy industry expo.
We talked with Brisa and asked her about her experience, and she did have quite a lot to comment to us:
The Congreso Mexicano del Petroleo 2024 was my first experience at an event as part of the WTS Energy Mexico commercial team.
Having the opportunity to participate was a door to new challenges and experiences for my professional and personal development. One of the main things I learned is that no matter our experience in the sector, we are all people and connecting with each one of them is what is important.
The Oil & Gas sector is interesting, because at the beginning each term is new and intriguing, which is why I was fortunate to meet many people willing to share their knowledge and experience. You discover new points of view, new ways of thinking, of interpreting and these points can encourage and build my knowledge.
It was a great first experience to learn and develop more in my work area, being able to learn about work outside of an office was an interesting experience and challenged my comfort zone.
Brisa together with Lennart Rietveld, Director of the Americas (first from the left), José Arcos, Regional Business Manager (second from the right) and peers from the industry.
I was surprised to see Directors, Managers, Operators, Sellers, Exhibitors gathered in a place where they can often coexist once a year, but it does not affect that connection that is maintained across kilometers, or the fact of having a conversation with a person. person by mail for so long and meeting them at events like these and feeling like you already knew them for a long time.
CMP 2024 was an excellent opportunity to do a retrospective and know what I want to do, what I need to work on and what I can develop to grow professionally.
Attending expos is not only a commercial, but also an educational experience for your young staff.
In the case of Brisa, she is soon to graduate from university. Going to an exposition or trade show as a working student is another dimension that brings lots of benefits for both sides.
Expositions and trade shows provide a distinctive combination of education and practical application, integrating scholarly understanding with professional expertise. Other benefits include:
1) Exposure for young staff to new ideas and technologies
Exhibitions provide young professionals with a firsthand look at the newest concepts and technologies across diverse industries. Here, they enhance their knowledge and igniting their creativity. This direct exposure helps students link academic theories with practical uses in the real world.
Such events typically showcase the latest products and services, presenting a window into future possibilities. By engaging with pioneers in various fields, young staff gain valuable insights into upcoming trends and technologies. Moreover, they are equipped to excel in a constantly changing environment.
2) Inspiration and motivation
Young staff are the future of your company. They bring with them exciting ideas that they can elevate by attending trade shows and conferences. Having them as part of the delegation also reinforces the importance their position holds. This says that you believe in their potential and trust them.
3) A step out of the daily routine for your young staff
Employees attending events develop new skills and acquire actionable insights. They also benefit from the revitalizing effects of being immersed in a dynamic and energizing environment. While it might seem that time away from the office could detract from productivity, the opposite is often true. After returning from such stimulating settings, employees tend to bring back a surge of enthusiasm and motivation.
Brisa Aguilar
Business Trainee
It was a great first experience to learn and develop more in my work area, being able to learn about work outside of an office was an interesting experience and challenged my comfort zone.
This renewed energy can lead to increased productivity and creativity. These enable your employees to tackle their tasks with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. The inspiration drawn from these experiences often translates into improved performance and a more vibrant workplace atmosphere. Ultimately, the company is benefited as a whole.
4) Skill development
Most events include presentations and workshops led by industry experts. These are designed to impart new skills, best practices, and practical strategies for achieving long-term success. Also, as long as your employees remain engaged and eager to learn, they will leave these events equipped with fresh tools and ideas to integrate into their daily workflows.
Even in the absence of formal workshops, consider these events as valuable training opportunities. Encourage your employees to share the knowledge and insights they’ve gained with their colleagues upon returning. This knowledge-sharing elevates the entire organization, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collective growth. It also enhances individual skills.
Our final take
Investing in sending employees to conferences can be costly, yet it often yields significant benefits. By training your team on effective networking techniques before, during, and after these events, you can maximize the return on your investment. Moreover, establishing new connections at conferences can bring forth new customers, employees, investors, and promotional opportunities. Not only that, but also a wealth of innovative ideas that can propel your company forward.
Congratulations, Brisa! We hope for many more fruitful learning experience along your way.
