RECEPTIONIST: Birmingham Events Centre. How may I assist you
today?
WOMAN: Hello. Is this where I call to find out about the
upcoming Health and Wellness Trade Show?
RECEPTIONIST: Yes, that’s right. What company are you with?
WOMAN: No, I’m not with any company. I’m just, just an
interested individual.
RECEPTIONIST: You do know that the event caters to business in
the wellness industry, do you not?
WOMAN: I am, yes. But a person I spoke with yesterday
told me that there are also activities and opportunities for the general
public. Is that incorrect?
RECEPTIONIST: No, no. That’s absolutely true.
WOMAN: OK. And the trade show will last for a week?
RECEPTIONIST: No, just three days. That’s the 9th to
the 11th.
WOMAN: All right. So, could you tell me about what
there’ll be for someone like me at this show?
RECEPTIONIST: Well, to start, the general public is welcome to
attend any of the free talks. They are given every day at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and
2 p.m. by leading experts in health and wellness.
WOMAN: Mm-hmm.
RECEPTIONIST: Topics include everything from proper diet to new
fitness technology. This year, the talk everyone is excited about is on stress
reduction. There’s a neuroscientist coming to speak who specialises in the
effects of breathing exercises on the brain’s stress tolerance. He actually
just released a book last year…
WOMAN: Yes, I’ve heard of it.
RECEPTIONIST: So the talks… Oh, and the exhibition booths are
worth a visit as well. We have over 400 exhibitors this year, showcasing
products ranging from fitness training equipment to natural cosmetics to
dietary supplements…
WOMAN: Quite comprehensive.
RECEPTIONIST: Indeed.
WOMAN: But I probably won’t buy much.
RECEPTIONIST: That’s all right. You’ll still enjoy looking
around, and most exhibitors will let you try out their products.
WOMAN: Even the exercise machines?
RECEPTIONIST: Especially the machines!
RECEPTIONIST: I especially recommend the sports massage chair.
It’s exquisite. Each person only gets a 5-minute sit, but even that is enough
to relax you.
WOMAN: That sounds lovely. I’m sure I’ll have a grand
time. Is it free for the public to attend?
RECEPTIONIST: I’m afraid not. Individual passes for the three
days cost £150.
WOMAN: That’s a bit steep. Is it possible to buy a
one-day pass?
RECEPTIONIST: Yes, let’s see… That will be £75.
WOMAN: Including taxes?
RECEPTIONIST: All inclusive. Plus you get a gift bag when you
register that contains a variety of products from our exhibitors.
WOMAN: That’s, uh, that’s very nice. Um, so do I need to
go somewhere to register?
RECEPTIONIST: You have two options. One is to register online
through our website.
WOMAN: Uh-huh.
RECEPTIONIST: The other is to register over the phone, and then
pay when you pick up the pass.
WOMAN: Do I need to pay in cash?
RECEPTIONIST: We accept cash, all major credit cards, and money
orders.
WOMAN: I’ll be paying by credit card. And when could I
pick up the pass?
RECEPTIONIST: The ticket counter will be open at 6 a.m. each day
of the show. You just visit the counter whatever day you decide to attend.
WOMAN: All right.
RECEPTIONIST: Can I have your name, please?
WOMAN: Roberta Cunningham.
RECEPTIONIST: Roberta…spell that last name, please.
WOMAN: Cunningham. C-U-N-N-I-N-G-H-A-M.
RECEPTIONIST: Thank you. And do you know which day you’ll want to
attend?
WOMAN: Tuesday, I think. Monday I have a meeting, and
Wednesdays I usually visit my mother out of town.
RECEPTIONIST: I’ll just make a note of that on your account. And
is there a contact number we can reach you at if need be?
WOMAN: Sure. It’s 4-5-6-7-3-3-2-3.
RECEPTIONIST: Great. And an email address?
WOMAN: I’d rather not, actually. I get too much mail as
it is, you see.
RECEPTIONIST: No problem. So, if you have any problems, uh, Ms.
Cunningham, feel free to call us back.