Trade shows are mega marketing events that bring people belonging to similar industries together on a single platform. Everyone linked to the business supply chain (wholesalers, direct/indirect retailers and the consumers) & prominent media is present in the trade shows. Thus, they are an ideal platform for boosting trade through activities like :
- Direct engagement with wholesalers/retailers and consumers
- Consolidating existing networks & establishing new ones
- Strengthening Brand image through innovative ideas
- Sharing company information
- Exhibiting existing product range
- Launching new products
- Increasing awareness about customer services
- Direct sales of product
Trade shows have been organised on huge physical venues for years, until the outbreak of pandemic. The industries have undergone several changes since then. And just like most of the business activities, trade shows also have acquired a virtual form. If you are an organiser planning to transform your traditional trade show to virtual/Hybrid form, we at ibentos, would love to guide & partner with you in your journey!
Table of Content:
- What are Virtual Trade Shows?
- Why host a Virtual Trade Show?
- What are different types of Virtual Trade Shows?
- General guideline to host a successful Virtual Trade Show.
- Specialities of ibentos Virtual Trade Show Platforms
- Areas of concerns
What are Virtual Trade Shows?
Virtual trade shows platform connect vendors with attendees across different geographical locations, on an online platform totally removing the need for travel. In simple terms, it is the same event scaled up to global levels with enhanced performance & profits, through technological aid.
With a well designed virtual platform such as ibentos, organisers can help either of the parties to maximise their returns from the event.
Why host a virtual trade show?
Virtual trade shows are gaining immense popularity in the corporate world, both among the vendors and the attendees. This is primarily because they offer a flexibility in the mode of participation and numerous other interlinked benefits.
- Savings in time, money & effort
Physical trade shows demand multiple venue rentals, fancy setup (big hoardings, furniture & accessories, power, water, food, conveyance, venue staff distributable merchandise and more) Whereas, for virtual trade shows all you need is a good technology company that can design a comprehensive virtual platform and effective marketing campaign. And by choosing ibentos you get the best combination!
- Increased Area of Operation
Virtual technology has brought about a huge change in the industry’s attitude. Going back 5 years in time, it was practically impossible to gather vendors and attendees belonging to different international locations at the same place and time. Virtual trade shows enable organisers to expand their area of operation, encourage vendors to tap in new markets and let buyers enjoy a combination of maximum variety at minimum cost.
- Flexibility in participation
Participating in a Virtual Trade show is as comfortable as watching your favourite entertainment program sitting on your couch. You can utilise your time and energy productively, in visiting more vendor booths or entertaining more attendees. Flexibility in participation is a very big advantage that automatically results in better participation.
- Higher ROI
Virtual Trade shows are an economic alternative to expand your business and maintain a high level of satisfaction for your attendees & clients at the same time. Less investment, bigger markets, improved performance and greater profit implies a return on Investment or ROI.
- Performance analysis tools
Analysis of event performance used to be more of an after event process earlier. Organisers had to wait for the physical printed feedback and that too yielded approximate results. With Virtual trade shows it is as simple as checking messages on your phone. You can produce real time analysis reports, with the latest graphics & data representation techniques at any time.
- Opportunity to form global networks
Virtual trade shows grant vendors as instant access to global trade networks. Time saved in unproductive activities like travelling to and within the venue can be utilised for highly productive networking activities. There is no time boundation as the forum is open much before the trade show starts and long after it is over.
- Improved data exchange and better product representation.
Virtual Trade shows may lack face-to-face interaction with company representatives or physical product examination but definitely score high on product representation. As one should not ignore the fact technology is capable of providing intricate details to a much closer extent. Multiple videos, product demo, downloadable brochures & specification, AI enabled search options, recorded views and unlimited data download – Isn’t this a better way for product representation? And one can always visit the nearest outlet for a quick physical examination, whenever required.
- Low carbon emission & no waste generation
Technology and development has always caused an adverse effect on the environment. A traditional Trade show causes massive carbon emission due to travel. It also generates tons of unnecessary waste through food & beverages, printed brochures, specification booklets, CDs, DVDs & other unused merchandise. Virtual trade shows are an intelligent, clean & environment friendly way of business promotion.
Types of Virtual Trade shows
The best part of virtual platforms is that they are highly customisable. Virtual Trade Show Platforms can be designed to host practically any type of trade event ranging from Technology Industry, Manufacturing Industry, Medical Industry, Food & Beverage Industry, Art & Craft Industry, Education Industry & Automobile Industry etc and more.
Guidelines to host successful Virtual Trade Shows
- Know your present capabilities & assets and select your markets accordingly. Arrive at an approximate number of vendors & guests that you would entertain per day.
- Decide an appropriate date & time for your trade show depending on the availability of vendors & guests and their respective time zones.
- Invite vendors
Start by approaching the vendors from previous events, followed by fresh inclusions. Check their authenticity, background & business records before granting them participation.
4. Invite buyers
Approach your frequent buyers first and start communication with the fresh buyer leads that you get from the advertisement campaign. Before granting them admission to the event, verify their background & authenticity just as you do for the vendors.
5. Plan your trade show
Once you have a rough idea of the event‘s magnitude & content, start planning its preparation. Allocate your staff, time & resources to different tasks and set timelines
6. Develop an effective marketing campaign & run them on the right media platform.
Please note that marketing campaigns & media platforms that work for vendors & guests could be different. Utilise the power of AI marketing tools and targeted online marketing strategies (Influencer & online communities) .
- Monitor your marketing campaign and alter its content & frequency if required.
- Select a good Virtual trade show platform.
- Design good content.
- Brief your staff, vendors & buyers well about the whereabouts of the trade show and also on the usage of Virtual Trade Show Platform.
- Perform Technical checks and eliminate errors & glitches.
- Engage your attendees throughout the event.
- Monitor the trade show performance and take corrective actions if required.
Specialities of ibentos Virtual Trade Show platforms!
Ibentos is an Indo-Canadian technology company that has been a leader in the industry for over a decade. Formulating our experience & expertise in the field we have come up with the most comprehensive & innovative ‘Virtual Trade Show Platforms’ that help our clients represent themselves the best in the international market!
Highly Immersive Environments
- Virtual universe designed realistically to suit your industrial theme & objectives.
- Simplest user interfaces and organised virtual venue layouts that compel users to explore more.
- Elite exhibitor booths that reflect your vendor’s brand identity.
- Digital screens, banners with touch touchpoints interaction facility.
- Huge Auditoriums & Webinar Halls that give your attendees an essence of grandeur.
1. Sophisticated Brand Exhibits
- Provide your vendors with the best space to express.
- Unique touch points for interaction & data download.
- Add & share videos, guides, manuals, specifications , drawings, charts, Demos etc
- Integration with all popular monetary transaction channels.
- Direct the visitors to company websites & social media accounts.
2. Smooth Interaction & Networking.
- Touchpoints at every exhibitor booth for instantaneous customer connection.
- Innovative breakout session activity areas.
- Discussion rooms to engage in private or group conversation with potential customers.
- Multiple modes of interaction through audio/video/telephonic tools.
- Convert your leads to meeting appointments though quick meeting schedulers.
- Build an audience database for after-event and future communication.
3.Anytime performance register & report generation
- Measure event performance at any point in the trade show
- Facility to record micro details like webinar attendance, booth visits & number of downloads.
- Generate professional reports for your vendors & sponsors including charts, graphs, and event metrics
- Monitor audience activity throughout the venue to improve user experience.
- Facility to record and analyse chat box conversation.
Log on to https://ibentos.com/virtual-trade-show-platform/ for more details.
Areas of Concern:
Just like any other virtual event, ‘Virtual trade Shows’ too certain areas that demand organiser’s attention:
- Virtual audiences have a short attention span due to local disturbances, hence keep your trade show highly engaging & glitch free.
- Check Virtual Platfrom’s functionality for poor network/peak load/ different smart devices.
- Provide enough break time to prevent monotony & screen fatigue.
By choosing ibentos as your technology partner you can assure your attendee’s & vendors with a memorable experience but also enhance your capabilities to organise mega international trade events. So,aAre you ready to expand your comfort zone with ibentos? Contact us at www.ibentos.com now and book a demo now!
