Recently, IFES published an international survey on the impact of COVID-19 on the Exhibition and Event Service Industry. In total, 86 participants from around the world filled out the survey. The results were aggregated into global totals and also broken down into geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.
Many trade shows have shifted to the virtual world because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, what does that mean for exhibitors who want to continue to connect with existing and potential clients via trade shows? They need a presence via a trade show virtual exhibit.
Unfortunately, most virtual solutions are not “fully baked” by show organizers. What they offer is limited and proprietary to their show and doesn’t allow the exhibitor to fully show their products and services nor does it provide the attendees with an engaging and immersive experience.
First, it’s comprehensive, allowing exhibitors to embedded media, social media, chat, polling, Zoom, and even tracking.
Second, it’s portable, meaning the virtual exhibit can be taken from show to show since it’s URL based.
Lastly, it’s both immersive and cost-effective.
For more information, www.classicexhibits.com or call us at 503-866-2100. With over 200 Distributors in North America, Classic can put you in contact with an virtual exhibit expert right in your backyard.
MOBIUS STRIP: A surface with one continuous side formed by joining the ends of a rectangular strip after twisting one end through 180°.
The Pandemic is an Opportunity
My Advice to #EXHIBITORS. Let’s Not Finish Exactly Where We Started.
Recent announcements from Las Vegas and other cities about capacity increases are a positive sign for the #tradeshow industry. Everyone wants our lives and our businesses to return to normal. However, the #COVID pandemic also represents an opportunity for REAL CHANGE — for Exhibitors, Show Organizers, General Show Contractors, and Convention Centers.
To return to the status quo would be more than disappointing. It would be a disaster for the long-term viability of our industry and trade shows in North America. We can no longer bury our heads in the sand and pretend there aren’t problems that affect everyone committed to trade shows.
You are Not Powerless
#EXHIBITORS… You are NOT POWERLESS. Not now. Use your collective influence to advocate for more transparency and flexibility. For too long, the “competitive environment” of a show has prevented individual exhibitors from banding together to force change. Yes, you want to crush your competitor, before, during, and after the show. But, don’t let it blind you to cooperating with other exhibitors to create a more positive, productive, and profitable experience for all stakeholders.
There’s no better time than right now to rewrite the rules of North American trade shows. At great place to start is NAB Show Cares.
I’d love to hear your comments and ideas: mel@classicexhibits.com.
Tim Patterson, aka The Tradeshow Guy, interviewed Kevin Carty this week about virtual exhibits on his Monday Morning Coffee vlog. Consider it as “Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Virtual Exhibits But Were Afraid to Ask.” Lots of helpful information in just 20 minutes.
Join Classic Exhibits on January 15 in Dallas for the Together Again Expo. The Expo will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
Together Again will showcase education and resources for event professionals promoting and producing smart and secure live engagements in a Post-COVID environment. Attendees can expect to learn more about the new enhanced safety practices of live events.
The growing list of Exhibitors includes local, regional, and national companies from the travel, event, and trade show community.
Registration is free for both in-person and virtual attendees but registration is required. Register HERE
