The pandemic has transformed and broadened the scope of events conducted over a virtual job fair platform. Contrary to popular belief, these events have attracted large audiences, with some surveys going as far as to suggest an eight-fold rise in registrations. Broader participant reach and wider accessibility have widened the purview of virtual exhibitions. Meticulous management of such events requires the development of a concrete strategy. To aid planning, here are some ideas, tools and practices organizers must keep in mind-
- Consider The Benefits
It is commonly assumed that in-person events boast of more benefits than virtual events. In truth, however, virtual trade shows offer several advantages to organizers. The elimination of constraints on accessibility can lure a global audience. The virtual platform also aids cost reduction because registration prices are not burdened by considerations of travel, accommodation or refreshments. Sponsons can garner greater visibility by being featured on prominent websites, homepages and emails. Video conferencing over virtual platforms can promote face to face interactions between exhibitors and visitors. The former can also consolidate more personal connections and expand their customer base. Readily available statistics also allow for ease in calculating the event’s success as well as measuring returns.
- Deciding On Goals
The first, but perhaps the most important step organizers must take to plan an exhibition over a virtual trade fair platform is to determine and consolidate a list of aims and goals. These should include expected Return on Investment and a defined target audience. The team responsible for the management of the trade show must work according to these objectives.
- Finding The Most Suitable Virtual Fair Platform
Picking the right trade show platform can be possible only if organizers first determine their technological needs. Holistic thinking should guide selections. Important considerations including determining the size of the trade show, deciding on the number of virtual booths being set up and facilitating the use of simplistic technology to aid egalitarian access must be kept in mind.
- Planning Is Key
Planning various facets of a virtual trade show is essential for smooth conduct. Pre-event communication through emails and engagement on social media will allow companies to keep attendees in the loop. Sponsorship collaborations promote the brand value and help improve Return on Investments (ROI). Networking lounges can facilitate interactions among attendees as well as between participants and exhibitors. Scheduling appointments to visit booths can ensure traffic throughout the day and time-mandated follow-ups between collaborators can improve sales efficiently. The use of all these tools can improve the efficiency of any virtual trade show.
- Content Diversity
Conducting a trade show over a virtual exhibition platform can prove to be difficult especially when audiences have the agency to sign out with the click of a finger. Monotonous content will depreciate audience attention. Hosts must avoid using old content and should introduce diversity in presentations. Utilising good content is particularly important to the success of a virtual trade show because it caters to a remote audience across the globe and can help further a positive brand image.
- Finding Features
Incorporating diverse content into a virtual trade fair platform can be made possible through the introduction of technological features. The use of an exhibitor list can provide companies with the opportunity to increase the visibility of their sponsors. Virtual booths can further company branding in addition to allowing the display and sale of products. Through the use of conferencing platforms available on these booths, attendees and exhibitors can interact with each other. Exhibitor leads that provide companies with the contact details of interested attendees as well as exhibitor documents including e-brochures and live videos can also facilitate attendee-exhibitor communication.
- Tech For One, Tech For All
Employing the use of complicated software settings and features may appear lucrative but its allure fades quickly. A seamless experience for all attendees can be ensured by the use of simple, easy to navigate technology. The software must be mobile-friendly and should be accessible to people to all people from wide-ranging physical, geographical and socio-economic backgrounds.
- The Boon Of The Booth
As suggested above, the success of a virtual trade show depends greatly on the booths it presents. Virtual booths can make or break the brand image of a company. Hence, they must be informative and should promote the company’s value. This can be achieved through visible branding and logos. Companies can monitor the traffic at their virtual booths. The use of appointment scheduling apps as well as ensuring proper technologic access can keep the virtual booth occupied throughout the day.
- Take Advantage of Social Media
Even virtual trade shows organized with great efforts cannot be a success unless and until they are marketed to the right audiences. Social media is an impressive way to expand the reach of virtual trade shows. Engagement must, however, move beyond the plain announcement. Through collaborations with sponsors and active attendee involvement, the event can gain more traction.
- In Search For Sponsors
Sponsorship can help organizers earn additional revenue. Sponsors can also improve the image and brand value of the trade show. Sponsor visibility can be accelerated in various ways. Putting the logos and names of sponsors on emails containing formal invites or reminders, drawing attention to them during registration sessions through survey questions, providing sponsors with exposure by allowing them to interact with audiences through sessions or fund high traffic events and playing sponsored commercials before commencing with the virtual trade show can boost their value and visibility.
- Always Test-Run
While some unforeseen technical difficulties cannot be anticipated, running the software in advance will allow organizers to complete and or mitigate any snags that can delay or interrupt the virtual fair platform.
- Always Quantify
Hosting a trade show over a virtual exhibition platform provides organizers with the ability to measure ROI in addition to recording participant engagement and interaction. These statistics can help with quantitative determination of the event’s success and can drive improvements.
Conducting a virtual trade show can prove beneficial for both exhibitors and visitors. The utilisation of the full potential of these events, however, depends on proper planning and organization. Virtual trade shows must be an inclusive and memorable experience for all stakeholders to impress audiences and leave their mark on the Internet.