If the challenges of the past three years have taught us anything, it’s that any event can go virtual. That includes some of the biggest trade show events out there. The virtual presence has changed a lot in the industry, and you need a virtual trade show booth to be prepared for those events. While many conferences and trade shows are back to in-person options, there are a number that continue to be virtual as well. And the ability to have a virtual presence might just open up the doors to bring you more opportunity to attend. Blazer Exhibits can help you get prepared for both virtual and in-person trade shows.
What is a Virtual Trade Show?
A virtual trade show is very much like a traditional trade show, except everything is virtual. You get the same networking opportunities, options to meet with prospects and clients, and a place to create connections. Much like a traditional trade show, you want to be able to stand out here, and you do so with a virtual trade show booth. The event includes 3D exhibits of the halls where a trade show would normally be set up. You will be able to see the halls of the facility, meander through them, and visit booths as well. The only difference is you get to do this from the comfort of your home.
Advantages of Exhibiting at a Virtual Trade Show
There are pros and cons to being part of a virtual trade show. It opens up many possibilities for you, especially if there is a trade show you are interested in but simply can’t travel to.
These are the top benefits to consider:
- Lower costs
- Wider reach
- Increased flexibility
- Greater engagement with attendees
- Better data and analytics
When you think about the costs involved in attending a trade show, you have costs that range from having an exhibit made, traveling, and then any exhibitor fees. When you attend a show virtually, you will still have some out of pocket costs, but they will be much lower. You also have the ability to reach so many more people. Maybe you can attend shows that were outside of your reach before. The flexibility is an advantage because you can create your exhibit to match your style and fit in perfectly for the scene. The attendees all want to be there and be engaged. If they come to visit your booth, you’re going to have great conversations. Since everything is virtual, there are plenty of data and analytic measures that show you how successful this trade show was.
How to Prepare for a Virtual Trade Show
Before you head off to a show, you should do a little bit to be prepared. You don’t want to just show up the morning of the show without any preparation.
These are the steps you should go through:
- Setting goals
- Creating a virtual trade show booth
- Promoting your presence
- Training your team
1. Set Goals
What do you hope to get out of this trade show event? Do you want to meet a certain number of people? Perhaps you just want to make a sale or two. Setting goals will help you set your focus.
2. Create a Virtual Trade Show Booth
Once you set your goals, it’s time to prepare for your trade shows with a virtual trade show booth. This booth should be built to represent your brand and accommodate your needs for the trade show. You might even need something you can use for multiple shows.
These are some of the important details for creating a booth:
- Branding
- Virtual webinars
- Responsive elements
- Make it simple and user-friendly
- Ensure tracking is in place
Blazer Exhibits & Events will work with you every step of the way to ensure you get a booth that meets your needs – and your vision.
3. Promote Your Presence
Let people know you’re going to be at this event. Send out email blasts, use social media, make announcements. You want the world to know you will be there! With any luck, there will be people who attend the show just to be able to network and connect with you.
4. Train Your Team
Finally, you need to prepare your team for this event. It’s going to take some organization and attention to make it work. The team that is part of the trade show needs to have a system and a process for how to meet with people, how to track leads, and the ins and outs of doing everything virtually.
Conclusion
Blazer Exhibits & Events has been creating trade show exhibits for several decades. Much like the rest of the world, we’ve adapted to cater to virtual needs in recent years and we’ve had a great response. If you’re ready to get set up for your virtual trade show booth, contact us today and let’s chat about it!