With the coronavirus pandemic still affecting the way businesses operate, many industries have had to forgo their usual annual trade shows, conventions and conferences.
What a lot of businesses are choosing to do instead is to host virtual events. This has many benefits – staying safe from coronavirus is just one. A virtual trade show will ensure better attendance, with guests not having to arrange travel and accommodation. You can also host a broader range of talks and speeches without the limitations of a brick and mortar conference centre.
Here are a few of the most important things you need to know about hosting a virtual trade show.
Spread The Word
Make sure people know about your event. It would be best if you started marketing your trade show as soon as possible. Make use of social media and trade magazines to ensure good attendance.
You can start with contacts already in your database. You could send an email blast about your conference and encourage them to register.
Advertising can also be a great way to get the word out. Make sure to tailor your adverts well to reach your target demographic.
Have A Keynote Speaker
Just as with an in-person trade show, you should have a keynote speaker to bring the overarching theme of your event together. The right keynote speaker will set the tone for the whole event, so your speaker needs to be memorable, concise and entertaining.
The right speaker depends entirely on your event. You can choose from entertainers to more serious professionals, but it all depends on the tone you want to convey. If you want a great variety of speakers across all walks of life, you can find your keynote speaker here. No matter what your event, you will find the right keynote speaker at Speaker’s Corner.
Promote Engagement And Networking
Part of the essence of trade shows is the networking potential. You should make sure that this potential isn’t lost in your online trade show.
Host a few meetings with engagement being the prime intention. You could use a live chat or have a virtual meeting room dedicated to letting attendees talk with you and your staff, ask questions and keep the conversation moving.
Technology
You will need the very best technology to host your event. Make sure that you use a reputable online meeting service that can cope with the number of guests you are anticipating.
Have a rehearsal beforehand to ensure that everything is working correctly and that any possible issues are highlighted before the event begins.
Follow Up
You should follow up with your attendees after the event. Ask for feedback on how to improve for future trade shows. You should make sure you are in contact soon after the event to capitalise on the engagement that you had throughout.
Have a follow up email with engaging content, and encourage attendees to invest in your products while they’re still fresh in their minds.