Virtual events and exhibitions or virtual trade shows are a boon to companies in the pandemic era. These events are cost-efficient and time-saving and come with various other benefits. Organizing this kind of event with the help of event rental software is a smart idea.
If you plan to generate faster sales leads from a trade show, hosting a virtual one is the key to success. However, setting up a virtual trade shows booth is not everyone’s cup of tea, and you have to take care of a lot of technical intricacies before deciding to plan the event online.
But as compared to physical events, online shows require low investment and have higher ROI. Therefore, all the problems you face while organizing a virtual event are worth the effort. Fortunately, tech-savvy platforms offer a seamless interactive network for the live audience.
Here is an ultimate guide to help you set up a successful Virtual trade shows for your company.
What is a Virtual Show booth, and How is it Beneficial?
A virtual trade show booth helps to digitally host or demonstrate the products and services of a company to a global network of audiences. These online events come with innovative features like:
- 3D exhibition halls and auditorium.
- Interactive support team.
- Product demos and downloadable resource material/ brochures.
- Customizable virtual booth for the target audience.
- E-commerce platform for on-spot sales.
- Videos, webinars, and live chat options to maximize user engagement.
According to a recent survey conducted by Statista, around 76 percent of trade show visitors preferred virtual events compared to in-person shows in terms of cost management.
Some of the top benefits of hosting a virtual show are:
- Easy scalability and reach to a broader set of audiences.
- Cost-cutting solution with zero transportation, venue, and staffing expenses.
- Online tracking tool to analyze live customer behavior.
- A convenient option for customers to attend from the comfort of their homes.
- An easier way to create brand awareness and generate sales.
Essential Steps to Organize a Virtual Trade Show
Planning or organizing an online event can be a daunting task. Here are some basic steps to help you host a successful show.
Have a Clear Goal in the Mind
The first step to conducting any promotional event is to have a clear purpose for hosting one. It is essential to plan a strategy to get a potential outcome.
For example, if you plan to host a trade fair to generate sales, it is essential to concentrate on areas that help the audience sign up for offers and facilitate CTA.
Select the Best Virtual Event Platform
It is the most crucial step in setting up an eye-catchy virtual trade show booth. An excellent virtual event platform comes with innovative features like an interactive virtual booth, an open communication channel between the brands and visitors. A social lounge gives the feeling of a physical event.
Find the Right Speaker to Host the Show
Speakers in an online event play a vital role in maximizing user engagement. They help to provide an interactive virtual show environment with live chat options, gamification, Q&A sessions, and polling options.
The host can leverage the features of a virtual trade show platform and help conduct a successful event.
Fix the Time and Date According to the Target Audience
Depending on the type of visitors, you must fix the date and time of your virtual event. Depending on the brand’s products and services, online trade shows can be a B2B or a B2C event.
For example, if you are hosting an online trade show for marketing professionals, you must avoid conducting the show at the end of the month. It will clash with their month-end sales cycle, and you may not get the maximum audience.
Use the Right Promotion Tools
Email and social media marketing are two of the best ways to create maximum awareness of an online event. Depending on your target audience, you can use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to generate a buzz about an upcoming event. (intensivecarehotline.com)
You can choose to start online advertisements to gather attention and increase visitors to your event.
Invest in Analytics and Reporting Solution
Once you have everything set up to host a successful online trade fair, the final step is to keep a data analytics and reporting tool in hand. It is essential to track the performance of the live audience and find potential customers for your brand.
