Virtual fairs are similar to face-to-face exhibition grounds, with the difference that they take place online and, of course, that human contact is irreplaceable. Its format allows professionals from all over the world to meet in a given space and time only by using their internet connection, and without the side effects of moving to another geographical point.
In this type of online events, participants visit a series of virtual stands where they can interact with other professionals through private chats and video calls, as well as obtain digital content in the form of documents, videos and links about the products or services of the company.
In addition, virtual fairs are an excellent alternative to retain customers and increase the reach and visibility of the brand. For this reason, more and more companies are betting on new technologies and developing this type of event.
Advantages of virtual fairs
Easy to manage
During a virtual fair, you have more control over the development of activities. In fact, there is no need to worry about logistical problems related to renting space, arranging furniture or training personnel.
Nor will there be the usual stress that comes with needing to be in different locations to talk to exhibitors or attendees during the event, being able to engage in multiple conversations in a row in seconds.
This makes it easy to focus on ensuring that all the digital tools needed to deliver a seamless experience for participants are working.
Improve the experience with the brand
When a company holds a virtual fair, it shows its willingness to implement technological advances and provide new experiences to its customers.
People are drawn to innovative experiences like that, so it is very likely that attendees become customers and customers, brand ambassadors.
Similarly, those attending virtual fairs receive personalized attention, just like in physical events. Therefore, your experience with the brand is usually rewarding and satisfying.
This innovative business philosophy represents an opportunity to position yourself as a leading example in your industry to consumers and other competing companies.
Provide data on potential customers
One of the greatest advantages of virtual fairs is that they allow you to collect information about attendees, who may be clients or potential clients, in real-time.
This data is obtained from the moment in which the participants register their attendance and is useful to know the profile of the brand’s consumers and later, create marketing campaigns that motivate them towards a specific objective and provide solutions that meet their specific needs.
Reduce costs
When you organize an event online, the operating cost drops considerably. It is not necessary to invest in transportation, accommodation, or service personnel. There are also no expenses related to the rental of the space, the printing of advertising elements or in promotion of the event.
Likewise, unforeseen expenses are ruled out, since, in the digital world, there are practically no unexpected situations. Therefore, the initial budget can be maintained from start to finish.
In general, an online event requires less costs than a physical event and guarantees greater control over the return on investment.
Increase the reach of the company
When organizing a physical event, it is common to wonder if the location, time and date are convenient for the attendees. The accessibility for disabled people and the availability of a nearby parking for those who mobilize in their vehicle are also factors taken into account.
Despite this, there are a large number of people and potential clients who cannot attend due to geographical, temporal or economic limitations.
On the other hand, to attend a virtual fair, you only need a computer or mobile device with an internet connection. This way, participants can attend from anywhere in the world, so the attendance rate far exceeds that of a physical event.
At the same time, the company increases its reach and exposure, so more people can get to know it and take an interest in its products and services.
Optimize time management
Virtual fairs are more agile than physical ones.
Participants do not need to travel from one location to another or book much of the day for the event to attend. While the virtual fair is going on, they can go directly to the stands that interest them and obtain the information they are looking for at their own pace and with greater efficiency.
Even the organizers of a virtual fair save more time than is invested in planning a physical event.
This makes it easier for the people involved to manage their time according to their lifestyle and feel more comfortable with the experience.
They offer measurable results
In the digital world, every action is measurable. The data obtained on the event and the attendees allows you to evaluate the return on investment, direct next actions, plan future marketing strategies and recognize weaknesses and successes.
The information collected includes the number of participants, their geographical location and their interests based on their activity in the virtual fair; as well as your level of satisfaction once completed.
It is also possible to measure the scope of the event and the effectiveness of online advertising strategies, among other aspects. Therefore, the company can track the attendees and the results of their investment from day one.
A networking space
At virtual fairs, opportunities abound to meet other professionals in the area.
Attendees can access a section to join group conversations and discussion forums, as well as contact other participants to chat privately via chat or video call.
To make the networking experience more effective, organizers can segment participants by topics of interest or by profiles.
Thus, virtual fairs simulate the encounters that usually occur in physical events. In turn, those involved expand their network of contacts and establish valuable relationships for their professional development.
Demonstrate social responsibility
Carrying out a physical event carries an environmental impact. Above all, when considering the CO2 emissions that are produced from the transport of people and materials to the event site, and the amount of waste that is generated once it is finished.
In contrast, to participate in an online event, people do not need ground or air transportation.
At the end of the day, there are also no corporate and construction materials left as waste; in such a way that virtual fairs reduce the environmental impact to a minimum and become a good way to show the Social Responsibility of the company.
Guarantee the support of the information
Attendees get information in the format of videos, documents and links; so that they can archive it and consult it whenever they need it.
Unlike physical events, they don’t need to keep business cards, brochures, or notes that could get damaged or lost. Therefore, the support of the information obtained in a virtual fair is more efficient.
In short, virtual fairs have significant advantages over physical ones. In addition, they are part of the digital age that invites us to renew and transform old customs by simplifying processes and making them more efficient hand in hand with technology.
