Due to the growing threat of COVID-19, more and more events are held online during these turbulent times. Ranging from conferences to trade shows, there are various virtual platforms helping event organizers to shift the events from offline to online.
With miscellaneous service providers available, it seems confusing to select the best virtual trade show platform, as most of them serve as a similar tool to assist in bringing the events online.
As such, below is a comparison between our newly developed virtual event platform and other service providers’ online trade show platform options for readers’ consideration. It is hoped that you can gain some insights after reading this article.
Up until recently, trade shows have been executed in-person, with a vast lineup of exhibitor booths displaying, demonstrating, and discussing their latest products and services to prospective clients. Now that virtual events are becoming more common, especially given the benefits they offer such as a global audience, trade shows are increasingly being held virtually as well. Thus, simply put, virtual trade shows are places where sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees can connect, network, and gather leads through the means of virtual technology.
It is no secret that virtual events tend to have higher attendance numbers as compared to in-person events. This can be attributed to a number of reasons, most notably the increased accessibility in terms of proximity as well as cost. For one, virtual trade shows are held online, thus making them accessible to anyone with Internet access, even if they are on the other side of the world. This means reaching out to a global audience is easier than ever before! Additionally, this makes it more attractive to attendees and exhibitors alike, as costs incurred to attend or set up for virtual trade shows are now lower!
In physical trade shows, booth placements are undoubtedly one of the factors that will contribute to how visible a booth is to attendees. Exhibitors will try their best to find a location with the best traffic flow, usually near the entrance, at intersections, or near snacks, coffee stops and restrooms. Those booths that are nowhere near any of these heavy traffic landmarks will have to spend more effort and manpower attracting attendees to their booths.
In virtual trade shows, the playing field is more level, and depending on the platform the event is held on, there can be many features that will allow exhibitors to maximise their exposure and lead attendees to their virtual booths.
Virtual Exhibition is a platform designed by EventX and it aims to bring numerous events including but not limited to industry expos, job fairs, annual conferences and trade shows online.
Among all features that are favourable to a successful trade show, what makes it stand out is the virtual 3D demonstration. Apart from the 3D demonstration, exhibitors can view the exhibit and products as well as interact with the booth staff via chatbox and video call.
Aside from that, users can also customize trade show booths to showcase company multimedia elements such as e-brochures, posters, videos and so on. As for the pricing, clients can directly communicate with sales representatives to get hold of it.
The virtual trade show platform also supports fast and seamless virtual event experience for China attendees, making your event successful even if it was hosted in China. They will still provide the best solution for their honorable clients.
Pricing: Available on request.
Language: Vendor is located in Hong Kong. The platform supports various languages including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean etc.
Customer support: Provide full support online during business hours and limited service after working hours.
vFairs is a tool which provides online exhibition services like virtual conferences, trade shows, job fairs and networking fairs.
Similarly, it allows interactions between exhibitors and attendees. There are live streaming and real-time chat box functions where users can communicate with each other. Besides, exhibitors can also customize virtual booths to make them resemble real exhibit booths on the virtual trade show floor.
Additionally, It incorporates e-commerce elements into the platform. Attendees can purchase products that appeal to them during the trade show or save them by adding them to the cart and buying later.
Pricing: Available on request.
Language: English based. Vendor located in the United States.
Customer support: Provide 24/7 service support online with a live representative.
Hexafair is a platform well-matched to a virtual summit, virtual trade show and virtual expo. With 3D interactive features, event visitors can explore the booths through a bird’s-eye view.
Unfortunately, both attendees and exhibitors cannot have live streaming communication, since it doesn’t foster live demonstration. However, there is room for interaction. Trade shows visitors can first view the pre-recorded videos which are uploaded by exhibitors and then raise questions regarding the products afterwards.
In terms of the execution, there is a special function called “attendee directory” which can be regarded as a networking tool. It enables users to view profiles, and strike up conversations via video calls or chatbox.
Pricing: Available on request. You can also request a free demo.
Language: English based. The vendor is located in India.
Customer support: Provide 24/7 service support online with live representatives.
6Connex is an online event platform particularly designed for virtual trade shows, summits and job fairs. With regard to the setting, it provides visitors with a “Sims” like environment to walk in the virtual exhibit booths. It is also possible for the exhibitors to customize and add some branding elements to the booths.
Although there are chatting features for both exhibitors and attendees to interact via live messages, there is no video chat function or room for them to host any meeting in the trade show, implying that the interactions are limited.
However, the platform empowers event organizers to facilitate audience engagement through a Leaderboard function. Points can be delivered to visitors for completion of specific actions during the virtual trade show and they can also view their scores on the Leaderboard.
Pricing: Available on request.
Language: English based. Vendor located in the United States.
Customer support: No detail.
GTR is an event tool tailored for virtual events. It combines virtual networking and webinars which can be used for virtual trade shows.
Both trade show exhibitors and visitors can communicate with each other through one-on-one live meetings. Exhibitors can also demonstrate and showcase their products to attendees to comment on.
Moreover, there is a searchable directory that allows all event stakeholders to search for all information they need, enhancing the info accessibility and ease of connection.
Pricing: Available on request. Free trial provided.
Language: English based. Vendor located in the United States.
Customer support: Provide 24/7 service support online with a live representative.
| Features | EventX | vFairs | Hexafair | 6Connex | GTR |
| Price | Available on request | Available on request | Free Trial | Available on request | Free Trial |
| Language | English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean | English | English | English | English |
| Customer Support | Fully support at working hour | 24/7 service support online | 24/7 service support online | – |
24/7 service support online
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All in all, the social distancing measures may seem to cause some inconveniences for the entire event industry, but every cloud has a silver lining. With different virtual trade show platforms available these days, it is still attainable for participants to organise and attend the events online. Knowing all the benefits and loopholes among various platforms, it is believed that all readers can eventually pick out the most ideal event tool for them.
A virtual trade show is a type of online event that allows companies to showcase their products and services to a global audience. Participants can access the show from any device, and all information is provided in an easy-to-use format. Virtual trade shows are an excellent way for small businesses to expand their reach, as well as for large companies to connect with potential new customers.
Virtual trade shows are very advantageous because they can be done anywhere, at any time, and there is no need for expensive rental or travel costs. Additionally, virtual trade shows offer a way to reach more potential customers than traditional trade shows do. Finally, virtual trade shows can be more interactive and engaging for attendees than traditional trade shows.
A platform to host a virtual trade show can be extremely beneficial for businesses in a number of ways. First, it can help businesses to scale their events by bringing them to a global audience. Second, it can help businesses to get more exposure for their products and services. Third, it can help businesses to connect with potential customers and partners. Fourth, it can provide valuable marketing resources for businesses. And fifth, it can help businesses to track and measure the success of their events.
In general, there are 4 types of industry trade shows, namely the technology, manufacturing, healthcare and food & beverage industries. Prior to the pandemic, in-person trade shows are commonly held for these industries. However, this doesn’t mean that these trade shows cannot be held virtually.
Given the innovative features offered by virtual trade show platforms today, it is definitely possible to hold virtual trade shows for the abovementioned industries and beyond.
With the right platform, organizing a virtual trade show is not rocket science. In fact, if you have organized in-person trade shows before, you've got nothing to worry about. The bulk of what you have to do involves choosing the right virtual trade show platform that can help you reach your goals, communicate with your exhibitors, has the right features for your exhibitors and their virtual booths, as well as customer support. For example, if your exhibitors need a 3D demonstration feature, EventX appears to be a suitable software for your virtual trade show.
Yes! At EventX, our platforms are customizable according to your event types and needs. Besides virtual trade shows and virtual booths, our platform is also suitable for other virtual/online events such as:
Check out the links above to find out more!
If you're an event organizer who is planning a virtual event that is not listed above, feel free to contact us to discuss further!