The industry’s first online expo, the Print, Sign, Display & Graphics Virtual Trade Show, has gone live, opening its virtual doors this morning to provide a wealth of resources on trends, technologies, innovations, product demonstrations, expert commentary and a full webinar program to industry professionals.
Open 24 hours a day through till the end of September, the virtual trade show is an initiative of Visual Connections, the supplier association which also organises the PacPrint, PrintEx, Visual Impact and Label & Packaging Expos, to provide important opportunities for suppliers and trade businesses alike in the current COVID-impacted situation.
Many top industry suppliers have come on board to showcase their latest innovations and technologies.
“We really hope businesses will take advantage of the opportunity to experience products and offerings through video presentations and training videos, photo galleries, downloadable content like brochures and of course contact information, all at the touch of a button,” said Peter Harper, CEO of Visual Connections.
“Many exhibitors will also be offering Show Specials, just as they do with a regular trade show, which you can access via a simple link on their virtual stand. Also, alongside the exhibitor showcases, we have put together a seminar and workshop program, with speakers from all areas of the industry contributing to educate, inform and entertain visitors across the four-month period.
“While we know things are still challenging for many people, we hope the opportunity to stay up to date with the latest innovations, see what’s possible, and learn from the experts will be a valuable one for businesses.
“And, if you’re in a position to invest, it’s a great chance to capitalise on genuine show specials and take advantage of the Government Asset Write-Off incentive to update or diversify your business. Otherwise – we’re just inviting our industry colleagues to just visit and have some fun!”
To start your journey into the virtual trade show, click on The floorplan image above or bookmark this link http://www.visualimpact.org.au/sign-print-graphics-virtual-tradeshow then browse the online floorplan to see all the content from the featured exhibitors. Like all Visual Connections shows, you can visit as many times as you like, and it’s completely free of charge.
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| Peter Harper, CEO Visual Connections |
“We particularly appreciate the support of our exhibitors for the future of the industry, especially in these times when marketing dollars are tight,” Harper says. “We can’t wait to welcome the industry online to our Virtual Trade Show, even as we look forward to the day when we can get back to some sort of normality, and can do again what Visual Connections does best – and that is bringing the industry together in one place to learn, connect and celebrate.”
Commentary by Andy McCourt
Publisher of wideformatonline Andy McCourt says: "This is just the shot in the arm that the industry needs. It works because it is a virtual trade show built around a real trade show, with all the knowledge and experience this brings to visitors and exhibitors. The execution is fantastic, with easy navigation, excellent videos and demonstrations and best of all - show specials just like the real thing!"
He continues: "I believe it is also a world first, while many organisations overseas are still planning their virtual shows - both real show organisers and start-ups - Australia has shown the world how to get it right and execute a brilliant virtual trade show strategy during very difficult times.
"I can only see this as a positive for all the suffering SME and larger print and sign industry businesses out there - it keeps them right up to date with trends and recovery ideas, not just ads for buying new kit. Not the least, it buoys the industry up and displays in a great format just what a terrific, creative industry we are. Well done Visual Connections and all the exhibitors."
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| HP's Virtual booth - product areas light up when clicked and lead to specific product information |
