The industry’s first virtual expo, the Print, Sign, Display & Graphics Virtual Trade Show, has smashed expectations with more than 5,000 visits clocked since its launch just two weeks ago.
Peter Harper, CEO of supplier association Visual Connections, which introduced the show as a way to “bridge the gap between physical trade shows in the current era of event and social distancing restrictions,” said an initial burst of more than 1,600 visits on the first day had settled into steady traffic since.
“Naturally, we expected the novelty value to attract a few people when we first launched, but the numbers on Day 1 surprised and delighted us, particularly as reports of increased website traffic, engagement and genuine sales leads from exhibitors proved that the interest was genuine,” Harper says.
“Analysis of the numbers show a good spread of visitors around the show, with every stand receiving a pleasing level of interest, and plenty of visitors also taking the opportunity to watch the first five virtual seminars and workshops,” he adds, noting that visitor numbers were particularly strong over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
“That’s the beauty of an online show, of course – people can visit when they have a bit of time, and they can drop in from wherever they are, simply at the click of a button.”
The show features virtual stands from some of the industry’s leading names, including Currie Group, Hexis, Epson, HP and Roland DG, Aeronaut Automation, Ball & Doggett, Bottcher, Control Zone, Ecolease, Europoles, EuroTech Group, Ferag, Fujifilm, Gravotech, Mimaki, Mutoh, Ricky Richards, Screen, Sign to Badge Solutions, Starleaton, Trotec, and Wilenco.
Visual Connections also has its own stand which also features Visual Impact Magazine, and there are dedicated booths where visitors can learn more about PacPrint 21 which is scheduled for September 2021, and view the ASGA & FESPA Australia 2020 Awards for Excellence.
“Each stand is different, with everything from product demo videos and expert product commentary, to downloadable brochures, photo galleries and links, as well as special show discounts and offers which are proving very popular,” Harper says.
“The virtual format, together with the extended nature of the show, gives exhibitors the chance to add new features, specials and limited-time offers – they’re really embracing the opportunities, so we hope that people will continue to check in regularly to make sure they don’t miss anything new.”
The virtual trade show is running 24 hours a day from June to September. To visit, follow the link and browse the online floorplan.
“Like all Visual Connections shows, you can visit as many times as you like, and it’s completely free of charge, so we hope to ‘see’ you there not just once, but regularly, between now and September,” says Harper.
