Can you envision a day when trade shows are simply done online?
It’s not going to happen this year, or likely anytime soon. For many people, the in-person networking and “hands on” nature of a physical convention cannot be duplicated.
But tools to create online show experiences certainly are getting better; and organizers of the NAB Show are planning an extensive “virtual” element this year, one that will also act as something of a live recap.
For people who can’t make it to Vegas or wish to learn about something they missed, the “NAB Show Virtual View” event on May 12 promises “exhibitor demonstrations, interviews and booth tours, as well as live interactive video chats with industry experts on important discoveries that emerge from the NAB Show … live keynotes of original content, and select recorded sessions from the show itself,” according to a release. The free event will remain available as a podcast for several months afterward.
The NAB is working with show contractor Freeman and virtual event specialist INXPO to create and run the NAB Show Virtual View. Details are still being worked out.
Executive Vice President, Conventions and Business Operations, Chris Brown stated in the announcement that organizers “plan to take advantage of advancements that allow for better integration of video and social media tools, which should translate into a much more interactive and valuable experience for our show community.”
Radio World parent NewBay Media has delved into online events too, as in the recently concluded DigitalVision.
