Global PrintExpo: Print industry’s first virtual exhibition inspired by COVID-19 and CO2 concerns

01 Apr 2020 --- Resolve Business Management (RBM) is set to launch Global PrintExpo in what is marketed as the world’s first virtual exhibition and conference facility for the printing industry. Supporting the self-distancing and self-isolation restrictions implemented across much of the world as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the virtual exhibition also presents a carbon emission reduction alternative to conventional events with exhibitors and visitors not required to travel. Global PrintExpo will open in June 2020.

The spread of COVID-19 has prompted a domino effect forcing industry trade show cancellations around the world. As these challenging times inspire innovation, industry has turned to digital solutions – signaling the rise of the virtual trade show.

In developing this creative and innovative concept, RBM show directors Wayne Beckett and Chris Watson utilized their long-standing technical experience managing cloud-based products and expertise in running large-scale printing industry exhibitions.

“We believe this is clearly the right time to launch a virtual print show, not just because of the present restrictions in attending physical trade shows, which will be in place for some time, but also because of the sustainability advantages and easier accessibility for visitors,” Beckett explains.

“We know that a lot of companies are geared up for new product launches later this year and with no current trade shows, this will have a massive impact on their businesses.”

“Global PrintExpo is designed to give suppliers a regular stream of enquiries throughout the year and their stand URLs can also be used for advertising and marketing opportunities outside of the exhibition,” Beckett adds.

How does it work?
The Global PrintExpo Virtual Exhibition will work in the same way that a live exhibition does, except that anyone can visit the show 24/7 365 days a year, from anywhere in the world and without the cost of flights and hotels.

The Global PrintExpo Virtual Exhibition 10,000 m² venue and stands will be rendered out to real physical dimensions.The 10,000 m² venue and all the stands will be rendered out to real physical dimensions. When the show opens, visitors are invited to register and navigate through the hall and visit stands, complete with 3D products, HD videos and literature downloads, generating real-time sales enquiries.

Exhibitors will be able to update the products on their stands with a range of interactive content that visitors can explore and download. An intuitive search interface and interactive floor plan ensure that the show is easy to navigate and the best content is always found first.

Continuous content
Another added advantage of a virtual exhibition is that exhibitors will be able to keep updating their stand or featuring a different product each week if required. Through their admin back office, exhibitors can change the content such as videos and brochures as regularly as they like.

Also, Global PrintExpo will be running a monthly conference program, where exhibitors can run seminars and demonstrations to a global market. RBM will also be working with various print associations around the world to produce country-driven content. The conference program will be promoted through the press and social media to entice visitors to keep returning to the show.

Once the show goes live in June, Global PrintExpo indicates that it will invest “massively” in promoting the show around the world to end-users. Exhibitor VIP passes will be issued in the same way as traditional shows to drive visitor footfall.

Global PrintExpo is co-locating with another popular virtual trade show IndustryExpo Online, which has received over 40,000 visitors since it opened in January. Global PrintExpo will be located in Hall #2 hosted on the V-Ex Virtual Exhibition platform.

In similar innovation, Bühler has invited its network to a “virtual interpack” between 11-15 May 2020. Under the motto “Creating food sensations,” this online experience will use digital showrooms, chats and webinars to present Bühler’s latest technologies and solutions.

Likewise, Syntegon Technology will present its latest processing and packaging technology on a virtual exhibition booth from 7-13 May 2020. The online presence will cover digital product presentations and individual contact opportunities with Syntegon Technology experts.

By Joshua Poole