World first as Aussie virtual show goes live

Show specials, latest print technology, panel programmes, all from the comfort of your office – the world’s first virtual print trade show has opened its doors, as local event, the Print, Sign, Display & Graphics Virtual Trade Show goes live.

Some 1600 visitors logged on during the first day, with the roganiser saying that it has "exceeded all our expectations and just proves that people are as keen as ever for opportunities to track the latest trends, keep up to date with new innovations, and invest in the future of their businesses, even in these challenging times.”

The organiser, suppliers associatio Visual Connections, says printers going through the virtual doors will “receive a wealth of resources on trends, technologies, innovations, product demonstrations, expert commentary and a full webinar programme for industry professionals.”

Currie Group has the largest booth, with a host of other local suppliers also at the show, including Ball & Doggett, Epson, Ferag, Fujifilm, Hexis, HP, Mutoh, Roland DG, Screen, and Starleaton. Clicking on a booth leads you to a rich resource of videos, photos, explainers, information and contacts.

Proposed virtual events are springing up all over the world as suppliers and exhibition organisers scramble to deal with the fallout from Covid-19, which has seen virtually all trade shows, conferences, exhibitions, and open houses pushed back to next year. The Australian show is though the first to get up and running. Kudos to the local industry and its ability to work together in an innovative manner.

Open 24 hours a day, through the end of September, the virtual trade show is an initiative of Visual Connections, the suppliers association which also organises the PacPrint – now scheduled for September next year – PrintEx, Visual Impact and Label & Packaging Expos. It was created “to provide important opportunities for suppliers and trade businesses alike in the current Covid-impacted situation.”

Peter Harper, CEO of Visual Connections, reports that the show includes top industry suppliers who 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,” he said today.

“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 programme, 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 here 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 is free of charge.

“We particularly appreciate the support of our exhibitors for the future of the industry, especially in these times when marketing dollars are tight,” Harper said.

“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.”