Which Virtual Trade Show Is Right for My Wholesale Business?

Many aspects of business are moving online these days, and that includes the world of trade shows and events. Virtual events are the second biggest influencer of decision-makers when evaluating new technologies, according to Forrester.

But with that burgeoning of virtual trade shows also comes a staggering variety of online format options to choose from, making the decision of which online event is right for your business a challenging one.

Due to the considerable cost savings related to participating in a virtual trade show because of not having to pay for flights, hotels, travel visas, and shipping of products and marketing materials, you might be inclined to attend or exhibit at all online events in your wholesale industry. The reality, however, is that not all online show formats are going to fit best with your business, depending on your event objectives.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a virtual trade show is right for your wholesale business:

1. The show’s buyer approval process

Another important option to consider when determining if a specific virtual trade show is right for your wholesale business is whether the show offers a hosted buyer program.

A hosted buyer program connects buyers and sellers who have a high likelihood of doing business together through pre-arranged meetings at the online event. Hosted buyers are pre-qualified during the registration process, where they’re asked a series of questions which are then reviewed to determine whether or not they’re accepted.

Here are some of the criteria that can be used to determine a potential buyer’s acceptance into a hosted buyer program:

• Their decision-making role in the company
• Their purchasing budget
• What types of products they are looking to purchase

2. The show’s matchmaking services

With conventional, in-person events, it’s easy to simply walk up to someone and introduce yourself with your business card, but in a virtual trade show environment, this process needs to be recreated digitally.

To make engaging and networking as easy as possible, many online events offer matchmaking services that utilise artificial intelligence to match attendee profiles to every participating exhibitor. Not only does this save you time and effort, but it also allows you to be introduced to the right buyers or partners who can help you grow your business.

3. The show’s meeting-scheduling services

People attend trade shows as much to source products to buy as they do to connect and build relationships. To make it easier to find the right buyers and partners, establish a meeting time and place, and then keep track of those appointments. Many virtual trade shows offer built-in scheduling where you can request meetings and accept meeting requests from those individuals or companies you’re interested in connecting with.

It’s time to give virtual trade shows a closer look.

For decades, trade shows have traditionally provided businesses of all sizes and industries the opportunity to reach a large number of potential buyers and connect with them one-on-one. And virtual trade shows are no exception. Their lower price tag in comparison to conventional in-person shows and their ability to reach a wider audience due to lack of geographical constraints makes virtual trade shows a smart choice.