Let’s Go Virtual – Best Online Exhibitions in Singapore and Around the World
2020 will go down in history as a watershed year. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every facet of life, every industry and every nation. But with the brakes put on travel and physical gatherings, the tourism and MICE industries have been among the hardest hit.
In July 2020, UNCTAD estimated that the world’s tourism sector could lose up to US$1.2 billion or 1.5% of the global gross domestic product (GDP). In the worse-case scenario, the international body expects the loss to rise to US$3.3 trillion or 4.2% of the world’s GDP if stops to global travels last a year.
The MICE industry has been similarly affected. The US$30 billion trade show sector, for example, which traditional rakes in an annual revenue of 6% on average will likely suffer a double-digit percentage drop in revenue instead. The world’s largest exhibition company, Informa, reported that it has had to reschedule more than 60 large events and 350 smaller shows worth about £406 million in the first four months of 2020.
However, thanks to technology and human ingenuity, the exhibition sector has been able to pivot. So, while physical events have been nearly impossible or highly discouraged, some exhibitions have been able to migrate online. Many companies have been able to make arrangements to attend and to be part of online virtual exhibitions. The good part of online virtual exhibitions is that, people do not need to make travel arrangements to fly in to another destination for an exhibition. In this case, online virtual exhibitions not only help save companies cost on flights and travel arrangements. Online virtual exhibitions allow more people to attend from the comfort of their own homes and offices at where they are on the globe at the moment. For that, online virtual exhibitions open up more opportunities.
Physical travels may be a pipe dream for now but you can still see world exhibits that have gone virtual. Even though online virtual exhibitions will not have the same feel as a physical visit in person, online virtual exhibitions are something new to adapt and embrace. While the idea of online virtual exhibitions may be something new for people to learn to jargon with, knowing how to do it right is what may possibly save companies and people’s livelihoods. Here are a few coming online virtual exhibitions that you can enjoy right from the comfort of your own home.
Food Fairs through Online Virtual Exhibitions:
Future Tea & Coffee Summit and Expo 2020 (November 11 – 13)
Have you ever wondered how food and beverage businesses can possibly go with online virtual exhibitions when they may require participants to have sample tastes of their food products? Regional expo and conference organiser, Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS), and the first global tea marketplace, teapsar, came together to organise Future Tea & Coffee Summit and Expo 2020 in June this year. It was so successful, there will be a second instalment in November.
Don’t miss this event because the two organisers have an outstanding record – over 20,000 visitors, 7,000 trade visitors, 220 exhibitors from 30 countries and US$30million in sales for the tea and coffee shows presented by them last year.
This must-attend event for those in the food supply chain business lets exhibitors and buyers meet to match, source, and buy and sell products online. Adding to the innovation involved in this virtual event is the use of ProfilePrint. The food ingredient analysis scanner uses AI “food fingerprinting” technology to allow buyers to assess the quality and grade of the product without needing to touch or taste it. The technology allows buyers to authenticate and analyse the ingredients right down to the molecular structure virtually.
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Vitafoods Virtual Expo & Summit (September 15 – 17)
The nutraceuticals community goes online to connect and keep up-to-date. Exhibitors from four key areas of the supply chain will be attending: Ingredients and Raw Materials, Branded Finished Products, Contract Manufacturing and Private Label, and Services and Equipment.
The digital edition of the event will feature state-of-the-art technology such as algorithm-driven match-making with industry experts and thought leaders as well as one-to-one secure video meetings. A digital platform for networking, learning, sourcing, selling and sharing will allow for speed networking, drop-in meetings and virtual summit networking so participants can connect to expand their business.
There will be product launches as well in the area of immune health, probiotics, omega-3, healthy ageing, botanicals, sports nutrition and cognitive health.
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Tech Online Virtual Exhibitions:
The Photography Show & The Video Show Virtual Festival (September 20 & 21)
Come September, you can browse the works of photographers and videographers in a virtual online exhibition and gallery that is part of this event that has gone online. Outstanding images by communities and associations will be on display. There will also be over 100 exhibitors including brands such as Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and Epson showing off their products and services. See their latest products, cutting-edge gear and demo videos at this online virtual exhibition right at the comfort of your own homes through the windows of your computer screens.
Visual feast aside, there will be chances to listen to and consult experts in the field. Talks, tutorial, demos full of inspiration, tips and ideas for photographers and filmmakers will be available at just one click.
One of the more exciting programmes is Out and About. Participants can follow brand ambassadors and top professional on their shoots and hear from them how they create their best shots. There are even sessions where influencers can learn to be vloggers.
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Event & Tech Show 2020 (September 2 & 3)
Like many other companies and events that are working their way through making their online virtual exhibitions possible for the first time, this is the first time this live event cum technology exhibition in the Asia Pacific has gone virtual.
Browse the latest innovations by exhibitors and enjoy the latest deals and packages. Alternatively, interact with exhibitors at The Living Lab Concept where there are opportunities to take part in try-outs and watch live product demonstrations.
Sign up for speaker sessions where thought leaders in the event industry share their expertise, case studies, best practices and insights in this online virtual exhibition.
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BuildTech Asia (October 14 – 15)
BuildTech Asia goes virtual also for the first time. Over 100 international and regional companies and professionals in the built environment sector will gather to discuss trends and insights in the industry and showcase their products, services and technology. On display will be new trends, tools, equipment and material, and technologies.
There will be webinars to attend as well along with this online virtual exhibition, where thought leaders will share updates and expectations in the new normal in the construction industry.
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Travel Tech Asia (October 21 – 23, 2020)
Happening concurrently is Travel Tech Asia that is also going virtual. The premier travel tech show in Asia is organised by the same team leading ITB Asia and is co-located with ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia, making it part of the largest travel trade show in the Asia Pacific.
At this digital platform, the latest technologies, emerging trends, leading travel brands, destination products and services, and innovative start-ups are showcased so new possibilities of travel as well as networking opportunities can be created. Travel tech buyers and sellers can also meet and do business.
Expect hundreds of influential executives – C-suite leaders and directors – and thousands of delegates across sectors in the travel industry. There will be pre-scheduled appointments with pre-qualified buyers, guaranteed 1:1 ratio between buyers and sellers, business and networking through one-to-one meetings as well as dedicated travel tech conferences where major players discuss emerging technologies that are revolutionalising the travel industry.
This year’s conference themes include:
- Tech mega trends
- Booking & metasearch technologies
- Hotel tech, revenue & distribution
- Mobility, autonomous vehicles, ride sharing
- Data & personalisation
- Gamification & mobile engagement
- Voice & biometrics
- Digital payment, alternative currencies & blockchain
- AI & super travel tech
- Start-up spotlights
In addition, there will be industry-focused technology talks for the hotel and airline sectors. The Hotel Revenue Distribution Summit will see key industry players including top, mid-size and emerging hotels, resorts and other accommodations sharing their ideas, solutions and innovations for hotel revenue management and distribution in Asia.
Delegates will discuss how hotels and suppliers are changing the landscape of the industry, the future of hotels, and direct booking and working with online travel agencies.
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Apart from hosting ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia, ITB Community will facilitate a year-long virtual engagement programme for exhibitors and buyers to continue meeting. New partnerships can be forged through this initiative even as ongoing business relationships are strengthened.
EduTECH Asia 2020 (October 30 – November 6, 2020)
The largest education show in Asia comes to you virtually this year. Joining the event are 5,000 attendees and over 200 speakers who will interact across 12 channels.
Organised as an interactive virtual forum that mirrors the physical event, the six-day show includes live presentations, panel debates, Q&A sessions and virtual townhall meetings across 12 channels with leading educators and edtech innovators in Asia taking part.
There are masterclasses available for sign-ups. Some interesting topics include:
- Advanced edtech tools
- How to build future entrepreneurs
- Designing learning spaces
- Digital assessment for remote learning
- SMART interactive classroom tech for higher education
- Business of education
- Future learning environments
- Personalised learning compared to other instructional approaches
- Cybersecurity and data privacy
- Remote learning for early years
- How to support the social and emotional well-being of staff and students
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EduTech Indonesia (September 23, 2020)
This is the first ever virtual event for educators in Indonesia where over 1,000 attendees and some 60 speakers will share their insights.
More than 40 presentations and live panel debates by leading educators and edtech innovators and leaders in the edtech industry – policy makers, school leaders, technology experts – in Indonesia, interactions, Q&A sessions and live virtual townhall meetings will take place across two channels. If you miss the live streams, you can catch up with the sessions on-demand. This will ensure that you are kept up to speed wherever and whenever you are.
Networking opportunities abound. Educators, major decision-makers, thought leaders and disruptors can meet and connect to inspire and innovate in the field of education. There will be plenty of dialogue sessions, exchanges of ideas and connections throughout the day-long event.
Of particular interest on the agenda are:
- Live panel discussion preparing educators for a blended education model post-COVID
- Live panel discussion on aligning the school’s vision with technology and instruction
- Talk on coding and robotics in the early years and how to make it developmentally appropriate
- Talk on the challenges of learning from home and strategies to overcome learning inequalities during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Several talks and panel discussions on remote learning
The virtual event is also an excellent platform for edtech providers to market their products and services to educators across the country.
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ConnecTechAsia (September 29 – October 1)
Asia’s only B2B platform encompassing the entire spectrum of communication, broadcast, and enterprise technology and services for the industry in Asia and the world is online this year. Under the umbrella of this event are CommunicAsia, BroadcastAsia, and NXTAsia.
At the three-day event which will then be turned into a 24/7 interactive marketplace, delegates can visit the virtual exhibition where companies showcase their vertical-specific products as well as attend live keynote addresses, Q&A segments and breakout sessions to discover new technology, exchange ideas and connect for business opportunities.
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The Battery Show (September 14 – 16)
The 10th edition of North America’s largest and most comprehensive trade show for advanced battery manufacturing industry is going virtual. Representing the entire supply chain from raw materials through end-of-life battery recycling, this event will be combined with the Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo.
Some 700 suppliers across the transportation, stationary, portable and industrial sectors will be there to showcase the latest innovative products across the advanced battery and electrification industries. More than 25 exhibiting companies will introduce new technologies, offering a close-up look through live demonstrations.
Connect with over 10,000 battery manufacturing and electric vehicle professionals through teardowns, expert-led panel discussions and expo sessions at the Open Tech Forum.
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Online Virtual Exhibitions related to Tourism Industry:
ITB Asia 2020 Virtual (October 21 – 23, 2020)
Travel may have taken a hit, no thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic but the travel industry is not yet out for the count. ITB Asia, an annual three-day B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry that has been Asia’ largest travel trade show will go virtual this year. Designed to be the primary event for the Asia Pacific travel industry, the premier meeting place for the travel trade industry and forum for customer and business contacts will go online on ITB Community in Asia.
On this platform, companies and individuals can browse the various destinations, products and services exhibited as well as network with potential partners, discover new leads, fresh markets and make contact. Here is also where companies can position themselves as a leading brand in Asia.
ITB Asia 2020 is an Approved International Fair (AIF). This endorsement by the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) is an assurance of the quality and international appeal of the event.
Last year. ITB Asia drew over 13,000 exhibitors, more than 1,250 buyers and over 13,000 participants from 132 countries and territories. The success of the event was also resounding. 70% of attendees were decision-makers, one in two buyers signed contracts with exhibitors and 27,000 pre-scheduled appointments were made exclusively between buyers and exhibitors even before the show started.
This year, expect international exhibitors from all sectors within the travel value chain as well as the region’s leading travel companies and emerging SMEs to be at the 13th edition of the trade show organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd and supported by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau. National tourist offices, destination marketing companies, hotel and accommodation provides, airlines, tour operators, travel suppliers will be exhibiting their products and services at the virtual exhibition.
Participants can expect a smorgasbord of travel products spanning leisure travel, business travel and MICE; target groups including buyers and trade delegates in search of business possibilities in Asia as well as sellers from around the world; and networking opportunities through workshops and seminars and evening functions.
Leveraging the online platform, this year’s event will include articles, podcasts and travel content shared through ITB Community Insights.
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MICE Show Asia (October 21 -23, 2020)
A partner event to ITB Asia 2020, this is a must-attend show for the meeting industry in the Asia-Pacific region. From industry suppliers, meetings and events professionals and rising MICE innovators, this is where the incentive travel, meetings and events industries come together to connect and create the future of MICE.
MICE planners can expect the latest products and services from accommodations providers, travel agents and tour operators, business travel and MICE organisers, national tourism organisations, convention and visitor bureaus, travel technology experts and transport industry players.
With a guaranteed 1:1 ratio between of exhibitor and buyers, there will be opportunities for exhibitors to meet and do business with MICE buyers from Asia through 100% pre-scheduled appointments and one-to-one meet-ups. They can also connect with industry professionals through networking events such as MICE & Corporate Speed Networking. Adding to the prestige of the event is the fact that 70% of the buyers are C-level managers or key decision-makers.
In addition, there will be dedicated educational conferences where the latest issues in the travel market will be discussed. Among the conference themes are:
- Global and regional trends
- How to win the hearts of MICE buyers
- How destinations can tap into MICE
- MICE space and alternative venues
- How hotels can book more meetings and events
- Meetings budget and planning
- The future of meetings management
- MICE tech and digital disruption talks
- Mega events: Is bigger better?
- Attendee experience: What are the keys to engagement?
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Online Virtual Exhibitions related to Construction Industry:
International Built Environment Week (IBEW) (September 1 – 30, 2020)
IBEW 2020 is where the global built environment sector gathers to exchange ideas and experiences on polices, business solutions and technologies while exploring business opportunities. Going virtual this year will not alter its ability to inform industry players of the changes towards smarter and more sustainable living spaces for the future. 12,500 participants are expected to attend.
Organised by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and supported by 12 Trade Associations and Chambers, this year’s theme is Emerging Stronger Through Innovation. It echoes the industry’s aspiration to push the boundaries of innovation to build business resilience and shape a smarter and more sustainable built environment. This is an increasingly vital vision given the changes COVID-19 have wrought on work, life and leisure.
The built environment sector and value chains in Singapore and around the world have been severely impacted by the new normal that has emerged as countries everywhere respond to curb the spread of the virus. It is against this backdrop that this month-long virtual event will hold discussions. How architects, builders, contractors and building managers can design, build and operate buildings for greater resilience as well as best practices and innovations in digitalisation, sustainability, advanced construction and smart facilities management will dominate talks in the networking rooms, planned virtual meetings and one-on-one live engagements in virtual booths and virtual pavilions.
The best innovations in digitalisation, advanced construction, sustainability and smart facilities management are also showcased virtually. The four online anchor exhibitions – BEX Asia, MCE Asia, SCB Asia and Innobuild Asia – provide seamless, real-time interactive and curated experiences to buyers and sellers alike.
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BEX Asia 2020 (September 1 – 30, 2020)
BEX Asia this year is a digital affair that is part of IBEW 2020. The leading trade exhibition for sustainable architectural building materials and one of the four anchor exhibitors of IBEW 2020, it is a one-stop platform for international solution providers to meet regional buyers.
Products and technologies on display will span the following areas:
- Building materials, adhesive and coating
- Interior architecture and design
- Interior finishes and furniture
- Roof and façade architecture
Delegates will also get to learn new knowledge and exchange ideas through curated seminars and showcases.
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Innobuild (IB) Asia 2020 (September 1 – 30, 2020)
A unique marketplace for showcasing the latest construction materials, tools and technologies that help to improve the productivity and resource efficiency during the construction of commercial, industrial, residential, hospitality, manufacturing and healthcare facilities, this regional event is a leading trade exhibition for the construction materials, tools and technologies industry.
Here, international solution providers and regional buyers and specifiers can meet to seal deals, exchange ideas and demonstrate new knowledge.
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Other online Virtual Exhibitions
SGPFair 2020 – Singapore Gifts & Premiums Fair (October 28 – 30, 2020)
The premium platform for sourcing for gifts goes online this year. This is where you can find corporate, customised and personalised gifts from the major players in promotional, corporate, incentive and retail gifts. 10,000 visitors, 200 exhibitors, S$14 million worth of deals and S$8.6 million in sales are expected.
Visit the virtual booths in the virtual exhibition hall for more information on the products. Exhibitors will be on hand to answer your queries via live text and video chats.
There will be a variety of gifts and gifts related services to choose from:
- Apparels & Uniforms
- Corporate Gifts & Premiums
- Embroidery Machines & Services
- Florists & Hampers
- Imprinting and Packaging Machines & Services
- Lifestyle & Retail Gifts
- Rewards & Incentives
- Sports & Leisure
- Trophies & Awards
Be inspired by the new ideas and fresh concepts from the wide array of virtual exhibits as well as live webinars. Complimentary branding and marketing seminars will be available as well.
❯ Click here to join ❮
Office Expo Asia 2020 (October 28 – 30, 2020)
Happening concurrently is Office Expo Asia 2020 which is also going online. The best of the best in workplace solutions and development, and office products and stationery supplies will congregate virtually to see how they can stay relevant and agile in this age of change. There will also be virtual exhibits and live webinars for thought leaders and major players of the industry.
Four major areas will be covered in this event:
- Workspace design
Solutions that create workspaces that promote collaboration and innovation as well as ergonomic designs that promote productivity. - Business automation
Smart solutions, technology and software that can boost bottom lines. - Office essentials
All the office stationery for an efficient and effective office including folders, file dividers, highlighters, tape dispensers, note pads and other pantry needs. - HR and wellness
Training and development solutions to equip and upskill workers.
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PrintPack+Sign 2020 (October 28 – 30, 2020)
This is Singapore’s only printing, packaging, signage and labelling trade show. The best in print, packaging, innovation, signage and labelling technologies, trends and design will be on display.
Industry players and interested parties will get to communicate and connect with each other through virtual exhibitions and live webinars. Attendees are expected to be made up of key executives from large, medium and small businesses including marketing directors and managers, brand managers, business owners, printers, general managers and designers.
Exhibitors will engage visitors via live texts and video chats so queries can be answered immediately, simulating a physical meet-up.
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FLAsia 2020 – Franchising & Licensing Asia (November 18 – 20, 2020)
An international trade event dedicated to sparking the entrepreneurial spirit and encouraging globalisation through franchising and licensing, this is where new business concepts can be brought into the region, and budding local and regional businesses can expand beyond their own countries.
This year’s event will leverage the virtual platform with a service called SMART MATCH. This free business matching service allows visitors to search the list of exhibiting brands and book appointments with the exhibitors before the event.
Complimentary educational conferences and webinars will be available so practitioners and experts can share insights about franchising and licensing, intellectual property and related legal issues as well as success stories that inspire and inform.
Visitors can also browse different brands and concepts from around the world as well as network with entrepreneurs, investors, venture capitalist, business developers and major brands.
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Please contact GPC if you have any questions regarding your market entry into Southeast Asia or vice versa, expand into Japan.
Our consultants will assist in advising the best solutions for your business.
