What Changes We Expect When Physical Trade Shows Are Back
The impacts of the coronavirus outbreak drastically altered the business landscape that we once knew. In-person trade shows, conventions, and conferences came to a screeching halt with the threat to our global health and we saw virtual meetings become the new norm. While everyone probably has Zoom® downloaded on their computers at this point, there is no question that engaging with others behind a screen does not have the same effect as in-person interactions. In-person trade shows not only perform a valuable function for business, they also support the community within an industry and fulfill our need for socialization amongst one another. Fortunately, we’re now gathering our footing and we’re seeing the return of live shows – finally! As we adjust to our new normal with in-person events, here’s what we expect to see.
Increased sanitary precautions.
Safety is of the upmost importance when it comes to returning to face-to-face interactions. With so many uncertainties of COVID-19 still lingering today, returning to live events requires us to do so in the safest and most responsible manner. As such, we expect we’ll see an increase in sanitary precautions across trade show exhibits such as masks, hand sanitizing stations, routine cleaning, and more elbow-bumps, less fist-bumps. Not only will this be encouraged, it will be required, so everyone can feel free to participate comfortably.
Resilience.
All organizations experienced a massive disruption to the workforce when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The overall changes to the economic environment and business landscape were felt by all and today companies are still learning to navigate new challenges and uncharted waters brought on by the outbreak. Virtually all have had to learn to adopt new ways of doing business in an effort to outmaneuver uncertainty and emerge from this pandemic stronger. As physical trade shows begin to return and we take the steps towards recovery, we know that the spirit of resilience and reinvention will be high amongst all. We expect to see the hard-working and passionate personalities of the distribution, retail and supply industries really shine through as discussions about the ways business has transformed (and the teams doing so) will be a big topic of discussion.
Excitement!
We’ve been away so long, it’s great to come back together as an industry to discuss new ideas and strategies. Trade shows serve as a backbone for networking and the opportunity to meet with your key partners is truly unmatched, especially after being socially distanced for so long. We look forward to seeing old friends, making new, and developing the personal connections one can only get through a physical show.
