FTA has announced the details of its Virtual Exhibit, a replacement for Fall Conference 2020’s Tabletop Exhibit that promises to replicate the one-on-one networking of an in-person event while enhancing it with a number of benefits made possible by its online environment.

The Virtual Exhibit realizes the need for package printers and converters to continue to conduct business while recognizing the unique situation presented by COVID-19. Attendees can video conference with exhibitors—either on-demand or at a specified time through a built-in appointment scheduler—to watch product demonstrations, point to issues in their plants and receive customized, tailored solutions.

No additional software or downloads are required. The Virtual Exhibit can be accessed from any web browser, enabling exhibitors to receive video calls on any internet-connected device. Utilizing a smartphone or tablet’s camera, they can virtually walk an attendee through their showroom, showcase machinery and even run a press.

“Printer/converters and solutions providers need to network – It’s that simple. When FTA moved Fall Conference 2020 into a virtual environment, we immediately began building a way to meet that need in the absence of an in-person event,” explains Jay Kaible, FTA director of membership and business development. “We quickly realized that, in a number of ways, the Virtual Exhibit provides things an in-person event never could. And the end result goes above and beyond, allowing that one-on-one interaction and much more, without being pressed for time, without being interrupted, without having to incur a large expense just to get in the room.”

Attendees enter the Virtual Exhibit through a Virtual Lobby, where they can select from all exhibiting companies or filter by business category. After making a selection, they are taken to that exhibitor’s Virtual Booth. Each Virtual Booth is customizable and features a promotional video or slideshow, company description, lead generation with optional gamification and prizes, and multiple calls to action.

The Virtual Exhibit opens at the start of Virtual Fall Conference 2020 on October 5 and is available to attendees 24/7 for the duration of the event. Following the end of Virtual Fall Conference 2020 on October 7, the Virtual Exhibit will remain open for an additional seven days – closing on October 14 – and will be open to all members of the package printing and converting industry.

Booths at the Virtual Exhibit are available now; in 10 days of sales, more than 50% of available booths are already sold.