I’ve talked about trade shows before. I’m lucky that Journyx sent me to the Texas Payroll Conference and to the behemoth of a show, Microsoft Convergence. I'm even currently planning for AACE International, a five day conference for cost engineers. But this is different. Really different. This is something that neither Journyx, nor myself, have ever done before. It’s called Decisions, and it’s for the members of the Microsoft Dynamics community who want to keep up to date with the industry’s opportunities and challenges. What’s so innovative about it? It’s a virtual tradeshow. 

This trade show is just like any traditional one except that it's online. I will man our virtual booth and assist any visitors with questions they have. My cohort, Erin, will make sure that interested attendees get the information they need to learn about us online. She has also created tailored collateral for attendees seeking more information. And just like at a conventional exhibitor booth, we will provide a giveaway! Check out the photo below for a sneak peak of the booth.

Even though we lose the face-to-face interaction, the price of a virtual trade show is minimal since there are no expenses related to flying staff to the site, staying in a hotel, providing food and gas expenses, etc. Not having to purchase booth essentials such as carpeting, tables, printed collateral, and lighting also drives down the cost.

Perhaps as soon as 5 years in the future, we will look back and think, "Wow! Why did companies spend so much money on those old trade shows!" What do you think?