Event tech
Partnering up - virtual exhibitions meets digital
Two international companies in the VR exhibitions and digital marketing sectors , respectively , have partnered to provide an integrated virtual service .
-Ex, a virtual
V exhibitions platform , and Showpad , a Chicago-based provider of sales enablement technology , have jointly announced a partnership to improve upon businesses ’ approach to digital exhibitions .
According to the companies , the partnership will build on Showpad ’ s sales enablement platform and V-Ex ’ s experience with virtual environments to intertwine VR and customer engagement to create improved virtual experiences .
Showpad ’ s content management and CRM integrations will be utilised by customers to showcase their products and services in detail while back-end analytics facilitate a deeper understanding of their joint audiences ’ needs .
Andrew Chi , VP of global partnerships , Showpad , commented on the partnership saying : “ The foundations of this partnership lie in our shared recognition of potential . Through joint work on mutual projects , we have witnessed the breadth and depth of V-Ex ’ s expertise in designing high-quality , ultra-realistic virtual environments that revolutionise the impact and effectiveness of experiential digital marketing tools .
“ This paved the way for a union of two digital pioneers set to redefine the virtual corporate landscape .”
David Bedford , COO of V-Ex , added : “ The Showpad platform is trusted by some of the biggest global brands around the world to curate and manage their sales and marketing collateral . Our expertise lies in creating immersive and engaging digital experiences that capture the user ’ s imagination and encourage interaction in a new and exciting way . The partnership integrates our flagship frontend solutions with Showpad ’ s backend capabilities – supplying invaluable visitor data directly to the customer ’ s CRM .
“ We can provide an additional level of support that delivers a deeper and richer understanding of visitor behaviour .”
By integrating V-Ex ’ s virtual capabilities with Showpad ’ s intuitive content management and CRM integrations , customers can showcase their products and services in unparalleled detail .
Digitalisation impacting less than half of businesses
In a post-pandemic market , exhibition organisers are still experimenting with hybrid options and digital alternatives , usually to optimise delegate convenience and to meet sustainability goals . Partnerships like that between V-Ex and Showpad demonstrate the challenges organisers face and how providers are advertising solutions .
The 31st edition of UFI ’ s Global Exhibition Barometer investigated the ‘ digitalisation ’ of exhibitions , ranging from VR and hybrid options to the implementation of digital marketing . Only 45 % of respondents indicated that digitalisation will significantly impact their business development , especially in Spain , Argentina , Colombia , and Malaysia . 55 % flagged experiencing a push towards hybrid events , and more digital elements at events , however , this figure is down from 61 % and 76 % in previous surveys .
Despite that decreased figure , the report noted that 64 % of respondents stated that they have already added digital elements to their show offerings , such as apps , digital advertising , and digital signage – especially in Europe ( 67 %). Indicating a need for joint services such as this partnership , 33 % replied that they already have a digital transformation strategy for their companies .
30 Issue 5 2023 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk