Due to the COVID-19 crisis, trade fairs are getting a digital makeover!
From 5 to 9 October, ACTIA will be taking part in the first online mobility trade fair: AGIR days
This is a chance to maintain relations with our public transport customers, share a new digital experience with them and take inspiration from the online trade fair trend.
In particular, ACTIA will present MyACTIAFLEET New-E solution, which is an operations and maintenance management tool for fleets of “new energy” vehicles.
Staying attentive and connected to our customers
Trade fairs are one of the most popular communication actions for sales forces as for the customers. So how can we maintain relations with customers despite the report of trade fairs and exhibitions?
ACTIA’s aim at the AGIR online trade fair is to hold discussions and make new contacts. Participants will be able to discuss current trends and challenges for the public transport and mobility markets. Selling is not the main aim of B2B trade fairs. The idea is to meet existing customers and reach out to potential customers, which is totally possible online.
Customers are already using digital channels extensively. They are increasingly using these channels to find information on companies or source expertise. It is therefore a good bet that these changes will also have long-lasting effects on trade fairs and exhibitions. In addition, online meetings are particularly well suited for trade fairs when visitors are searching for information or advice.
With our first participation in an online trade fair, ACTIA will be taking the opportunity to maintain good communication with our customers and build on relationships by offering digital and varied media. Online trade fairs are helping to strengthen ACTIA’s digital presence and thus testify to the brand’s growing digitalization.
A new digital experience
How does an online trade fair work? The idea is to immerse the visitor in a digital environment that resembles a conventional trade fair. There is a reception area, themed halls, stands, conferences, etc. All conventional trade fair spaces can be found. The environment is fun: exhibitors can even choose an avatar to provide a human touch to the virtual stand.
3D images are used for the graphic presentation. The integrated content, especially for the stands, is quite varied. At the ACTIA stand in particular, you will find videos, downloadable sales packs and the brand’s digital environment – all available with a click of the mouse!
A web page set up for the event allows visitors to access various ACTIA resources online: the public-transport.actia.com website, the ACTIA Group LinkedIn page and the ACTIA Newsroom, which has just gone live! All of these resources provide information to be consulted.
As for networking, there are no coffee areas or little complimentary treats here. The Chat and online conferences enable discussions between visitors, exhibitors and participants. At AGIR, the ACTIA team will be present on the Chat from 9 AM to 6 PM for the whole duration of the trade fair.
An environmentally friendly, money-saving opportunity
In addition to the purely commercial aspect, an advantage of virtual trade fairs is their lessened impact on the environment. This makes even more sense to ACTIA, as we are working towards a fleet energy transition.
Online trade fairs are a great opportunity for the stakeholders – organisers, exhibitors and visitors – to decrease their carbon footprints.
The virtual set-up is also a way to save money on resources. It requires no travel for exhibitors or visitors. Significantly fewer employees are needed than for a conventional trade fair.
However, ACTIA does not think online trade fairs can replace conventional trade fairs. They make it easier to bring people together, but do not replace physical meetings.
The COVID-19 crisis is transforming the events industry. Due to restrictions on gatherings, various events have been postponed or will be cancelled. Visitor behaviour is also changing. According to some specialists, trade fair set-ups based on huge infrastructure are simply outdated.
Nevertheless, it is hard to believe that many of the trade fairs cancelled this year will never again take place in their conventional format.
Whilst we wait to once again be able to shake your hands, you can join us at AGIR from 5 to 9 October.
We look forward to e-meeting you!
