Networking at a trade show is not easy. And if you switch to a completely new platform that has never been tried before, things can get even more complicated.
GECO - the first virtual trade show for sustainability - has sparked a lot of curiosity and an excellent response from industry insiders, but many people are wondering if the traditional methods of networking, consolidated over years of trade shows and events, will work in this context as well. There are some considerations to be made, since interactions may seem less natural for those unfamiliar with this technology. Here are some tips for simple and efficient networking.
Plan ahead (not everything, but as much as possible)
What you might miss the most in a
virtual trade show, if you are used to navigating more traditional events, is the direct and spontaneous interaction, with the possibility to simply approach someone, exchange a business card, and start talking.
This kind of interaction is still possible with the Hypersmarter platform, but not everyone will necessarily experience it as comfortably and naturally as they would. For this reason, it is advisable to take some time before the event
to explore the database of participants and exhibitors, and identify those with whom you would like to come into contact. It will then be possible to exchange messages and make arrangements for meetings and chats so that a full conversation can take place.
Become an exhibitor
Making the best use of scheduled events
A virtual trade show like GECO is made up not only of exhibitors' stands to be explored with your own avatar but also of events, panels, webinars, and conferences in which leading representatives of this industry take part. Take a look at the programme of the exhibition and plan your virtual itinerary, trying to participate in all the meetings that are most relevant to your specific field. As well as being able to interact with panelists and participants, you will also be kept up to date with the hot topics of the day and the latest information available to the tourism industry.
Be authentic and convey your brand values
For those unfamiliar with mediated interactions, it can be difficult to imagine how to "be yourself" through a screen. In this sense, the Hypersmarter platform caters to its users, by creating an immersive and realistic environment, with customizable avatars that recreate the feeling of real interaction. Since most of the dialogues will be held in writing, it is important to remember that
you are representing not only yourself but the brand, at all times.
Authenticity in communication always pays off and is also perceptible through the medium of a virtual platform.
Focus on the USP
All those who participate in
a virtual tourism exhibition do so for a reason, they have
goals, of course. Presenting yourself simply by stating your goals is not an effective strategy: just because you have something to sell, for instance, doesn't mean that someone will want to buy it. We suggest you focus on how you can
add value to your proposal by identifying your USP and putting it at the centre of your communication strategy. Instead of focusing only on what you need, in short,
it is better to imagine solutions that can also help your potential clients, partners, or collaborators. 
