Let’s Get Virtual
The Yankee Dental Congress is right around the corner and the Chicago Midwinter Meeting will follow closely on its heels, and just like that we’re hip deep in tradeshow season! It’s no secret there are A LOT of tradeshows in the dental industry. We have association shows, and state shows, and shows put on by publishers; it’s a veritable circus of CE, socialization and salesmanship. And don’t get me wrong, we love to see our customers in the tradeshow setting – it’s just that I sometimes wonder if we could accomplish the same goals we all have for tradeshows by making it a virtual experience.
We’ve discussed tradeshows before in detail, but the idea of a virtual tradeshow? Well, I wonder if it’s a technological experience whose time has come. We know dental professionals attend shows to obtain CE, take advantage of special promotions, as well as to socialize with colleagues and vendors. These are all things we can accomplish in a virtual world, as well, but is the virtual experience an acceptable format to replace the real deal? What are your thoughts on the ideas of virtual tradeshows? Why haven’t they caught on and will they?
I wish I could treat patients virtually!
Can we still drink at the virtual trade show?
An interesting concept.
Mike,
Your posts always make me smile !
I virtually just had a nap, but the net was down, so it wasn’t long enough.
A virtual Mid Winter would be much warmer for me! Maybe I’ll see ya there.
Cletus,
Hope to see you in the windy city !
Thanks for your post.
Keith
Keith, I think these virtual shows will catch on at some point. People still enjoy the personal interaction that in person meetings provide. As we both know the IDS show can teach the US some lessons on how to provide information and education and keep people engaged. I think without some heated online debates that are live, the interest level won’t be there. The virtual shows that I’ve seen are amazing and do offer interaction, but are lacking the numbers I’d like to see for active engagement and ROI for the participants, including the vendors. Just my two cents.
Mike,
Great points and key to the reason the virtual shows have been slow to catch on.
Thanks for your post.
Keith