Tanya Pinchuk of Expoplatform says digital networking is integral to the success of the modern exhibition.
Digital networking expands your potential visitor base and brings people face-to-face with attendees who could otherwise overlook the opportunity to meet with new leads.
It is also a sure-fire way to embrace the next generation of buyers and exhibitors, those hyper-connected millennials, by giving your event a presence on their social media outlets and – most importantly – their phone.
But can this be done through groups and pages on existing tools such as LinkedIn?
While many of us use this social media platform in our professional lives, it is not really sufficient for the job.
While digital networking is a tool for getting in touch with those you did not have a chance to meet at the show, it is by reaching new buyers and exhibitors online early and conscientiously, that an organiser can truly increase their chance of finding a new audience.
Networks such as LinkedIn grow by connecting of people who are already familiar with one another. They are outside the event experience and rather lead the user away from the exhibition activities, more than enhance them.
Expoplatform builds a community platform around an exhibition, including tools designed to enhance the event experience.
The interaction model on this type of network is different to a regular social network. Fundamentally, the difference is that you’re looking to expand a network and introduce people to others they don’t already know.
