As is well known, hope dies last. The German Agricultural Association (DLG) has just had to give up hope of being able to hold a trade fair from 9 to 12 February 2021 as planned. Because even with an extensive hygiene concept, an international trade fair such as Euro Tier and the Energy Decentral taking place in parallel would hardly be possible.
The DLG has reacted to this and moved the fairs to the internet. It has created a trade fair platform for this purpose. "Exhibitors and visitors benefit from the extensive digital exhibitor directory with detailed company profile, offers and personalised contact details. The digital DLG technical programme, discussion forums, live events and expert chats provide up-to-date information from the industry. Targeted networking between exhibitors and visitors takes place via a personal digital diary as well as video and chat services," says Marcus Vagt, describing the basic functions of the platform. He is the Energy Decentral project manager at DLG. This part of the fair is about solutions for the self-sufficiency of agricultural businesses with renewable energies.
Barrier to entry lowered
A digital trade fair is also an opportunity for exhibitors. Because the hurdle for them to present their products is lowered. After all, there is no need to build an expensive stand. In addition, DLG makes it possible to get started at a clear price. "Exhibitors have various options for participating in Euro Tier and Energy Decentral digital. We have defined three different offer packages for this, each of which can be extended with communication and advertising options," explains Marcus Vagt.
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Exhibitors can book the "Smart" package. This starter package includes the basic functions such as inclusion in the exhibitor directory, a virtual trade fair stand where the exhibitor can present his products, each with its own profile, and an extensive user profile. Here the company can enter unlimited keywords under which it is to be found on the platform. In addition, 15 product keywords from the nomenclature of the fair can be entered.
A lot of communication in the start-up package
In addition, there are of course communication functions available. An unlimited number of meetings are possible, each with a maximum of 15 participants. However, the duration is limited to ten minutes each. In addition, the company receives a report on all direct contacts made by visitors, including the information they have entered in their profiles. All interested companies can book this package. All exhibitors who had already booked for the original fair automatically receive it. They can upgrade to other packages.
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Because with the "Pioneer" package, they get more communication options. Here, the duration of meetings with customers is twice as long at 20 minutes. The package also includes more opportunities for companies to present their solutions and products. For example, the presentation in the list of exhibitors is twice as large as in the Smart Package.
Broadcast time in the trade programme
In addition, there is then the possibility of holding events in the DLG technical programme. "It's like airtime on a video channel," Ines Rathke describes the programme. "There will be various broadcast programmes on the respective focal points and special topics at the fair. Exhibitors can use broadcast minutes depending on the package they have booked and will be classified thematically for this purpose. The video will be broadcast at an agreed time."
With the "Pioneer" package, the exhibitor can also hold an in-house event. With this package, the company also receives information not only about the people who have made contact with it on the virtual stand, but also about the participants in the events that the company has held. (su/mfo)
