Top 5 Virtual Trade Show Platforms for Businesses

A trade show is a popular way for businesses to promote products and services, and a chance for attendees to learn more about a specific industry (and take home some freebies). However, as organisations start to focus more on their digital presence, virtual trade shows are becoming more common. If your business is planning on hosting a virtual trade show, it is vital to utilise a reliable trade show platform to effectively connect with potential prospects and drive leads.

Here are some of the best virtual trade show platforms available to businesses in 2024:

1. Communiqué

Communiqué offers a customisable 3-D environment where attendees can navigate virtual event spaces easily using intuitive tools. The platform enhances engagement through 1:1 and group chat features, facilitating networking opportunities in a simple way. Exhibitors can enrich their booths with valuable content to maximise interaction. 

With powerful, scalable hosting, 24/7 live customer support, multilingual options, and comprehensive reporting, Communiqué enables a flawless global trade show experience. Its features include customisable branding, real-time chat, online registration, and detailed reporting and analytics.

2. GTR

GTR integrates the best elements of webinars and virtual networking to offer a powerful tool for virtual trade shows. The platform facilitates real-time one-on-one meetings among attendees and between attendees and exhibitors. Exhibitors can conduct live product demonstrations, while attendees can effortlessly request additional information. 

GTR organises event details in a user-friendly format, enhancing accessibility with a searchable directory that simplifies connections. Key features include exhibit/vendor management, surveys and feedback mechanisms, lead generation capabilities, real-time chat functionalities, and comprehensive reporting and analytics tools.

3. INXPO

INXPO, a veteran of video-based digital platforms, handily offers 24/7 live customer support online. The platform supports in-person and online training sessions, including webinars. Renowned for its high-quality streaming and webcasting capabilities, INXPO excels in hosting keynote speeches and breakout sessions for virtual events. Attendees can engage with exhibitors listed on the platform, exploring virtual booths and interacting with staff through live chat or scheduling product demos. 

INXPO enhances the event experience with features like virtual lobbies and theatres, aiming to replicate the atmosphere of live events. Some of the core features of this platform include live streaming, real-time chat, customisable branding, lead generation tools, survey and poll management, and comprehensive reporting and analytics functionalities.

4. vFairs

vFairs provides comprehensive 24/7 live customer support online and supports both in-person and online training sessions, including webinars. If you’re looking to replicate the experience of a physical trade show in a virtual space, vFairs offers customisable exhibit booths reminiscent of a trade show floor, which attendees can explore. These booths feature on-demand videos and presentations that can be viewed instantly or downloaded for later access. With real-time text, audio, and video chat options, attendees can interact easily with exhibitors. 

The platform also integrates e-commerce functionalities, allowing attendees to add products to their carts and make purchases directly from virtual exhibitor booths. Key features include attendee management, customisable branding, live streaming capabilities, virtual lobby setup, lead generation tools, survey and poll management, reporting and analytics, and online registration capabilities.

5. Hexafair

Hexafair is an ideal platform for virtual trade shows, expos, or summits, offering robust 24/7 live customer support online and supporting in-person and online training sessions, including webinars. Utilising 3-D avatar-based interactive features, Hexafair allows attendees to thoroughly explore each virtual booth, accessing detailed product and service information such as images and brochures provided by exhibitors, and watching pre-recorded product demos. 

While live demos are not supported, Hexafair facilitates networking through an attendee directory, enabling attendees to view who’s online, request virtual meetings, exchange business cards, or schedule video conferencing calls. The platform integrates well with essential software apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Salesforce CRM, and its API supports scalability for hosting global live events. Key features include exhibit and vendor management, ticketing capabilities, social media promotion tools, and surveys and feedback mechanisms.