Hybrid trade show platform: everything organizers need

The best hybrid trade show platform covers all the live and digital bases.

It enables organizers to maximize the value of their events while providing an enriching experience.

These platforms deliver true ROI while optimizing attendees to make high-value connections.

In this guide, we will cover:

• Easy onboarding and optimized navigation
• Hybrid trade show platforms with advanced lead intelligence
• A scalable white label solution
• The digital foundations of live events
• Monetizing your hybrid trade show platform

Having a platform that ticks all these boxes ensures organizers are producing premier exhibitions for participants.

Easy onboarding and optimized navigation

Event organizers need a platform that will make the entire process seamless for exhibitors and attendees.

This begins with onboarding exhibitors and enabling easy navigation for all participants.

The best trade show solutions have the resources and custom options to make these steps effortless while enhancing the experience.

Exhibitor Manual

Organizers can customize the onboarding process to make it easy but also to ensure exhibitors get the most out of their individual journeys.

These can be implemented through a comprehensive exhibitor manual that enables clear, multi-step pipelines.

Unique flows are built through the use of a drag’n’drop editor and conditional logic.

Monetization opportunities are also part of this – connecting exhibitors with trusted suppliers through a dedicated webstore, which creates upselling opportunities.

Exhibitors can set automated reminders, upload important documents and create checklists that make it easy for them to stay organized and set goals within desired timelines throughout the event.

Floor Plan 

A key part of a hybrid trade show platform is the ability to create an interactive floor plan.

It makes navigation easy for participants while developing layouts that make each event feel unique.

Exhibitors can customize their stands on the digital map with custom branding, vital information and links to company profiles.

It enables pre-event interactions between participants with messaging, favoriting and meeting bookings via the floor plan.

Attendees then have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the layout beforehand, but also have GPS-style options that provide clear routes to desired spaces on the day.

Hybrid trade show platforms with advanced lead intelligence

One of the primary goals for exhibitors is lead generation – it’s the organizer’s responsibility to facilitate this.

The platform being provided must be optimized to ensure this need is fully met in order to provide true value.

Lead capture occurs across multiple fronts during events, both in-person and online.

Attendees enter pipelines via badge and QR code scanning during the live show – while more leads can also be generated online when participants engage with profiles, content and products.

The best platforms empower exhibitors to prioritize high-value leads with an extensive ROI dashboard.

This stores real-time data that will reflect which participants will most likely convert into opportunities.

Hybrid tradeshow platforms offer these features so organizers can increase the value of their event by boosting exhibitor leads.

A scalable white label solution

A comprehensive hybrid trade show platform is needed to execute large-scale events.

Organizers require a tech-stacked platform that includes all the tools needed to deliver a seamless experience for participants.

A tailor-made solution that caters to each of their needs and covers every area of the event.

This ensures the trade show has unlimited potential for the attendees and exhibitors participating.

Scalability is essential in a platform for large exhibitions – especially if the aim is to continue growing year-on-year.

The event branding is also a high priority for organizers.

This requires a white-label solution so the event can reflect the unique concept it is designed around.

Having a 360 platform that is customizable, scalable and tailored is the only way to ensure large-scale events are both seamless and memorable for participants.

The online core of live events

In-person exhibitions are built upon a foundation of digital applications.

Advanced event websites and mobile apps are an essential part of the live-event experience.

The platform the organizer chooses must include this comprehensive online software.

Event website

A trade show’s website serves as the online hub for the event all year round.

It hosts all the vital information for sponsors, exhibitors and attendees alike.

A premium trade show platform will allow organizers to easily craft a website that showcases their event’s branding and highlight important messaging.

It also creates monetization opportunities to increase the exhibition’s value.

The digital space onsite offers sponsorship options through banners and splash pop-ups.

Exhibitors can take advantage of premium profiles that will put their brand front and center.

Event Mobile App

Arguably, the most essential component of a hybrid trade show platform is having an advanced event app.

It acts as the digital extension for every attendee, exhibitor and sponsor participating.

Visitors can book meetings, network, capture leads and share content on the go.

The mobile app is the backbone for every event and enables every party to access their key activities:

• Exhibitors use it to capture leads, engage with participants and analyze data
• Attendees can look up speaker sessions, company profiles, use the app to navigate the floor and connect
• Hosted buyers can access all their important documents and hospitality information via a dedicated portal

Tech providers must ensure that this integral piece of tech both meets the demands of all those who use it and enhance the overall experience.

Monetizing your hybrid trade show platform

The best platforms provide organizers with every opportunity to increase the value of their event.

Exhibitors should have the opportunity to boost their ROI by having more opportunities to make their brand stand out among others.

This is on offer through packages that include features such as premium showroom profiles and spotlight products that take priority in participants’ in-app searches.

Sponsors also have several options to showcase their brand through specific banner placements and splash-style ads.

These opportunities are not just available for the live event but also year-round via the 365 marketplace.

Sponsors can reach micro-community groups and different audience segments that go beyond the live exhibition itself.

These monetization opportunities enable organizers to maximize the ROI of their event, regardless of its format or size.

Harness your own hybrid trade show platform that is customizable and has the digital foundations to boost value – book a call with ExpoPlatform.