UBM Asia launches first virtual event

World - UBM Asia is launching a virtual trade show next year designed for business schools and their potential students.

The virtual event, MBA Wired, will take place on 3 June and marks UBM Asia’s expansion into live online events. According to the company, technological advances allow these events to now replicate many features of real life events due to, among other things, ‘highly immersive’ visual interfaces.

“Virtual events have many advantages, the technology allows a closely targeted match of customers and vendors,” said UBM Asia’s e-business manager, Jerome Hainz. “Both can take away records and files, such as virtual business cards and downloaded documents, and traffic reports are immediately available to allow for a simple and rapid follow-up after the show.”

Hainz also pointed to the reduced costs in terms of travel expenses and time, as well as the fact that the shows can be continued in an ‘on-demand’ mode, giving exhibitors and visitors the chance to connect online as they wish.

“UBM has been very active and successful in staging virtual exhibitions in the USA and Europe,” said president and CEO of UBM Asia, Jimé Essink. “In Asia, the concept of virtual trade shows is new but we feel it is time to take advantage of the growth in online activities throughout the region and the expertise of UBM.”