Show Imitates Life - Without Hassles

From: Investor's Business Daily
Author: JAMES DETAR
Section: Internet & Technology


Anyone who's ever stood in long lines at a trade show just to get an entry badge or a cup of coffee will appreciate this.

A company called Internet Business Systems Inc. is hosting what it bills as the first virtual trade show for the electronic design software industry. The private Campbell, Calif., Web company calls its trade show the Virtual DACafe.

The idea of a virtual trade show isn't new. But such shows have grown more sophisticated over the years. The Virtual DACafe is amazing in capturing the look and feel of a real trade show, attendees say. Visitors use their mouse to move between different rooms.

"I can't describe how weird it is. You do go there to the show floor. And you have to go to the auditorium to hear the keynotes," said Georgia Marszalek. She's a spokeswoman for Accelera, an industry group that took part in the show.

The conference's live presentations ended April 25. But the Virtual DACafe show Web site is still up and running through midnight, June 7, at virtualdacafe.com.

During the presentations, attendees chatted live with speakers. Photos and business cards flashed on-screen during the discussions. In other words, participants did everything they would at a regular trade show. They just did it online.

IB Systems walked Accelera's tech support people through the process of putting up a virtual booth. "They help you pick colors and pick out what things people can click on," she said. "It wasn't that painful, even though we had eight presentations we gave at the show. That was a lot for one booth."

Just like at other shows, some companies offer giveaways to people who provide their contact information. There's even a button that attendees can click to order pizza. IB Systems made arrangements with Papa John's online pizza service in advance.

The show generated a lot of interest in the high-tech industry. In addition to Accelera, companies like Mentor Graphics Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. put up online booths.

Just like at physical trade shows, the biggest companies have the biggest spaces. Mentor, a leader in the market, took up a quarter of the available show floor.