Live streaming your trade show presence has several major benefits – the most significant of which is expanding your audience. With the majority of major U.S. conventions happening in just a few cities, it’s likely that you’ll want to reach folks who are unable to attend in person. According to TSNN.com, 50 percent of the largest U.S. trade shows take place in Las Vegas, Orlando or Chicago. Live streaming and creating virtual events gives all interested parties an option to stay involved even if in – person attendance is not an option.

Live streaming your event will also help you to stay “up with the times,” as they say. Virtual technology and webcasting are only becoming more common, so don’t be left behind. Shows and exhibitors continue to find new and creative ways to integrate virtual events into their overall plan. For instance, live streaming was all over at CES 2015. Technology giants Sony, Live Streaming Encoder Germany LG and Samsung all streamed press conferences online during the event.

Uses

Live streaming essentially just involves a camera, audio and an Internet connection. Equipment will vary – for example, you might want an external microphone for better audio quality. You’ll also need encoding software to compress your video into a digital stream. If you’re unsure of where to start, there are many companies that can provide webcasting capabilities for you at an affordable cost. Some big names are Ustream and livestream.

There are many ways to utilize this virtual technology. For example, ­­you can stream major events like press conferences and presentations. You can also offer a feed right to your booth and show product demonstrations. You can also use a virtual presence as another platform to promote brand awareness.

Interactivity

One of the most important components to include in any virtual event is interactivity. You can display interactive diagrams or brochures online to include the virtual audience in the experience. You can create online polls and facilitate comments or questions. Set up one – on – one meetings virtually just as you would with live booth attendees.

You can also create a theater – like presentation right at your booth. Set up a monitor so that virtual attendees can ask questions. For any presenters or key speakers you may have, a virtual audience only increases the value for them as well.

Dedicate one of your booth staffers to the virtual audience – this person will be in charge of answering questions that come in virtually, responding to social media posts and fostering further engagement.

Follow – Up

Although the main benefit of live streaming is just that – it’s live – footage can also be used for several post – event purposes. You can create your event as a video – on – demand for folks to watch at a later time. Your provider can keep these videos secure and choose a select audience.