Held from 9-18 March 2021, the First ASEAN International Furniture and Furnishings Show 2021 VX (AIFFS VX) showed how a well-conceived virtual exhibition platform can successfully fulfill the business expectations of participants – and even offer advantages beyond the reach of in-person events.
Organized by the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council, the show was to serve as a showcase for the Asia-Pacific region’s major furniture industry players and suppliers, connecting them with architects, interior designers, space planners, developers, contractors, wholesalers, retailers and homeowners. Participants could also gain the insights of industry speakers at the show’s programme of conferences.
Pico’s Global-Link MP’s virtual event management team, VX Events, supported the show with their digital and event expertise. The programme proceeded in two distinct phases: ‘live days’ from 9-12 March during which visitors could chat or video call in real time with exhibitor representatives; while from 13-18 March, visitors could access the virtual booths and leave messages for exhibitors. During the full duration of the show, participants could exchange catalogues, photos and contacts via the booths, and even schedule meetings.
Each virtual booth was designed to offer great flexibility for brand expression and showcasing, enabling them to offer a distinct experience. This also enabled exhibitors to display their full array of products, fulfilling the show’s aim of providing a source for its target audience’s every conceivable interior design and décor need. As well as furniture and furnishings, exhibitors offered diverse and extensive lines of accessories and fittings suitable for home or office.
Several virtual conference sessions ran parallel to the product showcase. Headlined by industry speakers and exhibitors, discussion topics covered the future/new normal of furniture, interior design and real estate.