AVIXA’s First-Ever Virtual InfoComm Replaced Live Show in Las Vegas in June
July 30, 2020
Even though InfoComm 2020 in Las Vegas was cancelled due to COVID-19, that didn’t stop the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association from connecting the global professional audio-visual industry on a virtual stage.
Held June 16-18, InfoComm 2020 Connected – AVIXA’s first-ever completely virtual InfoComm trade show and conference – drew in 23,408 attendees (41 percent from outside the United States) and 495 exhibitors.
“When we made the decision to cancel the InfoComm 2020 show in Las Vegas, the AVIXA team was determined to gather the industry together for an immersive experience of learning, engagement and networking in a virtual online event,” said Rochelle Richardson, senior vice president of expositions and events for AVIXA.
She continued, “The enthusiasm and participation for InfoComm 2020 Connected exceeded expectations and reinforced something we already knew: The pro AV industry is resilient.”
As the largest pro AV technology expo and conference in North America, the annual InfoComm gathers AV professionals from across the world to check out thousands of new products, learn about technology and market trends, and forge new business relationships. Last year, the annual event, which ranked No. 28 on the 2019 TSNN Top Trade Shows List, attracted more than 43,000 attendees and 927 exhibitors spanning 524,339 square feet of space at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
The virtual version of InfoComm offered 74 live sessions and on-demand presentations from 67 companies, with live sessions presented for 11 hours each day. Popular topics covered included conferencing and collaboration; fusing space, technology and content; emerging trends through the COVID crisis; higher education; and the state of the industry.
According to AVIXA officials, the virtual show’s sessions received 59,662 views, while its exhibitor showcases racked up 53,433 views. Attendees also embraced the event’s virtual networking opportunities, with 1,117 exhibitor meetings scheduled and 14,277 chat messages exchanged.
On the first day of InfoComm Connected, AVIXA CEO David Labuskes delivered a keynote address focused on AV’s role in creating a post-COVID world that combines the best of physical and virtual experiences. Kate Wik, CMO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, then joined Labuskes to discuss the safety measures the city is taking as it gradually reopens for business. The session also featured Sam Taylor, executive vice president and COO for Almo Professional A/V, who discussed the technological advancements and macroeconomic factors behind the pro AV industry’s evolution.
On the final day, the AVIXA Women’s Council hosted its annual breakfast virtually, featuring keynote speaker Sara Potecha, author of West Point Woman, who was one of the first women to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point. In front of an audience of more than 400 participants, Potecha discussed the academy’s competitive environment and the physical, educational and mental challenges she experienced, and also touched on leading through crisis with character, competence and composure.
According to Richardson, one of the greatest challenges of taking InfoComm into the digital realm was having fewer than 60 days to transition it from an in-person event to a completely virtual one.
“It was not as simple as taking everything already planned for the in-person and transition it to online – we had to make quick decisions on what we could parlay into online and create new content that resonated well virtually,” she explained. “In addition, we realized there is a tremendous requirement of staff support and engagement to provide exceptional service for the attendee experience during a virtual event. Our attendees need to feel they are a part of the community in a virtual environment just as they would at an in-person trade show.”
Although digital components could be part of the InfoComm experience going forward, InfoComm 2021 will revert back to an in-person format when it returns June 12-18 to the OCCC, Richardson added.
“Our world is undoubtedly changing, and we recognize the need to be agile and change with it,” she said. “While we anticipate virtual and hybrid to be a part of the conversation, we look forward to when we’ll return to the in-person event and everyone joins us for InfoComm 2021 in Orlando.”
The InfoComm 2020 Connected virtual platform will remain live through Aug. 21 for attendees to browse exhibitor showcases and view on-demand sessions.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment