PHILIPPINES event management company Global-Link MP has launched a business division to help trade shows and other business events join the virtual space.
VX Events was unveiled at a virtual press conference organised by Global-Link MP with four conferences and exhibitions announced as the new division’s first major projects.
Executives at the Manila-based platform leading the digital change said the rise of virtual trade shows would not invalidate physical formats, particularly once Covid came under control. Digital solutions to create virtual events, however, would continue to be rolled out.
“The events industry is going to continue to change for the months and years to come,” Patrick Lawrence Tan, chief executive of Global-Link MP, told MIX.
“While we hope for things to go back to normal, we know we have to continue serving the needs of our clients, our exhibitors, and the people who join trade shows to generate business,” Tan said.
He pointed out that two of the shows VX Events was working on – Pack Print Plas Philippines (October 8-14) and Philconstruct (November 5-11) – were going ahead with physical shows alongside their virtual editions.
Jing Lagandaon, COO of Global-Link MP, added: “You really cannot compare physical events to virtual events. Both have their own sets of advantages.
“While going virtual is certainly not a Band-Aid solution for us, we are serious about developing this here in the Philippines.
More… Why we’ll fall out of love with virtual
“We are replicating the advantages and business opportunities found in physical trade shows and delivering them in a virtual space, giving people alternatives,” Lagandaon said.
Global-Link MP also introduced EventXtra, a Hong Kong-based corporate event management software provider, as its technology partner for these virtual shows.
The combination of Global-Link MP’s event expertise with EventXtra’s technology made for a promising business direction at a “time when the possibility of holding in-person events is slim to none”, the press conference was told.
The streaming of the press conference in July received more than 2,000 page views while 341 guests participated, including;
- 27 media representatives;
- 76 senior executives, and
- 31 government representatives.
During the press conference, the potential of VX Events was shown with a live demonstration of a virtual exhibition hall and dialogue between speakers and attendees.
Global-Link MP is part of the MP Group, an exhibition and conference organiser with operations in Asia and Europe.
