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When:

Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008

Time:

Staffed 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. central

Open 24 hours a day

Cost:

Complimentary (FREE)

Where:

You name it, your home, your office, the beach -- it's virtual

Virtual Tech Fair Guy's FAQ

What is the Distribution Virtual Tech Fair?

The Virtual Tech Fair takes the most successful elements of a live trade show and translates them into the virtual world of the Internet. As an attendee you can enjoy event networking, show prizes and educational presentations from leading industry experts.


I’ve never been to an online trade show. How does it work?

Anyone who is interested in attending on April 30 and May 1, 2008 should take the Virtual Tour to explore the tech fair environment and see how this platform can assist your technology selection process.

The Fair includes both Software and Partner Solutions Floors to showcase distribution industry software and technology providers in addition to select trade associations, industry publications and technology partners. 

To continue to create a “live show” feel the fair also includes a Virtual Lounge used for networking, a Prize Pavilion and an Education Center featuring interactive presentations from industry experts.

How do I sign up?

Complete this simple form and you'll be ready to go.

How much does it cost to attend?

Nothing, the show is complimentary (business speak for free).

Will I get a bunch of spam if I sign up for the show?

No, we're not in the business of wasting your time. We will not sell or rent your name to anyone. We will use the address you provide only for communication about the Virtual Tech Fair. For all of the fine print please read our privacy policy.


What is the Education Center?

The Education Center is your place to "do your homework" before the fair. Take a few minutes to review sessions by industry leaders so you are better prepared to work with the software vendors for your selection project.

For the Spring 2007 fair the educational presentations included leading industry experts like: Peter de Jager, Jon Schreibfeder, Steve Epner and the software providers.

Take a minute to pursue the archive to enjoy sessions from past fairs.


How do I interact with the show?

To create a "live show" feeling attendees will be able to chat with booth representatives and other attendees through instant messaging, emailing and trading virtual business cards.

Each booth is staffed live by one or more booth reps with whom you can start a chat, ask product questions and interact with in real-time.

For more information read In Show Communication.


What are the virtual trade show floors?

The Distribution Virtual Tech Fair is composed of two floors one for Software and the Partner Solutions. The Software Floor showcases companies that provide software and technology solutions to the distribution industry and the Partner Solutions Floor showcases trade associations, industry publications, technology partners and media partners.


Two days is a long time to be online, can I come and go as I please?

Attendees are free to come and go as they please. There are chat status buttons and booth representative hours tabs so that you will know the dates and times when the person you want to chat with is available. There are also large jumbo trons on each show floor to remind you of educational sessions and prize drawings. Live presentations can be joined in progress and will be archived.


When will the "live" show be held?

The "live" interactive event is to be staffed April 30 and May 1, 2008 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. central. The show is open 24 hours a day during the two day event.


What is the registration fee to attend?

No registration fee and the show is complimentary (did we mention it's free?)

What are the technical requirements to attend the Virtual Tech Fair?

To interact with the online show requires a Windows PC with Internet Explorer 6.0 minimum or Firefox 1.5. Mac with Firefox 1.5 is also supported. Macromedia Flash Player 8 is also required. Access to the internet using high speed access (Cable, DSL, Network) is highly recommended for the overall show and is required for all Presentations. Pop-up blockers must also be disabled. On entering the show, a system check is run which will identify PC requirements that need to be addressed to interact with the online show. For all downloads click here.

Who should attend?

The fair is beneficial to those who would like to attend a technology fair, that features the biggest names in the industry, but who do not want to deal with the hassles and costs of traveling all over the country. This virtual technology fair provides excellent networking opportunities.

Who are some of the companies that I will see?

BSW Consulting, BMA Software, International Business Systems, Activant Solutions, Epicor Software Corporation, Modern Distribution Management, Mincron Software Systems, SAP America, Inc., Progressive Distributor, Microsoft Corporation, Infor Global Solutions, TCLogic, Inc., Routeview Technologies Inc.

What is the Prize Pavilion?

This is where attendees will be able to view all of the exhibitors' prizes and where they will be able to sign up to be included in the drawings.  There will be a drawing each day and at the end of day two there will be a show prize for the attendee with the most total points. Click here for the fine print about prizes.

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