ConnecTechAsia 2020 converted to virtual event

THE 2020 edition of infocomm media and technology event ConnecTechAsia will be hosted on a virtual platform as pandemic-related measures continue to restrict travel and physical gatherings globally, organiser Informa Markets said on Wednesday.

Organised in partnership with the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA), the event incorporates the BroadcastAsia, CommunicAsia and SatelliteAsia events, and is co-located with TechXLR8 Asia.

The event dates of Sept 29 to Oct 1 remain the same, and the virtual event will be converted into a 24/7, 365-day interactive marketplace after the three-day programme is completed.

Informa Markets said conference delegates will engage in live keynote, question and answer, and breakout sessions, while companies will showcase their products to registered attendees on a virtual exhibition floor. It will share more details on the virtual format in the coming weeks.

Attendance for the virtual version of ConnecTechAsia is expected to be about 30 to 50 per cent of the 35,000 delegates originally expected for the physical event.

Said Ivan Ferrari, Informa Markets event director for tech, media and entertainment events: "In our function as market makers, we must adapt swiftly to serve our community in all possible circumstances, all year round.

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"The permanent addition of a 365 days virtual platform to ConnecTechAsia's offering will enable a seamless, powerful and continuous engagement within our industry and unlock additional, measurable value for audiences in the community we serve."

Informa Markets plans to use this platform to provide additional content on demand and new webinars on a regular basis, as well as to generate leads for its customers and the community. Since the virtual show will be able to reach a global audience, providing relevant, regional content and intelligence via this online platform will be a key differentiator for Informa, the organiser said.

Howie Lau, assistant chief executive for media and innovation at IMDA and co-chair of the ConnecTechAsia advisory committee, said using a virtual platform would allow companies to seek new opportunities and explore ways to navigate the new normal during this time.

Said Andrew Phua, executive director for exhibitions and conferences at the Singapore Tourism Board: "In these uncertain times, it is encouraging to see Informa Markets adapt and reconfigure ConnecTechAsia to be held on a virtual platform. Such innovations are crucial for our MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions) industry to reopen safely in a post Covid-19 world, and we are proud that our partners in Singapore are leading the way."

ConnecTechAsia intends to resume its live event next year, and has scheduled it for June 9 to 11, 2021 at the Singapore Expo and MAX Atria.