This year's Event Tech Live (ETL) will marry five virtual days to the traditional two physical days at the Old Truman Brewery in London, organisers have announced.
The physical event, on November 4-5, will incorporate safety steps overseen by A.C.T. (National) health & safety consultants. The expanded virtual platform will deliver more content and more engagement, through meetings in person and online, across a full working week - November 2-6.
Analysis carried out after each of the six shows since ETL launched in 2014 highlights how exhibitors and visitors typically use the event to springboard business in the following year and to set up demos for their platforms and services. The new‐look virtual element aims to extend and accelerate those processes by stretching the canvas beyond traditional opening times and extending its geography from East London to everywhere.
Adam Parry, Event Tech Live’s co‐founder, said: “There is no doubt that Covid‐19 has accelerated our plans to go fully hybrid just as we have seen many events around the globe pivot to online‐only to keep their community connected and provide value for their sponsors.
“We are at a slight advantage having vast knowledge of the event tech landscape together with experience of what can, or sometimes can’t, work. What's most exciting to me is using this opportunity to push the boundaries, to once again experiment with the formula of an ‘exhibition’.
“Our experience in the virtual world meant we were completely confident in launching the Sustainable Event Awards in February 2020 as an online‐only event.”
Abi Cannons, global innovation success manager for Reed Exhibitions, said: “Having attended Event Tech Live as an independent visitor, a supplier and now as a buyer with my role at Reed Exhibitions, a hybrid ETL always made sense to me."
Event Tech Live takes place on November 2-6 2020, with the two physical event days on November 4-5 at the Old Truman Brewery in East London.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
