WHAT IS THE 2021 VIRTUAL SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS?
The Summit of the Americas is a premium virtual trade show and symposium, complete with Main Atrium, Exhibition Hub, Knowledge Hub, and Experience Hub. It will feature a variety of stands where exhibitors can showcase products and services. Online visitors (buyers and other retail management) will be able to view videos, read and download literature and chat with exhibitors in real time (with real-time chat translation), as well as attending keynote presentations and panel discussions, and networking with other visiting delegates in the virtual auditorium.
WHEN WILL IT TAKE PLACE AND HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
The 2021 Virtual Summit of the Americas is a five-day live event scheduled for 5-9 April 2021. After the live event, all exhibitor stands will remain open and active for a 30-day ‘encore’ and will be available online 24 hours per day. During this period, delegates to the event will still be able to access material and downloads and exhibitors can continue to receive visitor analytics.
WHERE WILL THE EVENT BE HELD?
Planet earth! This is an online event. You do not have to travel to any specific location. You can participate anywhere that offers Internet access. The event is accessible from desktop, mobile and tablet devices.
WHAT’S THE TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM?
The Summit of the Americas is being driven by a long-established 5-star rated virtual event platform which proved so user-friendly and successful at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October 2020. The platform is intuitive and easily navigable, making the visitor experience simple and enjoyable and making the crucial interaction between buyer and seller straightforward.
Our Virtual Stand and Experience partner, Singapore-based retail marketing and design agency FILTR will liaise with exhibitors and support you in curating your stand experience and delivering the project schedule. FILTR Account Managers are fully trained and highly knowledgeable of the Expo software system and the team has a structured and continuous communication stream with the Summit of the Americas team to ensure maximum visibility for each exhibitor. The team can also offer a host of add-ons for your stand and cater to any additional needs you may have at accessible rates if required.
AS A BUYER, RETAILER OR LANDLORD VISITOR WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE 2021 VIRTUAL SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS?
Well, firstly, you won’t need to spend anything getting there. No travel, no hotels, no entertainment expenses (though we think you’ll find it fun), no taxis. No stress, and no lost time on flights. Oh, and entry is free!
FREE? REALLY?
Yes, the only charge is for sponsors and exhibitors and even their rates are highly accessible. You’ll be able to visit every exhibitor’s stand; click on promotional material and videos to view their latest products; and set up private chats during the five live days. And of course you’ll be able to place orders – either during or after the event. [Note: For non-exhibiting suppliers, agents, and distributors the delegate fee is US$250].
AS AN EXHIBITOR WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE 2021 VIRTUAL SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS?
Plenty. As in plenty of ‘foot’ traffic. The Expo is open to retail management and buyers, managers from across the Americas – and indeed will be open to those from all over the world, who have already become familiar with the acclaimed virtual platform. A buyer or an airport retail director can pop in to check out your stand after registering. And you’ll know exactly who wants to ‘see’ you. Remember, your visitors don’t pay anything, all they have to do is register their details to visit. You’ll know precisely who’s visiting the show (updated visitor details are provided each week in the final month leading up to the Expo – all data privacy compliant) and what they ‘touch’ on your virtual stand.
The Expo team will be working intensively in the months before the Summit to ensure maximum attendance by retailers, buyers and airports. You will also be able to incentivise visits through intensive pre-Summit marketing, promotions and correspondence.
SO I CAN ACCESS THE KEY BUYERS WHO ARE ATTENDING DIRECTLY? CAN I CONNECT WITH THEM THROUGH THE VIRTUAL EXPO SYSTEM?
Yes, this is pivotal to the virtual buyer-seller relationship. You will know exactly who is coming, set up meetings and of course engage with them via your stand for 30 days after the live show concludes – and then hopefully long into the future.
WHAT CAN I SHOW THEM?
Whatever you like. New launches, campaign plans, prototypes, ideas for travel retail exclusives, videos, pdfs, you name it. And you can make appointments and host live chats throughout the live part of the show.
WHAT KIND OF STANDS ARE AVAILABLE IN THIS BRAVE VIRTUAL WORLD?
There are three options available (Silver, Gold and Platinum), all highly cost effective, with ‘early bird’ rates starting at US$6,000 and ranging through US$12,500 to US$25,000 (size, number of virtual touchpoints and positioning of stand being the key differentiators). You will have no costs relating to travel, hotels, entertainment, taxis etc. No stress, and no lost time away from the office. There is also no expensive physical stand construction, operational expense, dismantling, logistics and storage whatsoever.
THAT SEEMS VERY REASONABLE.
It is. It covers registration, your own Account Manager (provided by our Virtual Stand & Experience Partner, Singapore- and London-based Retail, Marketing & Design agency Filtr*) to guide you through all the technical aspects (they are not complicated) and your Virtual Stand creation.
IF I NEED ANY ADDITIONAL SERVICES, ARE THEY AVAILABLE?
Yes, Filtr offers a range of PR and communications services, for example preparing multi-lingual promotional materials and ensuring your collateral is appropriate. You can talk to them about any additional curated needs you may have as well at very accessible rates.
WHAT EDUCATIONAL AND CONFERENCE ELEMENTS ARE PLANNED? CAN ALL DELEGATES ATTEND THESE?
The Summit of the Americas will feature a stellar line-up of presenters and panellists in the Expo’s ‘Knowledge Hub’. Once again, you’ll be able to watch and listen all the sessions live or on demand without leaving your work or home office desk.
CAN AIRPORTS, RETAILERS, F&B COMPANIES, ADVERTISING CONCESSIONAIRES AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS ALSO EXHIBIT?
Most certainly. The Virtual Summit of the Americas Exhibition Hub will be zoned and will include areas such as Retailers & Distributors; Omnichannel Experiences and Travel Retail Services; Wines, Spirits & Beer; Beauty & Wellbeing; Sunglasses; Hospitality (F&B to lounges to airport hotels); Confectionery & Food; Fashion, Accessories and Lifestyle; and Tobacco & Reduced Risk Products; and Gifts & Convenience.
ANYTHING ELSE NEW?
Yes, for sure. The Engagement Lounge (part of the Experience Hub) allows exhibitors to promote their products and services through virtual masterclasses, tastings and demonstrations. Either live or pre-recorded, these 30-minute segments will be streamed to a global audience, including the option to invite a number of KOLs and category influencers, plus B2B and B2C press. Exhibitors can conduct masterclasses on a topic of their choice, including (but not limited to):
• Product launches
• Brand education and showcasing
• Sampling activity
• Product demonstrations
• Live Q&A
• Thought leadership talks
Event Contacts
INÉS SISTO PATRÓN
Coordinator General
ASUTIL
asutil@asutil.org
JOSÉ LUIS DONAGARAY
Secretary General
ASUTIL
jld@asutil.org
MICHAEL PAYNE
President and CEO
International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores
mpayne@iaadfs.org
STEVEN ANTOLICK
Associate Executive Director
International Association of
Airport Duty Free Stores
santolick@iaadfs.org
IRENE REVILLA
Publisher
The Moodie Davitt Report
Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com
MARTIN MOODIE
Founder & Chairman
The Moodie Davitt Report
Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com