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Rise in Virtual Trade Shows Predicted: A lengthy feature in the October issue of Wired highlights the many ways people and businesses are using technology to get satisfactory results with minimal budgets. One trend on the rise is virtual trade shows, where vendors send avatars into cyberspace to meet with potential clients and customers. It's not a new concept, but analysts expect 5,000 online expos in 2010, a 500 percent increase from 2009. [Wired]

Planners Still Favor Person-to-Person: Virtual trade shows, meetings, and conferences may be on the rise, but they are facing a bit of resistance from industry professionals. At the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International's recent Affordable Meetings National and Event Technology Expo, attendees in a poll said they used technology for marketing efforts and presentations but still avoided virtual meetings. Among the key conference elements they thought got lost in translation were spontaneous networking, identifying attendees, and a free and open dialogue between all parties. Many also noted that the available technologies still weren't up to snuff to hold a seamless virtual event. [Reuters] MORE >>

Virtual Meetings, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, Fashion Week, Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, MTV Video Music Awards

NEWS 06.17.09 2:15 PM

MuchMusic Expands Fan Access to Video Awards Through Partnerships With Pepsi, Nokia

Although CTV isn't hosting a party during the 20th annual live broadcast of the MuchMusic Video Awards Sunday, fans of the Jonas Brothers, Lady Gaga, and the Black Eyed Peas will have more ways than ever to interact with the show and watch their favourite performers, thanks to two new brand partnerships. The music station is joining forces with Pepsi and Nokia to create online experiences—dubbed the MMVAs Backstage Live and the Nokia Sound Check—designed to increase fan access to the event this year.

"We like to think of the MMVAs as the Super Bowl for youth in Canada. Advertisers get to attach themselves to a platinum event, and some sponsors want to dig deeper and create exclusive experiences. This year Pepsi and Nokia wanted to step it up and do something extra special around their sponsorship of the MMVAs," said Brad Schwartz, senior vice president and general manager of Much MTV Group. MORE >>

MuchMusic Video Awards, CTV, Pepsico Beverages Canada, Nokia, Jonas Brothers, Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas

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