Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has officially launched the virtual platform where exhibiting organisations will be able to showcase their products and services using digital content in the form of infographics, images, slideshows as well as video presentations.
In a statement yesterday, deputy chief executive officer Ms Stella Nkomo said the organisation officially launched the virtual platform on Thursday.
“For the first time, the ZITF is offering an online exhibition value-added service to participants in the international, multi-sectoral exhibition. Officially unveiled during the ZITF 2021 Exhibitor Briefing held on Thursday (at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre), the virtual platform will see exhibiting organisations being able to showcase their products and services using digital content in the form of infographics, images, slideshows as well as video presentations,” said Ms Nkomo.
She said concurrent networking such as the International Business Conference and Innovators Forum will be streamed live on the platform and the content delivery system of the platform will allow participants to have an interactive experience through the live chats and social sharing functions. Ms Nkomo said the online content delivery system will allow both the participants and exhibitors to enjoy various services.
“Smart matchmaking will connect visitors and exhibitors based on their interests as well as product and service offerings. This means that visitors will be matched with exhibitors who offer what they are interested in, based on the interests they indicate during online registration,” she said.
Ms Nkomo said there will be meeting scheduling and personalised schedules based on participants’ availability and networking for exhibitors and visitors, and social sharing on platforms such as LinkedIn.
Ms Nkomo said services for live polling and surveys for the exhibition and its concurrent events will be available and sponsored advertisements for exhibitors as well.
She said: “Someone might ask how does one access the virtual exhibition platform? All exhibitors who are physically participating in the ZITF will have an option to set up virtual booths as an extension to their physical stand.
“Visitors who are unable to come to the show will be able to access the digital content through both the ZITF virtual platform website and mobile application (available on Play Store and Apple App Store).”
She noted that the ZITF Virtual Platform has been particularly well received by international buyers who were unable to register in time as well as those whose countries are currently under Covid-19 travel restrictions and/or lockdown.
This year’s edition is scheduled to run from 21-24 September with the first three days being business days under the theme, “Showcasing the new normal for business and industry: realities and opportunities.”
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