The end-to-end tech integration provider will kick things off with a new omnichannel digital experience for IMEX America starting May. Photo Credit: Instagram/imex_group
IMEX has announced a partnership with end-to-end tech integration provider, Swapcard, who will be delivering a new AI-powered virtual and hybrid events platform for IMEX America later this year.
Ahead of the 9-11 November trade show, IMEX and Swapcard will run a new all-in-one, omni-channel digital experience to build business momentum and connections. The aim of the show's new digital experience, according to IMEX, is to give tangible business value to the company’s traditional buyer and supplier audiences, networking opportunities and tap into a new online audience.
“In planning our new digital activations over the summer, we’ve carefully considered the needs of our community, delivering content that connects, informs, entertains and resonates over the long term. We’re mindful that you can’t simply pick up a trade show and transfer it online," said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.
Of this new partnership, she added that after one year of mostly online content, people are expecting "high production values, interactivity and content that’s of tangible benefit — digital content needs to be more nuanced than that for it to be valuable and worthy of attention".
At the moment, traditional virtual event platforms generally seek to replicate the experience of singular in-person tradeshows. Swapcard — which saw a 400% growth after hosting 1,500 virtual events last year — steps in as an all-in-one omnichannel hybrid event and matchmaking platform with a long-term view on online community creation and eCommerce.
Just like social networking, Swapcard's artificial intelligence matches audiences with the people and content most relevant to their interests, offering a full suite of features to help event planners run successful events including live streaming, an online marketplace, network matchmaking features, 1-1 video calls and more.
"IMEX Group is recognised as the premier destination for global events for event planners. We couldn't be more excited about this partnership and look forward to providing a rich, immersive virtual events experience and networking opportunities to IMEX Group's many event attendees and exhibitors," said Baptiste Boulard, CEO and co-founder, Swapcard.
IMEX America will take place this year at its new home of Mandalay Bay.