Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1276154
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION AUGUST 5, 2020 Page 19 Will There Be a Show in Reno?…Continued from page 18 There are many reasons to embrace a virtual convention and trade show. First, we should all be thankful that we are getting the chance to get together and celebrate and enhance the industry once again. After losing the chance to meet at all in Baltimore I know that everyone is eager to "talk shop" once again. Even though we do not get to gather in a fun location, there are some upsides to staying home. You can still attend the convention and trade show while keeping up with your day-to-day work. When problems arise or decisions need to be made, co-workers don't have to hunt you down at the evening mixer. The virtual platforms we have been reviewing were designed to be event enhancers and not stand alone platforms to use in place of a live event. The strengths of these platforms are that attendees can learn more about the people and businesses in the industry, have the ability to easily meet other attendees, learn reliable information, and share information. It is my hope that after using this event software, we will continue to use it for all future PSAI events because of its added value to attendees and the portable sanitation industry. You Will Be Surprised at What a Virtual Event Can Be Virtual events are not like the Zoom meetings you have been on the last few months. Virtual platforms for conventions and trade shows have been available for years and I am sure you will be surprised on how interactive, fun and useful this online software is. The platform the PSAI would be using is full of bells and whistles that are easy to understand and follow. Unlike what you get with Zoom, you have much more control on what you see, how you see it and how you can interact with presenters and other attendees. How does a trade show work virtually? If you think it would be the same as simply visiting a website, you will be pleasantly surprised. Besides easy access to vendors, you can talk live to company reps, see photos and videos of new products or schedule a one-on-one time for later. The event software makes it easy to locate trade show vendors and, though you won't find a free pen or a piece of candy like you would in person, you will find it easy and convenient to learn, find, and do business with the exhibitors. Until We Meet Again Even if we are able to include a face-to-face gathering in November 2020 and February 2021, we know there will be many who cannot join us there for one reason or another. With a virtual platform, everyone can connect even if they cannot travel. If frustration over not attending the live events has you down, know that you are not alone. We are all in this together and we are doing the best we can while dealing with a worldwide pandemic that is causing us to hold off on some of the things we most enjoy. You never know, maybe adding a virtual element to our events will prove to be very beneficial in the future and we will be have something positive come out of this for our events. But until we see each other in the flesh once again, we hope you will join us virtually. Please take a minute to tell us what you think about these ideas by completing our survey. v