AVIXA’s First-Ever Virtual InfoComm Replaced Live Show in Las Vegas in June
July 30, 2020
Even though InfoComm 2020 in Las Vegas was cancelled due to COVID-19, that didn’t stop the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association from connecting the global professional audio-visual industry on a virtual stage.
Held June 16-18, InfoComm 2020 Connected – AVIXA’s first-ever completely virtual InfoComm trade show and conference – drew in 23,408 attendees (41 percent from outside the United States) and 495 exhibitors.
“When we made the decision to cancel the InfoComm 2020 show in Las Vegas, the AVIXA team was determined to gather the industry together for an immersive experience of learning, engagement and networking in a virtual online event,” said Rochelle Richardson, senior vice president of expositions and events for AVIXA.
She continued, “The enthusiasm and participation for InfoComm 2020 Connected exceeded expectations and reinforced something we already knew: The pro AV industry is resilient.”
As the largest pro AV technology expo and conference in North America, the annual InfoComm gathers AV professionals from across the world to check out thousands of new products, learn about technology and market trends, and forge new business relationships. Last year, the annual event, which ranked No. 28 on the 2019 TSNN Top Trade Shows List, attracted more than 43,000 attendees and 927 exhibitors spanning 524,339 square feet of space at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
The virtual version of InfoComm offered 74 live sessions and on-demand presentations from 67 companies, with live sessions presented for 11 hours each day. Popular topics covered included conferencing and collaboration; fusing space, technology and content; emerging trends through the COVID crisis; higher education; and the state of the industry.
According to AVIXA officials, the virtual show’s sessions received 59,662 views, while its exhibitor showcases racked up 53,433 views. Attendees also embraced the event’s virtual networking opportunities, with 1,117 exhibitor meetings scheduled and 14,277 chat messages exchanged.
On the first day of InfoComm Connected, AVIXA CEO David Labuskes delivered a keynote address focused on AV’s role in creating a post-COVID world that combines the best of physical and virtual experiences. Kate Wik, CMO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, then joined Labuskes to discuss the safety measures the city is taking as it gradually reopens for business. The session also featured Sam Taylor, executive vice president and COO for Almo Professional A/V, who discussed the technological advancements and macroeconomic factors behind the pro AV industry’s evolution.
On the final day, the AVIXA Women’s Council hosted its annual breakfast virtually, featuring keynote speaker Sara Potecha, author of West Point Woman, who was one of the first women to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point. In front of an audience of more than 400 participants, Potecha discussed the academy’s competitive environment and the physical, educational and mental challenges she experienced, and also touched on leading through crisis with character, competence and composure.
According to Richardson, one of the greatest challenges of taking InfoComm into the digital realm was having fewer than 60 days to transition it from an in-person event to a completely virtual one.
“It was not as simple as taking everything already planned for the in-person and transition it to online – we had to make quick decisions on what we could parlay into online and create new content that resonated well virtually,” she explained. “In addition, we realized there is a tremendous requirement of staff support and engagement to provide exceptional service for the attendee experience during a virtual event. Our attendees need to feel they are a part of the community in a virtual environment just as they would at an in-person trade show.”
Although digital components could be part of the InfoComm experience going forward, InfoComm 2021 will revert back to an in-person format when it returns June 12-18 to the OCCC, Richardson added.
“Our world is undoubtedly changing, and we recognize the need to be agile and change with it,” she said. “While we anticipate virtual and hybrid to be a part of the conversation, we look forward to when we’ll return to the in-person event and everyone joins us for InfoComm 2021 in Orlando.”
The InfoComm 2020 Connected virtual platform will remain live through Aug. 21 for attendees to browse exhibitor showcases and view on-demand sessions.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
Add new comment