Cosmo Goes eREC: The Virtual Trade Show for the Recycling and Waste Management Industry

Due to Covid-related restrictions and generally increasing digitalization, virtual trade shows are becoming more and more important. Thus, COSMO CONSULT was represented at eREC 2021. eREC is a virtual and international trade show for the waste management and recycling industry, which was organized for the second time already. 28 international exhibitors and more than 5500 participants from the industry took part in the trade show, which took place from the 3rd to the 8th of May.

Why eREC?

As an industry trade fair for the waste management and recycling industry, eREC offers companies, visitors as well as associations the opportunity to start conversations about industry-specific issues and to establish new contacts. The entire trade show, including all talks and webinars, was completely free of charge for all participants. Exhibitors were able to develop business contacts and increase brand awareness on a national and international level thanks to the presentation of their product and service portfolios. Since it was a virtual trade show, it was possible to reach out to a much larger audience, as people were able to visit the trade show from anywhere and at any time - the only requirement being a connection to the Internet. What is more, there are no travel expenses in case of virtual trade shows, and employees are available even during their trade show visit.

Virtual exhibition stand - almost real

At the trade show, visitors were able to go to each exhibition stand, just like at a real trade fair. Links to information material and videos were available directly at the exhibition stand, such that the visitors’ attention was drawn to the product and service portfolio. The interaction between visitors and exhibitors was made possible thanks to chat functions and contact forms. Using the “Tawk.to” chat application, we as exhibitors were able to observe the current number of visitors at the stand and “speak” to them directly, thus actively approaching them. However, it was still challenging to start a conversation, as traditional methods such as small talk and eye contact could not be used, and as a chat message simply does not have the same impact as a friendly smile or a handshake.

Live webinars

Besides the virtual exhibition stand, recordings and live webinars were also offered as part of the eREC program. A large variety of speakers and exhibitors had the opportunity to talk about interesting topics in the area of recycling and waste management. For instance, sustainability, new system and waste processing concepts as well as innovations and technical developments were discussed. Topics such as current industry-specific regulations as well as cyber security were equally addressed.

COSMO CONSULT presents the “15 Minutes Innovation Battle”

A big highlight for us as exhibitors was our webinar titled “15 Minutes Innovation Battle – Going Head to Head for your Digital Transformation“. David Appel, Stefan Riedl and I (Pia Gegenhuber) talked about innovations and the digitalization of the waste management and recycling industry, presenting our ideas in the form of an innovation battle. In this context, issues regarding digitalization, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), Power Apps and Power BI were addressed. Those participating in the webinar were thus able to learn about innovative ideas in the waste management and recycling sector, and the webinar also had a certain entertainment factor.

Business Speed Dating

A slightly different part of the program was the “business speed dating” event. The process was just the same as for a real speed-dating event, the difference being that it took place on a business level and virtually by means of a designated platform called “Wonder.me”. That way, participants were able to start a conversation with other exhibitors and visitors via video calls. Sadly, however, not many visitors seized this opportunity. Nevertheless, the features enabling “face to face” communication were implemented very well, and every “date” was fun for us and came with interesting conversations.

Conclusion:

With a virtual trade show, you can reach a larger audience. However, what is missing is the usual atmosphere at a trade show if visitors do not have the same time and the level of attention as at a traditional trade fair and additionally must keep doing their usual office work. All in all, eREC was still a great opportunity to make new contacts and present topics and products even in times of Covid-19. Additionally, everyone was able to inform themselves about current issues in the waste management and recycling industry. We are already looking forward to the time when “real” trade fairs can take place again and we can physically be there to continue networking.

Here is a link to the recording of our webinar at eREC