Virtual trade show for office supplies starts on Oct 28

The month-long event brings together businesses selling corporate gifts, workplace supplies and printing products. PHOTO: SINGAPORE GIFTS & PREMIUMS FAIR/FACEBOOK

SINGAPORE - A virtual trade show for office supplies will be launched on Wednesday (Oct 28) as the Covid-19 pandemic puts a halt on exhibitions and trade fairs.

The month-long event, which brings together businesses selling corporate gifts, workplace supplies and printing products, will be held from Oct 28 to Nov 30, round the clock.

It is a combination of Singapore Gifts & Premiums Fair, Office Expo Asia, and PrintPack+Sign, which are held annually.

The event is one of many trade shows taking the online route amid the pandemic. An annual trade show for people in the franchise business is set to take place virtually in November.

From Oct 1, organisers have been able to apply to pilot meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) events with up to 250 attendees, subject to approval by Singapore Tourism Board and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Large-scale trade fairs like this one, however, usually attract up to thousands of visitors and have to be held virtually.

Details on the office supplies trade show were announced on Tuesday by organiser Sphere Exhibits, a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings. From Wednesday to Friday, people who have registered for the event can tune in to a complimentary webinar to learn how businesses can utilise social media and digital marketing to adapt to the new normal.

They will also get to enjoy exclusive discounts, hourly flash sales and stand a chance to snag prizes in lucky draws by visiting the virtual booths.

Exhibitors which have confirmed their participation include eco-friendly daily essentials manufacturer Lexngo and corporate gift supplier PrintnGift.

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