First and foremost, while the sponsors of these events are eager to bring them back, the attendees are a lot less certain.
CES could also be a turning point for small companies and trade shows. ... If there’s not a sizable amount of foot traffic and substantial numbers of customers or media attending these shows, it’s valid to ask if it’s worth it for entrepreneurs to participate.
That hesitation could extend to larger companies as well. With two years of virtual trade shows under their belt, corporations are now able to gauge the effectiveness of a virtual show against an in-person one and do a thorough cost-to-benefit analysis. ...
...a company with a really unique idea or product doesn’t necessarily need the fawning crowds’ oohing and aahing to get the exposure it’s seeking. (Look no further than BMW’s color-changing car, which has become a viral sensation on social media.)