Social Networking is the Big Buzzword for the Internet

Submitted By Hanif Muljiani

Social Networking is the big buzzword for the Internet. Web 2.0 is the new standard that takes us away from simply receiving information on the web to us interacting with this information and ultimately with each other. The Internet is simply the newest medium to foster worldwide dialogue and communication. But how will this impact the world of tradeshows? Are we now going to be headed towards an environment where users will sit at their laptops and look at supplier offerings through virtual tradeshows?

Prior to 2001 there was a lot of hype around virtual tradeshows, this hype has diminished to a large extent, but the idea of these virtual shows is not dead yet. An excerpt from an article by Tatiana Andronache printed in the Galt Global Review talks about these virtual worlds:

“Some analysts predict virtual worlds will become common place within five years. But others are not so sure. A year ago, expectations were very high for Second Life, the 3D virtual world created by its users, to become a mass marketing tool. Recent opinions suggest that membership numbers and their growth were overstated. Most people do not have the time, skills and dedication such a site requires.”

Only time will tell whether virtual tradeshows will take hold and gain momentum. People are social creatures and getting together with like-minded business people to discuss changes in a particular industry or learn about the latest technology breakthrough will only be replaced when the resource expenditure becomes too great to justify physically attending the event.