Essential Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Virtual Trade Show Platform

Riddhik Kochhar -

If you’re reading this, chances are you already have a basic understanding of virtual trade show platforms and how they replicate in-person experiences in a digital environment. These tools offer a wide range of benefits—but since you’re likely aware of those by now, let’s move on to what comes next.

The first step in your planning process is choosing the right virtual platform. Sounds simple enough, but with so many options out there, it can quickly become overwhelming. A good place to start is by reaching out directly to the companies you’re considering. Asking the right questions early on can save you time, money, and a lot of potential headaches later.

It’s important to know exactly what to ask when evaluating a virtual trade show solution. Beyond just surface-level features, you’ll want clarity on pricing, maintenance requirements, and any additional features or support services offered.

What Industry Does the Platform Best Serve?

Not all virtual platforms are created equal. Many are built with specific industries or use cases in mind. Some might specialize in virtual conferences or meetings, while others are designed specifically for trade shows and exhibitions.

Understanding where a platform excels helps ensure it can deliver a tailored experience for your audience. It’s also worth asking what types of events the platform doesn’t work well for. This will give you a better picture of its strengths and limitations—and help you avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.

Do You Offer Free Demos or Examples of Past Events?

Even if a platform is relatively new, they should be able to provide demos or examples of previous events. Reviewing case studies or recordings of successful events gives you insight into how the platform performs in a real-world setting. It also demonstrates transparency and a willingness to collaborate before any financial commitment is made.

What Communication Features Are Included?

One of the core advantages of virtual trade shows is the ability to network and generate leads. While many platforms aim to replicate the in-person interaction experience, not all do it equally well. With virtual events opening doors to a global and diverse audience, it's essential to offer meaningful ways for participants to connect.

For instance, SpatialChat includes a suite of interactive tools such as:

  • Live Q&A sessions with hosts, experts, and exhibitors
  • 1:1 meeting scheduling with options for text, audio, or video chat
  • Spatial audio that mimics real-world conversation dynamics, allowing attendees to engage in more natural, immersive group discussions
  • AI attendee matchmaking that recommends potential connections based on interests

These features help simulate the spontaneous, valuable connections that make trade shows so effective.

Is Content from the Event Stored and Accessible Post-Event?

Content storage is a key feature to look for. A robust virtual platform should allow presenters, exhibitors, and hosts to upload a wide range of materials—PDFs, videos, audio files, product photos, and even 3D models—that attendees can view or download.

Providing downloadable content not only enhances the attendee experience during the event, but also delivers long-term value. Attendees are more likely to revisit and engage with your materials after the event, keeping your brand top of mind.

Additionally, for pre-recorded sessions—like a keynote that isn't delivered live—having the option to upload and schedule that content ensures a seamless experience for both presenters and participants.

What Are the Platform’s Technical Capabilities?

Because your event is entirely digital, the underlying technology plays a critical role in its success. When evaluating a platform, it’s essential to ask a few technical questions upfront.

Start by confirming whether the platform is fully compatible across devices and browsers. Is it mobile-friendly? Does it require attendees to download a separate app? A seamless experience—regardless of how someone accesses the event—is key to maximizing participation.

You’ll also want to know if the platform integrates easily with your existing tools, such as marketing automation systems, CRMs, or analytics platforms. Integration can significantly streamline your workflow and post-event follow-up.

Another critical factor is scalability. Ask how many attendees the platform can support simultaneously, and what kind of bandwidth is required to ensure everything runs smoothly—especially if your event features 3D environments or rich media elements. Be upfront about your expected audience size and level of interactivity. The more transparent you are, the better the event team can prepare.

What Sponsorship Opportunities Are Available?

Hosting a virtual trade show can be a significant investment, and sponsorships are a valuable way to offset costs while enhancing the attendee experience. However, without physical booths or signage, the approach to sponsorship must be more creative.

Experienced platforms like SpatialChat offer a variety of ways to feature sponsors, including:

  • Sponsored breakout sessions that offer branded content or special programming
  • Webinars or live presentations hosted by sponsors to engage directly with the audience
  • Logo placements on landing pages, lobbies, and virtual booths
  • Virtual swag bags containing downloadable content, discount codes, or giveaways

The more visibility and engagement opportunities you can provide to sponsors, the more likely they are to support your event. Be sure to ask the platform representative for ideas based on past successful events—they often have great insights.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the essential questions to ask when selecting a virtual trade show platform. Many services assign you a dedicated event manager to guide you through every stage—from planning and execution to post-event wrap-up. Having that expert support ensures your event is not only well-run but also strategically aligned with your goals.

Book a free SpatialChat demo today and let us show you how we can tailor the virtual event experience to your audience, your goals, and your brand!