Nearly 60% of EMEA AV buyers plan to attend physical industry events in the first quarter of 2021, according a recent Inavate survey.
The questionnaire, that canvassed the opinion of 1,177 AV professionals*, also found 83% are not planning to attend any events for the rest of this year.
Only 41% said they still didn’t expect to be attending physical events in the first quarter of 2021. However, with only 10% of the same sample saying they didn’t attend events pre Covid-19, it’s clear the effects of this coronavirus pandemic will be felt well into next year.
Most cancelled events, including InfoComm 2020 and the Digital Signage Summit, have offered online programmes, and some virtual events have even launched during this period. It seems however, AV buyers are keen to get back to meeting in person with only 34% believing virtual trade shows and conferences provided value for their time when compared with a physical event.
The majority (58%) of respondents said that it would be safety measures implemented at an event that would make them more comfortable in attending. And with only 34% saying they’d be comfortable with a regional event it seems like the industry is ready to travel again. Only 11% however were happy to attend events no matter where and without any mitigation measures in place.
*A survey of EMEA based AV buyers: 45% AV/IT Systems Integrator; 19% Audio, AV, IT Consultancy; 11% Distributor/Dealer; 5% End User (Corporate, Government, Education, Retail etc.); 20% Other