Virtual Expo a Success at Congress Xstream

Congress attendees are experiencing live networking and vendor expos like never before during Congress Xstream this week.

Payroll vendors from around the world have been showcasing their latest products, services, and technology at APA’s virtual Expo. A total of 52 booths are set up in the exhibitor showcase, which include 16 in the Global Expo.

Exhibitors have been able to function fairly the same as they would in person, with everything available to attendees such as product information and demos and company resources. Certain booths such as Ceridian have even held drawings for prizes including $250 Amazon gift cards.

Attendees are able to live chat with representatives from each booth and ask questions about their products in real time.

Amanda Pinkerman, Chief Operating Officer at ANTS, who was manning her company's virtual exhibit booth this week, said she enjoyed the experience of the virtual expo, even though she misses interacting with people on the expo floor.

"I am a people person, so I really enjoy being in person, but this has been a good platform," she said. "I like how people's first experience is our intro video. It gives them a quick idea of what we do and allows them to determine if this is a service they require or not."

Virtual networking has also been a hit among Congress attendees. As the chats were open to all, attendees are speaking with each other as well as exhibit representatives about the products, Congress Xstream, and more.

"Just popping in! We already use ADP and just looking around to see what other ADP products are available. Wisely looks interesting," wrote Pablo Ortiz, CPP, in the ADP exhibit chat. 

Pinkerman said the new chat function has its own challenges, but the switch from in-person to virtual interaction has been smooth overall. 

"So far, we haven't had an issue with being asked multiple questions at once," Pinkerman said. 

Pinkerman also said the virtual expo could be a staple of the future.

"I would hope that we will continue to have in person events," she said. "But should the landscape of the experience become a virtual standard, we will shift to meet the new economy."