AWA Alexander Watson Associates has launched AWAVirtual as part of its AWA Conferences and Events business – a platform of online virtual industry events, complementing the company’s long-established and respected physical conferences and seminars.
The first AWAVirtual event took place in August 2020, followed by a number of conferences and seminars which were pivoted from traditional physical events due to the impact of Covid-19.
Strategic initiative
AWAVirtual has been established to create a new and sustainable virtual conference and seminar model in partnership with AWA’s traditional physical events. “AWAVirtual is a strategic initiative, born from a practical need, which will enhance the activities of AWA Conferences and Events as we proceed forward with our growth plans, providing the industry verticals in which we specialize with the information, insights, and collaboration needed for success,” says Corey Reardon, president, and chief executive officer, AWA Alexander Watson Associates.
Record participant levels
In 2020, according to AWA Conferences and Events manager Francesco Ticca, “Participation levels in our 2020 AWAVirtual events exceeded the expectations of both our sponsors and ourselves, providing information sharing, marketing exposure, and potential sales leads involving hundreds more delegates than a physical event, particularly in these Covid times.” The events spanned such topics as release liner, linerless labeling, inmold labeling, product decoration and electronics, and shrink sleeve labeling.
Future plans
AWA Conferences and Events is planning to expand its AWAVirtual activities in the future, alongside its core industry conferences and events, which provide essential information sharing and critical networking forums. Says Corey Reardon, “We look forward to welcoming sponsors, speakers, and delegates back to an AWA conference or seminar when it is safe and practical to physically meet. Until then, we will continue to deliver content and information sharing through AWAVirtual events.”
