A Brisbane technology conference and exhibition will kick off today in a fully virtual format, amid the COVID-19 crisis.
More than 4000 people are expected to attend QODE Brisbane, which will run as a free event on 24 and 25 March.
QODE has secured a partnership with YouTube to deliver a virtual conference program, while Brisbane company Visitor Vision has developed an online exhibition that uses virtual reality technology.
QODE chief officer Jackie Taranto said the exhibition is a key component of the event.
“We wanted to ensure attendees could still have that experience, and now they can,” she said.
“Using virtual reality, they can walk through the exhibitor booths as though they’re at the convention centre and can even jump on a call to chat with the exhibitor as they would face-to-face.”
Through the technology, exhibitors can access information about who has visited the booth, the company they’re from and if they’re interested in chatting further.
Innovation Minister Kate Jones said moving the event online was in the best interests of all Queenslanders.
“No one can think outside the box quite like an entrepreneur or a small business person,” she said.
“The organisers of QODE have been clear – the show must go on. Or in this case, go online. In the true spirit of this event, rather than cancelling the festival, they’re taking the entire program online.
“This festival is about showcasing our best and brightest to the world. What better way to achieve that, than by sending the world a message – we have the resilience and the brains to keep this show on the road.”
The tech conference and expo will be streamed free of charge. To register, click here.
More reading
Tips for remote working and meetings
UPDATED: List of resources and support for the event industry
Australia’s tourism leaders say nation ‘needs to be ready for the recovery’
