Portugal property fair SIL 2020 goes for hybrid format

The coronavirus pandemic has thrown up challenges for trade fairs all over the world, not least in Portugal.

Many large organisations that organise and promote trade sector fairs are embracing the challenge of social distancing and travel restrictions by offering a hybrid approach to these events which usually rely on attracting the actual presence of literally thousands of exhibitors, professional delegates and the general public.
Portugal’s annual property fair SIL, which will run in Lisbon between the 8-11 October, is no exception, but FIL fairs manager Sandra Fragoso says that this year they will be offering a hybrid format which will be both in person and online virtually.
Sandra admits organising this event, which runs in tandem with Tektónica (a fair for the construction and building industry) has been challenging to say the least.
“We had to adapt to the new reality, but nevertheless, the real estate sector in Portugal has shown great resilience and SIL is proof of the pudding that you can continue to operate in a sector like real estate and organise a trade fair despite the difficulties, and meet the needs and demands of the market,” she says.
“SIL has been a meeting point for the sector while keeping pace with all the trends in the market and it has provided a platform from which the needs, demands and difficulties in the sector are aired, a place where business deals are struck and the market beat can be felt,” Sandra Fragoso tells the property magazine Vida Imobiliária.
“We’ve opted for an event with a hybrid format so that companies and investors can take part, either in person or virtually, which also boosts the potential to internationalise SIL through the presence of international companies and investors via a digital platform,” explains Sandra Fragoso.
The event will be supported by a visual platform, Swapcard (mobile and web app), “Where all the exhibitors will be present through which they will be able to showcase their products to a wider number of national and International buyers thereby gaining greater visibility,” she says.
“This in turn will enable them to gain greater visibility over a wider geographical area both nationally and internationally, reaching players who are interested in getting to know companies and their offer as well as allowing them to take part in different activities.”
Through the platform delegates will be able to schedule meetings, discover real estate assets and take part in conferences.
“This new concept will enable SIL 2020 exhibitors to continue to promote and leverage their business projects far and beyond the actual days that the conference is running because the platform will be running 365 days until the next edition of SIL for both exhibitors and visitors,” concludes Sandra Fragoso.