Online version of Batibouw construction trade fair opens today
Belgium’s largest construction industry trade fair opened its doors today. However, due to the measures designed to curb the spread of COVID-19 this year’s fair will take place online rather than at the Brussels Expo exhibition centre. Batibouw 2021 can be visited via a digital platform (available in Dutch and French). Once registered visitors search for products and companies that will help their construction or renovation plans become reality. They will be escorted though the virtual trade fair by means of a chat box and can discuss their plans with exhibitors via online videocalls and chat messaging.
Batibouw’s Director Frédéric Devos told VRT News "Batibouw’s 2021’s online platform uses the same basic principles as the physical trade fair. Visitors and exhibitors can talk to each other face to face, albeit it virtually”.
Around 200 exhibitors are taking part in the virtual platform and around 150,000 people are expected to visit it. Last year’s Batibouw trade fair that was one of the last big events to be held before the start of the first lockdown attracted over 187,000 visitors.
Batibouw 2021’s online virtual platform will be open for business from today (27 February) until Sunday 7 March. Opening hours are 10am until 7pm. On Thursday 4 March opening hours are extended until 9pm. Entrance to the online trade fair is free of charge.