Going virtual

o say this has been an interesting year is an understatement. Since March, each of us has been impacted by the pandemic both at home and at work. In our industry, we all have had to learn to do things differently. Sales personnel have been unable to travel and talk with customers face to face. Instead, employees have had to connect through Zoom conferencing and learn to use platforms like YouTube to conduct equipment demonstrations. Trade shows have ground to a halt, including the metal fabricating industry’s premier events like IMTS and FabTech.

One of the things that remains a constant in a sea of changes is our dedication to finding unique solutions for the market. We are always looking for innovative ways to help companies tell their stories, whether it’s a technology advancement, a new product roll-out or the next step in a software product’s evolution.

In this month’s issue of Modern Metals, we are introducing readers to our 2020 Virtual Trade Show. Beginning on page 31, you’ll be given an inside “pass” to a “show daily” that will introduce you to virtual exhibitors and their exciting products. Got a mobile device? You can scan QR Codes that will take you to a company’s virtual exhibit. Prefer to “walk the show” from your desktop? We’ve provided you with URLs to take you where you want to go.

The Virtual Trade Show will be accessible at FFJournalVirtualTradeShow.com during the months of September, October and November. We will continue to add new exhibitors and products so check back often. You don’t want to miss a thing.

We are excited about the opportunity to bring “visitors” and “exhibitors” together in a forum that while different, promises to be dynamic. There’s a popular phrase in show business that first originated with a ringmaster in the center ring of an 1800s circus. “Ladies and gentlemen, the show must go on.” We’ll see you there.

Sincerely,
Mike D’Alexander
Publisher