The Photography Show & The Video Show 2020 set to host first virtual festival
This September, for the first time, the UK’s largest photography and moving image event will move from the halls of Birmingham’s NEC to an entirely digital reality. Using the latest technology to create an immersive online experience, The Photography Show & The Video Show Virtual Festival will become the first of its kind in the UK, in response to the changing events landscape worldwide.
The show, which will take place on Sunday 20 and Monday 21 September, is set to take advantage of a specialist virtual platform complete with exhibition halls, theatre, and simulated galleries. The show has already confirmed that global brands including Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony, Fujifilm and Olympus will return to the show floor digitally to showcase their latest products and services.
Visitors will be able to attend this year’s show from the comfort of their own home. They will be able to navigate round more than 100 stands, chat to experts, watch kit demos and take advantage of exclusive show discounts. In order to bring its popular programme of speakers to life digitally, the show will use a combination of pre-recorded sessions and live streamed Q&As, as well as Zoom for networking elements of the show. Beyond this, the event will incorporate a 3D gallery and exhibition space.
Jonny Sullens, Head of Events at Future, which runs the two events, said: “We have a really exciting opportunity to do things a bit differently this year. With the show being hosted online, it is more accessible than ever before and we hope this will encourage new audiences to find out what The Photography Show & The Video Show is all about. We’re thrilled to have the backing of some of the industry’s biggest brands and we’re working hard to transition from the NEC’s bustling halls into a digital world.”
The Photography Show & The Video Show has been bringing the imaging industry together for the last seven years, welcoming over 32,000 visitors in 2019 alone. It is a show for everyone passionate about photography and moving image, and attracts professional and enthusiast photographers, filmmakers, videographers, vloggers and content creators. The show will return to the NEC in 2021 from 18 to 21 September.
What’s new at show?
Visitors will have access to Ask the Experts, a new platform which will give them a chance to ask for advice on their work on a one-to-one basis with a panel of experts. It’s a great opportunity to have images reviewed and get some impartial tips tailored to their specific challenges and projects.
Following the success of the show’s digital series, Burst Mode, earlier this year, the virtual festival will see David McClelland (presenter of The Photography Show TV) and James Artaius (editor of Digital Camera World) among others, get their hands on with the latest kit, and talk to manufacturers themselves about their latest launches.
What else can I see?
Over 120 exhibitors will have stands on the virtual show floor. Visitors will be able to engage with brand specialists on stand, watch product demos, get specialist advice, and of course buy the latest kit at exclusive discounts.
The Main Stage will host a programme of sessions that will run throughout the two days. It will feature elements from the show’s traditional stages. A host of tutorials, demos and interviews will offer attendees insights, tips and tricks to take away, plus inspiration to continue the next stage of their photography or filmmaking journey. The wide range of topics and sessions means there is something for everyone, whether a new enthusiast or seasoned professional.
