I’ve been to plenty of in-person trade shows. They’re exciting, but also exhausting, expensive, and time-consuming.
A few years ago, I helped a client host their first virtual trade show. I didn’t expect much. But it worked. Really well.
More people showed up. Nobody had to fly in. And we got better data than ever before.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for the best virtual trade show platform. Maybe you want to host your first event. Maybe you’re comparing a few tools before making a call.
Either way, this guide will help. I’ll break down what these platforms actually do, how they work, which ones are worth trying, how to choose the right one, and a few things most blogs miss.
Let’s keep it simple and useful.
What Is a Virtual Trade Show Platform?
A virtual trade show platform is like attending a big expo, but everything happens online.
Instead of flying in, booking hotels, or setting up booths, people just log in from their laptops or phones.
Vendors still get digital booths to showcase products. Attendees can explore virtual halls, chat with reps, join live panels or webinars, and even fill out forms or shop directly on the platform.
Some include games, polls, or interactive tools to keep things fun and engaging.
You also get clear data on who visited, what they clicked, and how long they stayed. That was a game-changer for us.
What made the biggest difference? Anyone could attend from anywhere.
It felt easy, professional, and a lot more flexible than a traditional trade show, without losing the impact.
Benefits of Hosting or Attending Virtual Trade Shows
There are trade-offs with any event format, but virtual trade shows come with some big wins. From saving money to reaching more people, the upsides are hard to ignore.
- Save money: No flights, hotels, shipping costs, or printed materials
- More reach: Anyone with internet can attend from anywhere in the world
- Flexible timing: Offer live sessions or make parts of the event available on-demand
- Better data: See which booths were visited, what got clicked, and how long people stayed
- Easier follow-ups: Attendee info is already captured, making outreach faster
- Eco-friendly: No travel, paper waste, or large booths to build and tear down
- Level playing field: Smaller brands can stand out without big budgets
In my experience, the shift to virtual opened doors we didn’t even know were closed. It made things faster, cheaper, and surprisingly personal. For a lot of teams, it’s not just a backup plan, as it’s a better plan.
Best Platforms for Virtual Trade Shows
These are my top picks for virtual trade show platforms in 2025. I’ve either used these directly or worked alongside teams who have. Each one brings something unique depending on your goals, event size, and budget.
1. vFairs
vFairs is a go-to for large expos and enterprise-level events. The 3D environments look sharp and create a premium feel.
It comes with lead capture tools, strong analytics, e-commerce features, and add-to-cart options for virtual shopping. You can host thousands of attendees without performance dips.
It’s flexible, scalable, and well-supported. If you want the full-package experience with custom branding and global reach, vFairs delivers it.
2. Accelevents
Accelevents stands out for its modern interface and hybrid event support. It’s packed with useful tools like CRM integrations with Salesforce and HubSpot, strong analytics, and multi-track support for bigger agendas.
It’s more affordable than many legacy systems but still powerful enough for serious events. I’ve seen it used for both simple webinars and multi-day conferences.
The balance between features and ease of use makes it ideal for mid-sized companies or growing teams.
3. Remo
Remo is built for interaction and connection. The virtual floor plans make it feel like you’re sitting at real tables, letting people move between groups or speaker areas naturally.
Video chat is baked in, and conversations feel more casual and spontaneous. It’s best for smaller expos, workshops, or networking-heavy sessions where you want real-time face-to-face engagement.
If your goal is human connection over broadcast content, Remo’s unique setup works really well.
4. Brella
Brella shines in one-on-one networking. It uses AI-based matchmaking to connect attendees and vendors based on shared interests or goals.
You can book meetings directly through the platform, use sponsor spaces, and take advantage of built-in video chat. It’s popular in B2B and startup events where meetings matter more than flashy booths.
The layout is simple and focused, making it easy to navigate. If making solid business connections is your main goal, Brella is a smart choice.
5. VirtualTradeshowHosting.com
This is a solid, reliable platform for general use. It supports industry expos, job fairs, and product showcases with features like breakout rooms, gamification, and simple networking tools.
It’s also budget-friendly and backed by a U.S.-based design and support team, which helps with setup and custom tweaks. While it’s not the flashiest visually, it performs well and gets the job done.
Great for teams who want results without overspending or overcomplicating the event buildout.
6. VirFair
VirFair is a smaller, lighter platform that’s great for keynote-heavy or one-day events. It doesn’t have the deep customization of larger tools, but it’s easy to use and quick to launch.
The price is lower, and it still handles registrations, live sessions, and basic attendee interaction smoothly. It’s best for niche groups or small teams testing the waters of virtual events.
If you’re new to all this and want something manageable, VirFair makes a simple starting point.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
If you’re trying to quickly compare your options, this table gives a simple side-by-side look at what each platform does best. It covers event type, customization, networking strength, analytics quality, and pricing range.
| Platform | Best For | Customization | Networking Tools | Analytics | Pricing (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vFairs | Large expos | Very high | Yes | Detailed | $10,000–$45,000+ per event |
| Accelevents | Hybrid, mid-size | High | Yes | Strong | $3,000–$15,000 per event |
| Remo | Small events | Medium | Excellent | Basic | $3,000–$7,000 per event |
| Brella | 1:1 meetings | Medium | Top-tier | Focused | $4,000–$12,000 per event |
| VirtualTradeshowHosting | All-around | Medium | Yes | Decent | $1,500–$5,000 per event |
| VirFair | Simple use | Low | Limited | Basic | $800–$2,500 per event |
These prices reflect typical costs for one-time events and can vary based on attendee count, add-ons, and custom features. Some platforms also offer monthly plans or annual contracts if you’re planning multiple events.
Choosing the right platform isn’t just about price, as it’s about fit. Use this table to narrow things down, then talk to their team for exact quotes tailored to your needs.
How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Virtual Trade Show
I’ve worked with nonprofits, startups, and big brands, and the right platform always depends on what you need most. Before you pick one, get clear on your goals and must-have features.
Start by Identifying Your Main Priority
- Need more sales leads: Focus on platforms with strong lead capture and analytics
- Networking is key: Choose Remo or Brella for better 1:1 and group interaction
- Hosting a large event: vFairs is built to handle thousands smoothly
- Working with a tight budget: Try VirFair or VirtualTradeshowHosting.com
- Want hybrid event support: Accelevents offers great tools for both in-person and virtual formats
Then, Evaluate the Details
- Ease of setup: Can your team manage it, or will you need extra support?
- Customer support: Do they offer 24/7 live chat, onboarding help, or setup calls?
- Integrations: Check if it works with your CRM, email tools, or payment systems
- Data storage and compliance: Look for GDPR/CCPA readiness and optional EU servers if needed
Don’t choose based on flashy sites or big names alone. Always request a demo, click around, and think about what will make the event smooth for your team and attendees. That’s what really makes the difference.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to host or attend a virtual trade show, picking the right platform can make or break your event.
The last thing you want is low engagement, tech issues, or money wasted on the wrong setup.
We’ve gone over what these platforms actually do, why they matter, and which ones are worth considering.
You now have a clear sense of the features, pricing, and use cases that can help you make a confident choice.
Start by identifying your top priorities, then request a demo and test the platform from an attendee’s point of view. Ask questions, check support options, and don’t rush the decision.
With the right platform, your event becomes smoother for both your team and your audience.
Now you’re ready to make it count.
