Unitas goes virtual for annual trade show

Unitas Wholesale turned to their computer screens to hold their second virtual trade show.

The annual event, which is usually held in person, was forced online last year following the Covid-19 pandemic – and with restrictions still limiting contact, they decided to follow suit again for 2021.

Taking place between 20-22 April, the event was hosted ed on a purpose-built platform, designed to facilitate networking, negotiation and business planning between Unitas member wholesalers and key supplier partners.

More than 630 scheduled meetings took place across the three days, with wholesale members and and supplier partners also taking part new product showcases covering retail and the out-of-home channels.

“The Unitas trade show is an annual key feature in the wholesale diary and although this year we were unable to host the event physically, we have still been committed to supporting all of our members throughout the pandemic,” says Managing Director John Kinney.

“Running the Virtual Trade Show is a great example of how we can achieve this. The event was especially important for our Out of Home wholesaler members as they start on their recovery journey as the sector begins to re-open.

“We hosted a virtual event on a new bespoke digital platform and early feedback is that it was a great success.

“I’d like to thank our member wholesalers for their participation and our supplier partners for supporting the event, and I look forward to seeing the benefits from the Trade Show materialising in a strong sales performance in the coming weeks and months.”

coronavirus covid-19 John Kinney online trade show Unitas Wholesale virtual