Just because events can’t happen the way that they use to doesn’t mean they can’t happen at all. All around the world event organizers are creating new ways for their fans to engage with the events they love. Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon is going virtual this year. This allows runners to complete the race on their own schedule from October 1st-31st. In addition, the event will be hosting a Virtual Expo Experience from September 1st to October 31st. This will provide an opportunity for exhibitors, charities, and speakers to be showcased.
Learn how to take your event’s expo or vendor village virtual with Event Hub’s Virtual platform.
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While the decision was not an easy one, it seems to be very well received by the community. Fortunately, technology has allowed for event organizers to rally and create a whole new experience.
“Although, this year’s Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon will not be taking place in person, I want to thank Canada Running Series for putting the health and safety of spectators, runners, and volunteers first by organizing a virtual event,” said Mayor Tory said in a press release. “The virtual race this year presents a great opportunity to train and stay active throughout the summer and into the fall. I encourage residents to participate this year or to cheer on all the participants who are raising money for over 150 charity organizations in our community through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.”
Virtual participants still register online and run the race on their own time. The Virtual Expo Experience is free to attend and offers visitors a chance to live chat with exhibitors. In addition, the platform will feature a Speaker Series with informative sessions for runners of all abilities and guest appearances from elite athletes and celebrities.
Virtual Expo Showcases Charities
Through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, participants raised over $3.6 million for 190 community charities in 2019. The unique fundraising program has been a part of the race since 2003. Its mission is to “create a stronger future for young people and build vibrant communities.” This year the race will still be supporting fundraising efforts through the registration process. In addition, the charities will be showcased through the virtual expo. This will give visitors the chance to learn more about the organization and donate. This is an innovative solution that provides an additional fundraising opportunity for local charities.
“We’re genuinely thrilled about the launch of our Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Virtual Expo! Our mission at Canada Running Series has always been about ‘building community through running’ on the twin pillars of innovation and organization. Innovation has always been key, and we’ve learned we need innovative partners to build better and better running experiences. We take great pride in offering Canada’s best real-life Running Show on Race Weekend – it’s so important as the first touch-point and welcome for our runners, family, friends, and the broader community. We literally roll out a red carpet! The Expo showcases the latest and greatest in running, Official Merchandise, motivational speakers as well as getting us all race-ready with our numbers, shirts, and other goodies. Now, thanks to this leading-edge partnership with EventHub, we’ll be able to replicate so much of this invaluable experience in our Virtual space, including real-time interaction as part of the Expo Village. You’re invited!” Alan Brookes, President of the Canada Running Series and the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Get Involved
Those looking to participate in the Virtual Expo Experience can enjoy many benefits like product demonstrations via video or hosting video chat sessions in real-time. They also have the opportunity to receive customer feedback and conduct market research. They can launch new products or market existing ones. Each booth space provides the opportunity to link to an online store or embed it via Shopify. The event starts on Septemeber 1st and runs through October 31st but exhibitors have the option to keep the virtual booths up for 30 days following the event for residual traffic and engagement.
Book a virtual event space today at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Virtual Expo Experience. Registrations must be completed by August 31st.
