"While many companies want to participate in the show, their budgets are simply stretched too thin for the fiscal year ending 30 June," said Matt D' Agostino, owner of La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppes in New Jersey, and one of the show organisers.
Instead, they hope the extra time would be 'a good choice in order to fill the show with vendors and make a great first impression.'
In promoting the virtual trade fair, the organisers say their eBakery show eliminates travel expenses; e-visitors can attend every educational session of interest with the opportunity to download supplemental documentation; a trip to the fair involves no time away from the office; and in terms of emissions, the fair leaves a zero carbon footprint.