Click on an image, enter a booth in Synod’s virtual exhibit hall

The exhibit hall is a big deal. At every United Church of Christ General Synod, it takes up a giant space next to the main meeting room. There, visitors find ministry ideas. Things for sale. People to talk with.

The 2021 “Special Edition” Synod won’t be in a physical hall. But organizers hope its virtual exhibits — many staffed with people available for live chats — will draw special interest. In fact, they say it’s a chance for exhibitors to reach more people than usual.

“This year, virtual booths will be visited by attendees from all over the country and world,” coordinator Jan Gomoll wrote.

Exhibits will be open 24 hours a day from Monday, July 11, through Friday, July 18. Booths that are staffed for chats will offer live interaction between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. EDT.

How it works

People who register for Synod will enter the exhibit hall — and everything else — through a portal called meet.ucc. When they do, they’ll see a range of displays similar to those they’ve seen at in-person Synods.

Attendees browsing the virtual hall will find an array logos and other images posted by exhibitors. They can click on any image to enter a booth. There they’ll find information, photos, videos and links about that ministry, service or product.

Exhibitors will build their displays on a platform called Accelevents. They’ll use a template to load content into their booths.

The deadline for exhibitors to reserve a booth is July 8. Pricing and other details are here. Exhibitor training is available online — including a webinar at noon EDT Thursday, June 3.

“The exhibit hall has been a staple of the General Synod experience, providing attendees with the opportunity of learning more about the ministries of the church and partners, while also inviting vendors with services relevant to the church to be present with us,” said Associate General Minister Karen Georgia Thompson, Synod administrator. “The virtual space provides a similar experience to learn and grow together and purchase a variety of products for church and individual use. 

“The primary hope is that vendors and attendees will benefit from the services and products we are making available in the virtual exhibit hall.”