On November 27, 2024, the PDT Expo 2024 took place - a virtual trade fair organized by the Digital Tools Project Office (PDT), which is affiliated with the Academy for Public Health (AÖGW). The event set new benchmarks for digital transformation in public health services (ÖGD), bringing together experts, developers, and software providers to showcase innovative solutions and digital tools.
The PDT Expo 2024 marked the second virtual event organized in collaboration with the BUDDI subproject "Digital Skills." The event aimed to spread knowledge about digital transformation in the ÖGD and create an interactive platform for exhibitors and participants. The focus was on showcasing cutting-edge technologies and fostering meaningful exchanges. The expo provided an excellent opportunity for networking, sharing knowledge, and encouraging collaboration in the digital sector of public health.
Participants could actively engage with the event between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., attending presentations, exploring virtual exhibition halls, and networking with exhibitors and professionals. Additionally, the expo remains accessible as an on-demand format until January 6, 2025, allowing attendees to revisit the content at their convenience.
Simple Registration and Pre-Event Preparation
The registration process was designed to be simple, ensuring participants could join without technical barriers. Upon registration, participants received information about the event’s content and exhibitors, helping them prepare effectively. The platform also opened a week in advance, allowing attendees to test their login and troubleshoot any technical issues, such as those caused by firewalls—an important step for participants from the public sector.
AI Highlight: The EXPO Guru
One standout feature of the event was the EXPO Guru, our AI assistant that supported attendees throughout the event. The EXPO Guru was pre-trained with all key information and was available in the virtual lobby. It guided attendees by providing personalized recommendations and answering individual questions. Predefined prompts made it easy for users to interact with the AI, while also allowing them to ask custom questions.
Post-event, the EXPO Guru continues to assist on-demand users by offering session summaries and dividing content into chapters for easier navigation. Users can still chat with the AI and ask tailored questions to access the most relevant information quickly.
Knowledge Sharing Through Interactive Formats
The expo featured a variety of interactive elements to ensure engaging knowledge transfer. A dynamic moderator duo hosted the live auditorium, skillfully guiding attendees through presentations, keynotes, and panel discussions while encouraging audience participation.
Exhibitors also submitted pitch videos, showcased at the event's start to give participants a quick overview of the available solutions, tools, and exhibitors. In two virtual exhibition halls, 18 exhibitors presented their offerings through documents, links, videos, interactive chats, and video calls, allowing for in-depth exploration and direct communication.
Networking and Engagement
Networking played a key role at PDT Expo 2024. Various tools and features enabled seamless interaction between attendees. A people search function allowed targeted connections with exhibitors and other participants, while a virtual business card exchange ensured continued networking after the event.
Another highlight was the Photobooth, where attendees could create creative event selfies with personalized overlays and backgrounds featuring exhibitor logos and event branding. These images, shared on social media during and after the event, boosted the expo's visibility and reach.
In the Walk & Talk room, participants could move through a virtual environment and join small group conversations. Voices grew louder as they approached groups and quieter as they moved away, enabling spontaneous interactions - a key element for fostering meaningful networking.
Gamification: Smart Badges and Hidden Goodies
Gamification added an extra layer of engagement through Smart Badges. Participants earned badges for completing tasks like attending sessions, chatting with exhibitors, or submitting feedback forms. These playful elements motivated attendees to explore the content more deeply.
A hidden Goodie Bag offered an extra surprise - participants who found it could sign up to receive gifts from exhibitors, adding a fun and rewarding touch to the experience.
Collaboration Between PDT and MEETYOO
The success of PDT Expo 2024 was built on strong collaboration between the Digital Tools Project Office and MEETYOO. Weekly meetings ensured smooth coordination and proactive solutions to challenges. Seamless teamwork across MEETYOO departments - sales, project management, product development, and technical teams - and with the PDT team was the foundation of the event’s success.
Learning Together
While our clients gain insights into the potential of virtual events, we also remain open to feedback and fresh perspectives. Through this collaboration, we gathered valuable insights into accessibility, which helped us further enhance our already accessible platform to deliver even more inclusive digital experiences.
Looking Ahead
The PDT Expo 2024 was a resounding success and a shining example of digital transformation in public health services. The high participation numbers and positive feedback underscore the importance of platforms like these for knowledge exchange and networking in public health and the broader healthcare sector.
Preparations for PDT Expo 2025 are already underway, and we are excited to bring the next edition of this virtual event to life.
