Trade shows are wonderful ways to meet new people, find out about new products, network with your peers, and take advantage of educational sessions. The downsides, as we know, are crowded plane flights, travel costs and aching feet. Virtual trade shows are designed to provide the advantages of a trade show from the convenience of your computer.

If you’re wondering what it’s all about, register for the Global Green Expo, which takes place August 5. The event is free for attendees, who can explore the virtual show floor to learn about new products, attend educational webinars to earn AIA and USGBC credits, and chat with other participants online. (As an added bonus, attendees also have the chance to win a pair of round trip tickets from SouthWest Airlines.)

Exhibitors include GAF Materials Corp., Duro-Last Roofing, Firestone Building Products, BASF, Lean Logistics, E-Mon and Redi Controls, and the event will offer six educational sessions and three keynote addresses. I will be on hand for the roofing-related sessions titled “High-Performance Vinyl Roofing,” presented by Duro-Last’s Drew Ballensky and “Saving Energy and Money on Your Commercial Roof,” presented by Firestone Building Products’ John Geary.

For the full conference agenda and to register, go to www.virtualglobalgreenexpo.com.

On Twitter, search #greenexpo; or join the “Global Green Expo” LinkedIn Group.

This virtual trade show will be a first for me, so I’m looking forward to it. Stop by Roofing Contractor’s booth and let me know what you think of the show. If you sign up, you just might win a free plane ticket to the next physical trade show you’d like to attend.