Regular exhibition-goers relate the benefits

PEOPLE who enjoy going to exhibitions and fairs are missing these events since the movement control order took effect in March.

Among them is lecturer Jessica Ho, a 38-year-old mother of one, who used to enjoy attending food-related exhibitions, home and living expositions as well as pet fairs.

Ho visits exhibitions and fairs to gain knowledge.

“Fairs are a good place to mingle and learn about what’s new.

“I miss shopping at the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) fair.

“I also miss food fairs.

“There is just the pull factor of meeting like-minded people, knowledgeable sales people and getting international exposure, ” explained Ho.

Seri Nor Nadiah Koris, 32, a writer, said she liked attending art-related exhibitions.

Seri misses attending art-related shows.

“This MCO is frustrating to me.

“We cannot socialise and even enjoy the arts scene.

“I used to enjoy the music performances while at these fairs.

“The food, people and overall atmosphere are enjoyable.

“I truly miss the pre-MCO days. I am not sure when life will return to normal, ” Seri added.

Although some exhibitions and conferences have moved to the online platform, corporate communications manager P. Malini, 40, said it was not the same as those held at brick-and-mortar venues.

Malini says online conferences are different from face-to-face ones.

“Yes, we are in the digital era and we are supposed to embrace technology.

“However, as they say, humans are social beings and we thrive on human interaction.

“At the conferences (in physical venues), we get to meet people from all over the world and in the same industry, ” she said.

Malini added that face-to-face interaction was always the best and most memorable.