If you are one of those people who do not like attending exhibitions even though you appreciate the importance of such events, this may be your answer.

Bosses at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, which is the biggest exhibition and conference centre have just signed a deal with Hampshire-based Expocentric plc to develop technology that will allow potential customers to take a virtual 3-D tour of the exhibition, as well as place orders, book appointments and correspond with exhibitors without having to step foot actually at the site. All these activities will be virtual shows on the internet.

It is estimated that around 40,000 visitors attend over 200 exhibitions held annually at the NEC, events such as the Motor Show, Bike Show, Crufts and Clothes Show.