The unexpected spread of COVID-19 has caused business disruptions worldwide, forcing many organizations to postpone and even cancel their annual gatherings.

As the crisis continues, there is a growing number of organizers moving their annual events, summits, and conferences to an online format to help attendees stay safe and avoid the coronavirus-related travel restrictions.

Over the course of the past few years, you may have noticed conference organizers including new options for online participants. The primary motivation was to increase ticket sales and participation without the need for physical attendance. In some cases, on-demand session videos and live-stream events were created to include remote attendees. Virtiual-Conferencing

In today’s “New Normal” organizers need to consider how a “virtual-only” option changes their event’s format and participant experience. They have to create an online space where real social interaction and networking can be accomplished while providing virtual exhibition halls to replace the normal, physical, hands-on review of new products and in-person discussions of service offerings.

In a virtual conference, the participants’ presence is virtualized through media, i.e. video, audio, graphics, and text. Creating an exciting, interactive experience for you and your staff is the main challenge of the event organizers. These events, done right, can have value and benefits you may not have considered.

Benefits of Virtual Conferences

  • Elimination of travel costs can allow more of your team members to attend, utilizing the same conference budget.
  • Accessible from anywhere, you can attend sessions, visit the exhibit hall and chat with fellow participants, all from the convenience of your home or office.
  • Ability to attend more tracks and sessions, as the live-streams are typically recorded and made available on demand. There may also be pre-recorded sessions on-demand by presenters not in attendance.
  • More potential for networking and social interaction during the sessions, as they can occur via chat rooms while the presenter is speaking.
  • Never miss a handout or session, as professional conferences will offer this information on demand.

How can you determine if your company should attend your industry’s virtual conference?

Here are a few areas to consider when determining whether or not to attend:

  • Is there a well-rounded agenda and is it easy for your staff to register for the sessions that will benefit the most?
  • Has the organizer provided simple instructions to download the tools necessary for online attendance?
  • Are the live sessions you want to attend available in your time zone? If not, are they available on-demand?
  • Are all handouts for the sessions available for download, before, during, and after the conference?
  • Are there opportunities to interact with presenters even if you cannot attend their live-streams?
  • Will there be breakout room discussions for different topics of interest or market segments?
  • Will there be a virtual exhibit hall and the ability to schedule one-on-one meetings with vendors?

With the advancements in technology, organizers can now transition interactive learning experiences, as well as product and services presentations completely online. Just be sure that your virtual conference has been well planned and provides the tools, flexibility, and content your team needs, prior to registering for the event.

See the work we’ve done for non-profits and other organizations by visiting the portfolio section of our website at igmcreativegroup.com.

About IGM Creative Group

IGM Creative Group provides advertising solutions, marketing strategy and web development for Fortune 500, mid-market and small businesses.

166 Main Street
Suite 202
Lincoln Park, NJ 07035

Contact by phone at 973-709-1126 or send an email to creativeteam@igmcreativegroup.com

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