Are virtual events the future of business conferences? As we move into remote work, ongoing professional education and networking have slowed down, but with social distancing still in place, we need to adapt. Meeting online isn’t a new concept, but can we use it in different ways?
Globally, the business event industry is $1.5 trillion. Events have been canceled and indefinitely postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to significant loss of business not only for event organizers but also for attendees and businesses local to major events, as well.
Businesses depend on these events to educate their staff about what’s new in their industries, to network with other businesses that may be able to use their services, and to find new clients. Employees depend on these events for professional development and networking.
Luckily, with the tools we have available, virtual conferences can serve as a temporary solution until we can meet face-to-face again. Although it may seem like a new concept, virtual meetings, networking, and conferences have been around for a long time, and now is their moment to excel.
By next year it is estimated that 80% of web traffic will be video, including video conferencing. And while some may believe that virtual conferences would not be conducive to attentiveness, but 86% of participants in online meetings say they are as attentive as or more attentive than they would be in an in-person conference.
As things slowly begin to reopen, people will still be reluctant to go to big events, especially those that require travel. Virtual events will be bridging the gap for a long time to come, and they may be here to stay. Learn more about the benefits of virtual business events from the infographic below.
Infographic Source: Data Connectors