Hi
After catching part 4 of 5 of the Marketing Mastery virtual event I’m attending last Sunday I couldn’t help but think about this “Next Normal” thing people are talking about
The event was excellent by the way - This time the main presenter was Erin from world renowned marketing education company Digital Marketer. SFM and DEA partnered with them a couple of years back.
Anyway Virtual events like this will undoubtedly be a big part of the next normal. Aside from the covid 19 problem they are more cost effective for all concerned than live events.
The organisers don’t have to book venues, hire AV equipment, pay for catering, insurance and all those other expenses that live events incur.
Attendees don’t have to travel or pay for accommodation. This is a big one for SFM and DEA members who come from all over the world in every timezone.
Another plus is that the sessions are recorded so can watched or rewatched whenever you want
As someone who was in the events industry for many years I know how this will effect that industry - badly - but the internet has actually been doing that for some time
One of the trends that came from the last recession was for video conferencing rather than live events. As technology rapidly improved organisations could arrange and manage virtual events themselves.
Of course nothing really beats live interactions with other people. But that can be done to some extent on virtual events too
During the Marketing Mastery sessions we have been randomly assigned to breakout rooms where we workshop together.
If I’m honest and I have to say sorry to all my pals in the events industry here - I prefer the virtual events
Just as well I think. They are here to stay.
They are a great way to learn and getting familiar with them is a new skill in itself.
Bests
Dave
