I closed a previous post with a prediction that holding virtual events would be a trend likely to continue beyond the COVID crisis. I saw this article while browsing the BBC News app today, which clearly supports this prediction. The article concerns Aviva’s announcement that they will be adopting home working as “standard practice” in the future. I’m personally convinced this is the first of many such announcements and the start of a trend that will snowball. If my prediction is correct, it clearly has implications for patterns of work in general. However, I can also see that it will have a significant impact on the world of online events!
Growth in virtual events brings opportunities:
This post on Forbes, written by Jennifer Best, discusses the true significance of the COVID-inspired trend for virtual events. She considers the considerable “growth opportunities” that going virtual presents. However, she also discusses issues regarding technology and audience engagement. Jennifer also outlines some of the issues that mean that virtual will continue to be an important part of the events mix.
Start me up!
In her article Why Virtual Events Are The Future, venture capitalist, Julia Morrongiello, looks specifically at startup events. In doing so she pinpoints the significant advantages that going virtual has brought in this sector. She considers opportunities for global distribution, along with access to presenters that aren’t affected by geography. She also discusses the increased flexibility and reduced cost for event attendees. However, Julia doesn’t just focus on the distinct advantages of virtual events. She also talks about some of the subtle benefits of face-to-face networking impossible in the virtual realm.
Hybrids??? I thought they were cars!
Another prediction on the future of virtual events is the emergence of hybrid events. In his article for VentureBeat, Paul Sawyers forecasts that events will gradually evolve so that face-to-face and virtual elements sit side by side. This will give event organisers the best of both worlds while offering people choice in how they want to attend.
Eventually:
I’d say, with some certainty, that virtual events will stay mainstream, regardless of how they evolve. Organisations of all types will benefit as tech improves and audience engagement becomes easier. However, I can also see that the skills needed to host successful online events will become increasingly in demand!
Learn mor about how I can support your virtual events with my live production services.
Stourbridge-based Mooma Media offers event audio-visual support, event filming, live-streaming, video production, and still photography services to businesses, the public sector, and other non-commercial organisations throughout the Black Country and the wider West Midlands region. To discuss your project, or for a competitive quote click the button below.
Multicamera live-streaming support for virtual and hybrid events in and near:
West Midlands county: Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, West Bromwich, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton.
Staffordshire: Lichfield, Tamworth, Stafford, Cannock,Burton upon Trent.
Shropshire: Telford, Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth, Kidderminster, Ludlow.
Worcestershire: Bromsgrove, Reditch, Droitwich, Worcester,
Warwickshire: Warwick, Stratford upon Avon, Leamington Spa, Coventry, Nuneaton,
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