We’re going to take a look at the realities of online events and how they can impact your existing events in this next series of blog posts: “Online Event Myths BUSTED!”
Myth #1: Online events are out to replace real-world conferences and tradeshows.
Myth Busted: An online event is seldom a replacement for a real-world tradeshow or conference. After all, we came out to EXHIBITOR2013 in person to meet event producers and talk about online options!
While it’s true that online events can be effective stand-alone tools in many instances, there are many cases where online events are successfully implemented as a supporting add-on for their real-world counterparts. Adding an online component to a tradeshow, conference or fair adds value for your attendees and increases awareness of your brand.
There are many options for implementation of a “hybrid” event. Here are some ideas on how an online event can supplement your real-world event:
Fully Hybrid: Host the online event at the same time as your real-world event.
- Live stream your sessions
- Add a chat lounge so attendees can meet and mingle
- Encourage exhibitors to log in and chat live with online attendees and real-world attendees who are enjoying a break in the internet cafe
- Conduct live Q&A sessions and breakout sessions
Pre-show Marketing: Post limited selections of content and information to build excitement about your upcoming event. A full preshow micro-site is provided with each event license, ready for meta-tags and streamlined for marketing your real-world AND online event!
- Post pre-recorded presentations as a sampling of live sessions
- Host a live Q&A with the keynote speaker to build buzz
- Use the supplied preshow micro-site to manage registration for both online AND real-world events
- The expo hall becomes akin to a program guide! Allow exhibitors to showcase their products or information so attendees get a better idea of who they want to spend their time with at the show
Post-show Archive: Extend the length of your event by posting content to the online event so attendees can catch up on what they missed.
- Post presentations for archive access so attendees to watch sessions they missed.
- Save a shoulder, use a Virtual Briefcase! Attendees may download brochures from the online booths and presentations right to their computer
- Offer live chat times to drive attendees to meet with exhibitors after the event
- Virtual business cards (VCards) may be exchanged and downloaded for easy compilation
All in all, there are tons of opportunities to augment your real-world event with an online option. Adding an online component allows you to have your cake and eat it too!
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