The peak body of the events industry delivered their first 100% virtual conference this month. Let me tell you about my experience and thoughts…
Just like all conference and business event professionals, our team at GEMS knew that hybrid and virtual conferencing was going to be an important part of our future, but we were yet to personally experience all aspects of such an event. I was very interested to see if the virtual experience stacked up.
The Meetings and Events Australia ‘Evolve Renovated’ Conference included plenary and concurrent sessions, interactive Q&A and Polling, health and wellbeing activities, exhibitor/sponsor 1:1 meetings, and networking opportunities.
Four of GEMS team members attended the conference, and we revelled in the opportunity to immerse ourselves in our own professional development and upskilling – Now is definitely as good a time as any!
As a PCO, it is always refreshing to experience a professional development event as an attendee and to reassess the value of the overall delegate experience.
I can honestly say, I was impressed with the event format and virtual delivery platform OnAir – a highly interactive and responsive virtual meeting and conference product from Centium Software.
I logged off at the end of the day feeling motivated, inspired and connected to my industry colleagues, with a number of great ideas… Who would have thought?!
While I believe the virtual platform will never replace the ultimate value of face-to-face connections and shared personal experience, this was a great step in the efforts to continue professional development and connect with industry peers during a very uncertain time.
My hope is that industry and association groups thinking of hosting an event over the coming 3-12 months consider their options. I dare say, the Hybrid event will offer the best of both worlds and open your opportunities to connect with an even greater audience that ever before.
