Why the Events Business is Rapidly Changing (For the Better)
Slowly, but surely, the events landscape is changing for the better. What we’ve learned in our partnership with Varvid and observing other events is the emergence of a hybrid model that allows you to attend in-person, virtually or both.
For example, our recently completed SMB Nation Spring Conference actually had more attendees online than in-person. It made for a more diverse and complete inclusive experience for all. Each attendee model has its pluses and minuses but overall the hybrid event synergy we witnessed was 1+1=3.
THE FULL EVENTS EQUATION
LIVE EXPERIENCE : The in-person attendance is still the most valuable, and wiser minds know this. For example–Hallway 101. We’ve been preaching for years that professionals need to get out and circulate. An in-person experience provides the ability to connect and develop relationships that are not possible online. Think of it this way by analogy. The old “Arthur Andersen” consulting model was to have its management consultants camp out at customer sites. Inevitability additional work would follow as clients said: “Can’t you just do this?” on top of the agreed upon statement of work. The reply was always: “Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full.” The in-person attendee enjoys that same dynamic–resulting in more goodness. If you don’t understand what I’m saying–then there is really no reason to continue reading and “play acting” as an SMB IT Pro.
VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE: In reality, while everyone would prefer to attend a “live experience,” the reality is that you can’t attend all the conferences you want to. Add that you might be facing economic challenges that prevent you from enjoying a live experience. That’s where streaming conference content, such as we did for select lectures at the SMB Nation Spring Conference, really validate the online conferencing model.
Here are two streaming content examples:
• Keynote: BlackBerry 10 for Small and Medium Business http://youtu.be/ZUAWgccWkx4
• Keynote: Maximize Your Business Success by Partners with Dell http://youtu.be/yVqU10se5pI
Another virtual conference that recently concluded was Karl Palachuk’s SMB IT Business Reboot 2013 Online Conference that was presented as a podcast. I liked it, and for the second year in a row, I could enjoy regardless of where I was physically located.
HYBRID: I think you need both conference models combined for the same event. We essentially do that for each SMB Nation event, and Robin Robins has done the same for her annual Technology Marketing Toolkit Boot Camp held each April. Larger events like WPC do some broadcasting (keynotes only). I’ve found we can essentially make everyone happy with the hybrid model of live experience and online. This includes our sponsors who enjoy more leads and prospects than just a live conference can provide! So I now turn the question to you. What are your thoughts on hybrid conferences? Lemme know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Check out this story and more in the 7-4 Issue of the smbNATION Magazine!
