We live in an era of rapid change — economic, cultural and, especially, technological. The meetings and incentive travel industry especially has faced more than its fair share of these changes and challenges over the past two years. So ...Are virtual meetings and events going to spell the death of live events?
The rise in new technologies for virtual meetings and conferences including online content, streaming video, gaming and interactive, real-time education has been breathtaking. However, as reliable business tools they have not been without their failures. Nevertheless, viewed from the right perspective, these technologies can and do provide the meetings and incentive travel industry with new choices, new channels and exciting new opportunities. To see them merely as a direct replacement — a threat — to live, face-to-face interaction completely ignores all the potential they offer for adding value.
Be seen, be heard
Recent feedback from Cisco’s 20,000 delegates showed that the event clearly succeeded on its communications goals but fell short on both recognition and motivation goals. Participants missed that feeling of being seen, acknowledged and rewarded in front of their peers. They also missed the atmosphere that a live event delivers: lights, music and a tangible sense of excitement plus a touch of ‘star quality’.
At Eventscorp we believe now, more than ever, that people need, enjoy and are motivated by the physical presence of their colleagues and peers. In truth, this desire is possibly more vivid, more powerful and more appreciated now that the world is dominated by e-mail, the Internet and virtual relationships.
The key to the future is to embrace change, celebrate progress but also to recognise limitations.
Till we meet again...
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