Technology
Virtually connected Three tech leaders share their expertise on the opportunities and challenges of virtual and hybrid events and why they believe the future is (partly) online. By Brittney Levinson.
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he impact of COVID-19 and the ensuing halt on in-person events has seen a sharp rise in virtual events, those delivered fully online, and hybrid events, which combines both in-person and virtual components. With organisations looking to take their conferences and meetings online, the industry has seen a new wave of virtual event platforms emerge, creating new opportunities for engagement and audience growth. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, event software provider EventsAIR launched its new virtual events platform OnAIR with the goal to encapsulate all the elements of an in-person event. “It’s not just about delivering content like a Zoom session,” says EventsAIR CEO Trevor Gardiner.“It’s really about engagement and creating a memorable experience, long-term connections and an exchange of ideas.”
Jomablue CEO David Haysom-McDowell
Touchpoint, which traditionally provides on-site registration and technology services for events, was thankful to find demand for their services has remained strong, despite the move to virtual. “Pre-COVID, we very much specialised in event services and bridging the gap for event organisers between event operations and event technology,” says managing director Chris Buckley. “Very quickly we realised it’s really the same sweet spot for us – it’s just the virtual landscape rather than the in-person events.” Event technology provider Jomablue has found success with its new virtual platform, Jomablue Community, which aims to deliver events that put the audience first. “Where you used to go to a summit-style event and engage with the brand for a day, now you’re able to engage with that event for several weeks,” says CEO David Haysom-McDowell.
Touchpoint managing director Chris Buckley
EventsAIR CEO Trevor Gardiner
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