Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and recovery stages, it has been more than essential for local, national and global organizations to create a virtual component for their annual conferences, seminars and workshops. These changes have allowed these organizations to stay connected to some of their biggest clients in the business, but the transition hasn’t been without its challenges.
Below, Forbes Human Resources Council members discuss nine benefits (and some of the challenges) that a well-organized virtual event can have on an establishment’s growth and stability.
Forbes Human Resources Council members share their insight.
Photos courtesy of individual members.1. Highlight The Importance Of Connections
It depends on the business and industry, however, in most cases, the business has not suffered. What we learned is that business can succeed even under the most difficult of situations. That tells us that it's people and connections—no matter how they connect—that develop relationships and therefore business. - Richard Polak, American Benefits Council
2. Create And Build On Technology
Given we are a technology company, we thrive on digital solutions and were ready to support other organizations needing immediate support. Creating a modern workplace that enables agile and flexible working is a nonnegotiable today, whereas, it was previously a consideration. - Paul Phillips, Avanade
3. Encourage An Increase In Employee Participation Virtual meetings have complicated business development, but they have also connected our team to more contacts than those that might have attended an in-person event. They have also helped us stretch our development budget further so more employees can participate in professional events. - Courtney Pace, FedEx Employees Credit Assoc.
4. Increase Time Efficiency
Virtual events have increased business client prospects because we don’t have to spend time traveling to meet in person. Our sales teams are able to schedule more meetings across wider locations and time zones and be more efficient. But, maintaining growth and stability also means fostering that relationship with in-person meetings whenever we can. - Danny Speros, Zenefits
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5. Grow And Maintain Deeper Relationships
With the increase of virtual events, it has required more intentionality to grow and maintain connections. I have found that setting aside time to connect and network has helped me grow my network and create deeper relationships with my current connections. - Katie Ervin, Park University
6. Carve Out A Place In The Marketplace
Virtual events have made it easier to connect with and do business with people around the world, but they have also increased competition. To maintain a stable growth trajectory, honing our value proposition and carving out a unique space in the expanded competitive landscape have been critical. It has also been successful. For us, it's not just been about connection, it's been about differentiation. - Nicole Fernandes, Blu Ivy Group
7. Provide Accessible, Valuable Information To All
Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen many advantages and disadvantages to virtual communication. The biggest drawback is not being able to cultivate the close relationships that face-to-face interaction allows. However, virtual events enable global attendance, giving those who are unable to attend in-person access to valuable information and the opportunity to connect with prospective clients. - John Feldmann, Insperity
8. Serve Each Client’s Uniqueness
More than ever, we are seeking ways to not only engage prospects but also to remain relevant to serving their needs, interests and challenges. In a rapidly changing culture that demands adaptability, we have an opportunity to meet prospects where they are at and lead them to greater prosperity through true authentic connections. Virtual events are an outstanding way to make such connections. - Megan Leasher, Talent Plus
9. Step Up The Virtual Business Game
Video conferencing has become the standard in our remote workforce. Virtual conferences must bring more than the status quo. They also must be exciting and invigorating to participants, making the answer to “what’s in it for me” ever more obvious. Out-of-the-box thinking, such as higher levels of collaboration, interactive games and thought-provoking speakers will assist in this endeavor. - Nakisha Griffin, Virtual Enterprise Architects
