Digital events let many more people ask questions and attend than would be able to in an in-person event. It’s also far easier and cheaper to present, which opens it up to folks who might not be able to do so in person. But you miss out on the real-time feedback and interaction can be clunky, Dan Moore, Head of Developer Relations and Solutions Architect at FusionAuth
Traditionally, the in-person venues are jam-packed with an audience. I don’t see us returning to this setting any time soon. People will not feel comfortable sitting very close to a large group of other people in a closed room, says Debu Sinha, Senior Solutions Architect, AI & ML at Databricks.
I feel that presenting at a digital event is less stressful as you are not physically in front of people, and you can always have your script with you. For me, the biggest downside is the lack of personal interactions. I loved the networking part and getting to know new people. In the future, I would prefer to go back to in-person events, says Tanel Tähepõld, Founder of Actual Reports.
Virtual events can’t come close to effectively engaging people in professional development training the way live training does. The energy of being in the same room with others is only the beginning. It also allows for ideas exchange and constructive conversation that doesn’t happen through a Zoom call, Randy Anderson, Owner of e3 Professional Trainers.
I think in-person events will return as soon as the health crisis is over. But virtual and hybrid are here to stay as they open so many opportunities to people who can not travel, says Anya Razina, Head Of Influencer Relations, Restream.
My preference is live events, as nothing beats being able to read the feedback of the audience as a speaker, look into their eyes, and hear their laughter. I think it’s a better experience for all involved – speakers and the audience. But I still appreciate virtual events, and I think it is likely we will see this hybrid event model continue into the future, says Ashley Fell.
Think historically. Call them “fairs,” “conventions” or “conferences,” professionals have been gathering since the Middle Ages to swap ideas and promote trade. This isn’t likely to stop. In-person events are already returning, and I think they’re likely to stay. BUT now they’re going to compete with virtual options, says Jonathan Kranz, Principal of Kranz Communications.
I prefer the live events—there’s just more energy, engagement, and audience attention. Virtual events will always be a great tool, and I love that they expose more people to the content. The challenge currently is that though we are seeing a return to physical events, I think it will be 2022 before in-person events feel like they did before the pandemic, says Gregory Zakowicz, Director of Content, Omnisend
Live events are currently still my preference – though as technology evolves, virtual formats may get to a point where they are superior. The biggest challenge right now is hybrid events, says Josh Davies, CEO of The Center for Work Ethic Development.
I prefer in-person events. You can very well establish a connection online, but in the end, you want to meet and have a conversation in person. Or after you met in person, it’s very nice to continue the connection online. People are ‘social animals. In-person events already have returned, like ATD-ICE 2021 (Hybrid) or Learning Live (this week in London, only live) and end of this month we have our national conference hybrid here in the Netherlands, says Ger Driesen, Learning Innovation Leader, aNewSpring.
In terms of pros/cons, virtual event experiences continue to improve and are enabling people to network with other virtual attendees, which is powerful, says Ana Villegas, Chief Marketing Officer, National Instruments (NI)
I’m thinking in-person events won’t likely fully return until 2023, but hopefully hybrid will remain an option for speakers and attendees. I’m looking forward to more in-person events as this pandemic (eventually) ends, says Michael Levitt, Founder, Breakfast Leadership Network
