A Vision of the Future
Your expectations, realities, and goals of an event, along with attendees, are not the same as they were a year ago. Does your current event model still work for a future that is honestly already here?
Throughout the past year, attendee expectations for events have changed - and hybrid event options are likely to be a mandatory aspect of your events moving forward, especially for the next few years. As we start to develop and redesign our meetings and events for the future, the most common option is to add a virtual component and allow virtual attendees to live stream the in-person sessions - because that's the way we've always done it. While this may be the option we are the most comfortable with, have you stopped to consider if it's actually the best option? Have you considered, "What If?"
Your expectations, realities, and goals of an event, along with attendees, are not the same as they were a year ago. Does your current event model still work for what is expected and now possible? Embracing what technology can now provide, consider what an event could potentially look like if you completely reimagine your entire meeting concept and changed it into a completely non-traditional format?
This concept is a lot to take in, but shows how the current virtual environment is opening up new thoughts and ideas that now allow planners to consider completely new strategic, meeting, and even brand growth ideas - all combined together. Alongside technology, a new event design could help you solve ongoing issues that have always been around with in-person events, as well as solve some of the current issues we are facing with travel restrictions and safety concerns.
While the details and specifics would be as unique as your event, hopefully this (very) big-picture concept helps you begin to think about how events could possibly be streamlined and re-imagined into a future that is honestly already here.
What If...
Ok...let's get a bit creepy this week. Technology is always advancing...and sometimes maybe not for the best. With great power comes great responsibility...
One of the hottest technological advancements is called a "deep fake". A deep fake is where you digitally put someone's face on another person...in a moving video. They've actually been around for quite a while, but were never good enough to pass for authentic, especially when something passed in front of the face or the movement was extreme. Not anymore.
What does this actually mean? While we used to have to consider if only photos were edited, we now have to also consider whether or not a VIDEO is real. Need an example for it to make sense? Take a look at the Tom Cruise deep fake video below and try to remember that it is NOT actually Tom Cruise...
Thankfully, technology advances on both sides. As fast as this technology has advanced, another technology is being created to help detect these "deep fakes". One system that is hopeful has to do with using the reflection visible in the eyes to determine if it matches the background of the actual video. Crazy times!
Regardless, be careful out there - and think before you react to something you see online!
What Does A Digital Environment Actually Look Like?
By the time in-person or hybrid meetings come back in full force, attendees will expect a virtual experience that works smoothly and is integrated effectively. The question we are facing now is:"What can this new connected,
digital environment actually look like?"
By the time in-person or hybrid meetings come back in full force, attendees will expect a virtual experience that works smoothly and is integrated effectively. The question we are facing now is:
"What can this new connected,
digital environment actually look like?"
We are not going to explore products or platforms here. We cannot recommend the best platform for you through a newsletter, especially without knowing anything about your event or your needs. Instead, we are going to explore the beginning aspects, brainstorming options, and overall thoughts that could become a connected virtual or hybrid event.
To begin with, remember to be creative and open. Ask questions. We are seeing the beginnings of the industry trying to tell planners how this new environment has to be. Tech companies are also trying to tell you how things have to be done, partly because it aligns with their product. Keep in mind that the virtual event environment is very flexible, and there is not single, concrete way to do things. Again - remember to be creative and think "What can this look like?", instead of "What does this look like?". Your ideas may not be possible, or may be too expensive, but it is a good place to start when designing a new virtual or hybrid event.
While tried and tested ideas are nice, there does come a time where attendees are tired of seeing and doing the same thing. New and creative ideas can work wonderfully, and as long as they are planned and implemented properly, attendees will be thankful. If you have ideas that you are curious about, or don't even know where to begin, talk to an expert - an event technologist. We can help show you the possibilities, and even help implement them!
Start by imagining and asking, "What If?".
If you haven't heard about or looked into the latest Mars Rover,
here are some quick and amazing stats!
Name: Mars Perseverance
Launched: July 30, 2020
Distance Travelled: About 300 million miles
Landed: February 18, 2021
Click below for a quick tour of the Perseverance and mission.
Would this be considered a virtual event? It even has it's own autonomous helicopter!
The Future: How Do We Best Combine Humans and Technology?
As in-person events begin to emerge again in the coming months, it will be important to understand that the attendee expectations are now different than they were a year ago.
Looking from a change management perspective, processes have to be different now. The addition of technology cannot be approached the same way as other past changes. Over the past year, attendees have already had the time to process this new change of embracing technology, feel and engage in any pushback, and eventually accept it.
By the time in-person or hybrid meetings come back in full force, attendees will expect a virtual experience that works smoothly and is integrated effectively.
As in-person events begin to emerge again in the coming months, it will be important to understand that the attendee expectations are now different than they were a year ago.
Looking from a change management perspective, processes have to be different now. The addition of technology cannot be approached the same way as other past changes. Over the past year, attendees have already had the time to process this new change of embracing technology, feel and engage in any pushback, and eventually accept it.
By the time in-person or hybrid meetings come back in full force, attendees will expect a virtual experience that works smoothly and is integrated effectively.
Cons of Technology
World Domination
Too much communication
Too much automation
Privacy concerns
Difficult to use
Inability to disconnect
Less engagement
Lack of personal connection
Pros of Technology
Tons of communication methods
Convenient communication times
Ability to reach more people
Reach people in their preferred method
More varied experiences possible
Reach more diverse & larger audience
More engagement
More personal connection
As you can see, many pros and cons are the same (that is not a mistake!). Technology, when used correctly, can be a huge benefit for your attendees. When used incorrectly, though, those same benefits can become a burden and negatively impact an event.
Technology can help or hurt - depending on how you integrate and deploy it. Our goal, working alongside you or your team as event technologists, is to help combine your in-person and virtual experiences into one seamless and successful event.
A few weeks ago, we talked about the robots that Boston Dynamics has been working on for several years. They have now updated Spot, and have given him an arm!
This quick video gives you a good idea of how robots such
as Spot could be used as a productive part of everyday life. Enjoy!
The Future: Combining Humans and Technology
During the past year, we have been forced to embrace technology to stay connected and move forward. With that comes a sense of a "new normal" and more integration of technology into our everyday lives. Whether we like it or not, the virtual attendee has been forced upon us and is here to stay. As you start to consider planning for in-person events in the future, begin to also think about how you can integrate a virtual experience into your event as well.
During the past year, we have been forced to embrace technology to stay connected and move forward. With that comes a sense of a "new normal" and more integration of technology into our everyday lives. Whether we like it or not, the virtual attendee has been forced upon us and is here to stay. As you start to consider planning for in-person events in the future, begin to also think about how you can integrate a virtual experience into your event as well.
As event technologists, one of our main goals is to ensure that this new expected part of our daily lives can run as smooth and seamless as possible. At the moment, this means virtual meetings and events. As live events begin to emerge again in the coming months, though, it will be important to understand that the attendee expectations are now different than they were a year ago.
Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing what these expectations look like and how technology can help create a more vibrant, immersive, and inclusive event. Until then, we wanted to share with you some inspiration to continue thinking, "What If".
Cheers!
Debuted recently at CES 2020, below is a video of Samsung's new "Ballie".
It is described as a "personalized companion that understands and
supports you, your family – even your pets!"
We know this is a bit extravagant and not geared towards event technology (yet!),
but it is still fun to look at and imagine "what if".
Welcome to 2021!
Welcome to a brand new year! Do you have any goals, resolutions, or priorities that you are starting for yourself or your business this year?
At Power Event Group, the technology field always has us looking at progress, where technology is heading, and thinking, "What If?".
Welcome to a brand new year! Do you have any goals, resolutions, or priorities that you are starting for yourself or your business this year?
At Power Event Group, the technology field always has us looking at progress, where technology is heading, and thinking, "What If?". To start the year off on a positive, awesome, and somewhat creepy note, we wanted to share a video of the progress being made in robotics by Boston Dynamics. Over the past several years, they have progressed from clunky prototypes to fully working, useful, and applicable robots that are actually working in real-life situations.
While the robots have specific tasks they were designed for, they all love to dance! Take a look at their moves as they dance along to "Do You Love Me". It's definitely worth 3 minutes of your day!
They even have names and are created for different types of tasks.
The humanoid robots are named Atlas.
The dog is named Spot.
The ostrich is Handle.
Whatever your goals may be, we wish you the best with all of your new experiences, and wonderful and positive opportunities that will come your way this year!
Cheers!!
What If?
The craziness of 2020 leads us to consider the phrase, "What If?". Until now, there were often too many things weighing us down and controlling the ways things had to be done. Take the time now to reconsider what an event looks like - and what it could look like.
When creating and building a completely new event model, there are different phases and layers to consider.
The craziness of 2020 leads us to consider the phrase, "What If?". Until now, there were often too many things weighing us down and controlling the ways things had to be done. Take the time now to reconsider what an event looks like - and what it could look like.
When creating and building a completely new event model, there are different phases and layers to consider.
PHASE ONE: Develop your virtual event strategy. Create goals and imagine attendee experience possibilities. Explore the level of production value you are looking for.
PHASE TWO: Based on event and attendee wants and needs, narrow down experience possibilities. Determine the best platform (or platforms) to use.
PHASE THREE: Imagine and build out processes and communication throughout each digital platform being used. Without clear communication and smooth processes to get your digital audience to and around your event, they will not stay.
PHASE FOUR: Keep your attendees engaged, active, and happy - before and during the event. If their experience is glitchy, clunky, or confusing, your audience will get frustrated and leave.
Communication is the key. Digital attendees are not captive like they would be in a live event. You have a distinctly smaller window of opportunity to get them engaged and comfortable with the virtual platform. While many technology companies have great FAQ sections, that is not enough. Determine what information your unique event and audience needs, and how to best communicate it. The bottom line is that your digital attendees want something that works smoothly. They want the magic.
There are lots of questions to ask and solve, but there are digital platforms and virtual environments that will work for you, regardless of your needs. Our goal throughout this year and moving into 2021 is to help planners get adjusted to the virtual resources, discover the possibilities, and to use the technology to its fullest (and smoothest) potential.
Cheers!
Jeannie and Josh
Hybrid Event Experiences
As we start to find the balance between what was, what is, and what will be, #eventprofs are being forced to change. While these changes will eventually lead to a brand new event landscape in the future, it comes with additional work, learning, and education from everyone involved.
The companies that support the event industry are all scrambling to create the next best idea or platform. While this is appreciated and exciting, the future promises and constant updates create a difficult and confusing picture for the present. As the options do begin to come into focus, take the time to reimagine the attendee experience. While it may be intimidating, don't feel obligated to follow the path of one specific technology company, especially if you feel there should be a better option. You may need to combine the ideas of several to create the full experience you are looking for.
2020 and Beyond
As we start to find the balance between what was, what is, and what will be, #eventprofs are being forced to change. While these changes will eventually lead to a brand new event landscape in the future, it comes with additional work, learning, and education from everyone involved.
The companies that support the event industry are all scrambling to create the next best idea or platform. While this is appreciated and exciting, the future promises and constant updates create a difficult and confusing picture for the present. As the options do begin to come into focus, take the time to reimagine the attendee experience. While it may be intimidating, don't feel obligated to follow the path of one specific technology company, especially if you feel there should be a better option. You may need to combine the ideas of several to create the full experience you are looking for.
As a reminder, we love the extreme virtual events that have been publicized the past few weeks, but feel that they don't connect with most planners and their actual needs. Over the next few weeks, we are going to share with you examples of "real world" virtual events. Hopefully, they motivate you, help give you ideas, or even provide a bit of hope if needed.
Cheers and see you soon!
Jeannie and Josh
Fully Virtual Conference
- with Hybrid Experiences -
This example of how virtual platforms can be used came from an event we were excited to produce and work on. It was sponsored by the National Association of Residential Property Managers and managed by Organization Management Group.
In the past, we've heard the term "hybrid" used to describe a conference with both live and virtual attendees. This multi-day, national conference was a fully virtual conference, but within it, we created hybrid experiences. To create the best attendee experience, and meet the needs of everyone, we used a combination of multiple virtual platforms, as well as a mix of live and pre-recorded sessions and Q&A options.
Event Info:
• Years Virtual: None (First Time!)
• Live Event: 3 days
• Platform: While the majority of the conference was held in one virtual environment, we did go "offsite" to other platforms for some of the sessions where additional features were needed.
Event Features
live sessions
pre-recorded sessions
hybrid pre-recorded and live sessions
live Q&A
small group workshops
awards ceremony
board member and president induction
happy hours
session surveys
session polls
event emcee
Reinventing the Meeting
As we venture through this unique year, we are starting to realize that some things in the event industry will be (or should be) different moving forward. We see this as a good thing. It provides an opportunity to step back for a moment - to reinvent and reimagine the ways things are done in the industry and what is truly possible. Instead of doing something "because that's the way it's done" or "the way we've always done it", we now have the unique opportunity to be at the forefront of creation and the beginning of something brand new. As events begin to return, take the time to reinvent and imagine them into what attendees are looking for and need today.
2020 and Beyond
As we venture through this unique year, we are starting to realize that some things in the event industry will be (or should be) different moving forward. We see this as a good thing. It provides an opportunity to step back for a moment - to reinvent and reimagine the ways things are done in the industry and what is truly possible. Instead of doing something "because that's the way it's done" or "the way we've always done it", we now have the unique opportunity to be at the forefront of creation and the beginning of something brand new. As events begin to return, take the time to reinvent and imagine them into what attendees are looking for and need today.
As a reminder, we love the extreme virtual events that have been publicized the past few weeks, but feel that they don't connect with most planners and their actual needs. Over the next few weeks, we are going to share with you examples of "real world" virtual events. Hopefully, they motivate you, help give you ideas, or even provide a bit of hope if needed.
Retreats and Working Groups:
We have worked with several clients to design collaborative work groups so regular group meetings and retreats can continue while we are separated. For privacy concerns, we will not be naming these groups or showing actual screenshots from the events.
Event Info:
• Years Virtual: None (First Time!)
• Live Event: 1/2 day - 2 days
• About: Various Small Group Meetings, Working Breakouts, and Retreats
• Platform: No fancy bells and whistles for these meetings. They were all about work. During these meetings and retreats, attendees were able to participate in whole group meetings (video and chat), multiple small group work sessions (video and chat), collaborate on documents in real time, working together as they would at a live table.
Event Features:
• Attendee Chat & Video
• Small Group and Large Group Meetings
• Interactive Live Document Collaboration For Workshops
"Real Life" Virtual Events
While this year has definitely been difficult, we have witnessed the effort, love, and passion planners like you have for the event industry. Planners are resilient and adaptive, especially in trying times such as these. With that, cue the rise of the virtual event!
While many of the publicized virtual events lately have been fantastic and grand, they are quite honestly out of reach for a lot of clients, businesses, and planners. We totally get that - and want you to know that these are not the only option for you. There is a way for your community, regardless of need or size, to continue to productively meet and connect in a quality virtual environment that works for them.
Over the next few weeks, we are going to share with you examples of "real world" virtual events. Hopefully, they motivate you, help give you ideas, or even provide a bit of hope if needed.
Our Thoughts on 2020
While this year has definitely been difficult, we have witnessed the effort, love, and passion planners like you have for the event industry. Planners are resilient and adaptive, especially in trying times such as these. With that, cue the rise of the virtual event!
While many of the publicized virtual events lately have been fantastic and grand, they are quite honestly out of reach for a lot of clients, businesses, and planners. We totally get that - and want you to know that these are not the only option for you. There is a way for your community, regardless of need or size, to continue to productively meet and connect in a quality virtual environment that works for them.
Over the next few weeks, we are going to share with you examples of "real world" virtual events. Hopefully, they motivate you, help give you ideas, or even provide a bit of hope if needed.
Cheers and see you soon!
Jeannie and Josh
Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)
Marine Science Day 2020
Virtual Attendee Platform - Main Screen
Event Info:
• Years Virtual - None (First Time!)
• Live event - 5 hours (mix of live & pre-recorded)
• About - Annual hands-on outreach event with informative marine science programs, presentations, and live Q&A from VIMS scientists.
• Attendance: With a quick build and marketing time frame (only a month!), the virtual attendance numbers were about the same as the previous live events, but the audience was much different. Instead of only local attendees, VIMS was able to reach a worldwide audience consisting of science teachers and families across the nation, community partners, other marine science school departments, museums, and individuals around the world.
• BONUS: This new virtual platform also allowed VIMS to create a new "evergreen" experience. While past events were limited to the event day only, the event can now continue to live and be promoted continually throughout the year, as the live content was recorded and available on-demand.
Event Features:
• Event Registration
• Event Email Marketing
• Multiple Tracks
• Pre Recorded Sessions
• Live Interviews
• Live Presentations
• Cooking Demonstration
• Live Q&A
• Evergreen Educational Depository
• Attendee Chat
• Costume Contests
• Prize Giveaways
• Sponsor Ads
Agenda Session
Speaker List