With industry events and meetings being cancelled or postponed across the country, we’ve been thinking about the value of physically attending events and why, in future, the digital options may win the day in the long term.
What digital options are out there?
There are all sorts of technological options out there to make the seemingly impossible possible, but we’ve picked out four of our firm favourite options that should be achievable for any business.
1. Live press briefings
In recent years we’ve turned to hosting digital press briefings, rather that organising a bespoke event. We’ve found them particularly effective when there’s something new to talk about that doesn’t require too much in the way of demonstrations or showcasing something that’s better seen in-person. Video conferencing software allows for multiple speakers to be live in different locations, while sharing presentation slides and supporting documents with the audience. This also provides an opportunity for viewers to ask questions.
2. Webinars
Educational webinars are another great option that can be accessed by your target audience at a time to suit them. Like live briefings, a presenter can share slides with the audience, but this allows for editing and rehearsal if required. Depending on your content, you could apply for CPD points to be awarded for completing the session.
3. Podcasts
Although they’ve been around for a while, podcasts have really taken off in the past few years, and they’re something we’re recommending to, and producing for more and more clients. Like webinars, they’re pre-recorded and can be downloaded or streamed at any time, so make a great option if your audience is busy and are likely to listen while doing something else, like spending a lot of time in the car, is when an audio format works best.
4. Live social media
Our final favourite option is perfect for more informal situations. ‘Going live’ on Facebook or Instagram has become even more popular while in isolation, and it’s a trend we think is here to stay. Social media algorithms prioritise live video content, making your audience more likely to see this above any other written or image-based posts, so it’s a great opportunity for a Q&A session or a product demonstration.
Think about what you want to achieve
But, before you jump on the digital bandwagon, it’s important to take a step back and think about your aim and objectives. What are you trying to achieve? Who are you trying to reach? How will a digital event deliver and what challenges could there be to overcome? Would a face to face event or exhibition be more suitable?
