In-person live events (like training, conferences, presentations, panel discussions, executive briefings or workshops) are fantastic. Event organisers have been running them for decades because they enable people to socially interact and through direct contact ask questions and really communicate. Unfortunately, a disease in the form of coronavirus has put a stop to in-person live events for the foreseeable future. Even after the lockdowns have ended, physical distancing is going to be part of our lives for the foreseeable future. Does this mean the end of in-person events? Yes, for the foreseeable future. So, do we just not have any events? Or do we hold online events (like online workshops and online legal training)?
We believe that if we stop living, learning and working, the virus wins.
How would an online event work?
They’re basically the same as the in-person equivalent. This is key – if the in-person event was live, interactive and tailored to the specific audience – then the online version of the event should be the same. For example, recorded generic videos available online do not replace a live workshop or presentation. At online events, delegates can still:
- See the speaker, the presentation and hear them (and other delegates) speak
- Ask questions and make points by putting up their hands
- Participate in polls to gauge the audience interest
- Watch videos a presenter plays
- Interact with other delegates in a group (like a LinkedIn group)
- Get the handouts in electronic rather than physical form
- See panel discussions between multiple speakers
- Split up into multiple smaller groups to tackle specific topics
All that’s changing is the venue – otherwise, your experience will be the same and maybe even better! Sure, the speakers and the hosts need to know how to do it.
Both public and private workshops can be held online
The benefits of being online
- No chance of catching a virus because you’re physically distant in an online event.
- Listen to the best speakers from all over the world because they don’t need to all travel to the physical venue.
- You can choose your own refreshment.
- Save travel time and travelling expenses because there’s no need to travel – you can do it from the comfort of your home or office.
- Participate more by commenting in the chatbox or on twitter – in-person events sometimes achieve this by using twitter
- Get more out of them because they can be held over a number of days, rather than just one or two.
- Save event fees because online events are often cheaper because there are no physical venue expenses.
We’re good at getting online events right. We know the tricks to make them a success. Why not join one of our online workshops today! Or find out about the legal training we offer.
