A networking event is a tremendous opportunity to make a special effort for dozens, or even hundreds (if not thousands!) of customers, clients, contacts, partners and anybody else that interacts with your organisation. But it's intriguing to consider whether the more traditional model of the in-person event is now challenged by the virtual event option due to the range of benefits that the latter provides. Could the two even complement one another? 

Let's start with the in-person event, because it's hard to imagine a major organisation in any sector across the world that wouldn't prioritise this for its biggest occasions. The personal touch of greeting, meeting and speaking to those who have a financial or emotional investment in the work of your organisation is a significant benefit of staging events live. As is the perception of staging the likes of a major conference, ceremony or AGM in a prestigious location; the venue alone could enhance your company's reputation. And surely it's better to see everybody suited and booted than to run the risk of attendees watching on in their pants and socks! 

But virtual events have a range of significant benefits for an organisation of all sizes. First of all, the running costs are a lot cheaper due to the lack of necessity for a tailor-made venue, along with on-site services such as catering. Secondly, it's much more convenient for somebody to attend an event virtually rather having to potentially travel hours for a corporate function in-person. There is also the possibility of generating a greater number of views for a video event if it’s streaming online and particularly if it's being recorded for future use. And virtual events could allow you to dip in and out of digital rooms, technically allowing you to achieve the unthinkable of being in more than one place simultaneously! 

Each option definitely has its pros and cons. But rather than making a choice that could please some and dissatisfy others, it's not uncommon for organisations to cover all bases and offer both options; staging the event live allows people to network in the old-school way, but by having the centrepiece (a discussion forum or a public speaking event, perhaps) streaming live so that those who can't be in attendance still reap the benefits. This is something that we would highly recommend, because then you're providing a balance that meets everybody's preferences. 

The virtual event is definitely here to stay, and the world has changed for the better due to the potential of being able to stage everything from an annual awards' evening to a simple quiz night over a video streaming service. But there's something special about the in-person event, and it's often at these events where personal connections are made that could last a lifetime, as well as allowing a platform for the spark that turns an idea into reality. And if your organisation can offer both at once, that's the best of both worlds really! 

Steele Public Relations could help your organisation to stage a major event either in-person, virtually or both; learn more by clicking here. 

Events Manager, Hayley Garner, joins the team!