Coronavirus vs. Events

Back in 2015, Hart Wilcox began developing Virtual Events as a platform for clients to connect with their customers around the globe in a cost effective and ecologically friendly manner. However, your carbon footprint might not be the only reason to support going virtual. In light of the recent Coronavirus outbreak a significant amount of industry tradeshows and events have been cancelled – many of which were key opportunities for people to meet with their customers. 

So, if your event gets cancelled – what do you do with the content you have spent months curating, and how do you negate the missed chance of face time with your customers? 

Enter the world of virtual events. Maximise your reach, minimize your costs. 

As the wellbeing of employees, clients and prospects of course remains the priority, there is nothing to stop you from migrating your content online and hosting a virtual event on a cloud platform. Streaming your demonstrations, keynotes and launches with those around the globe; allows you to be remote and resourceful. But it’s not just economics that prove the worth of a virtual presence. The trend toward data consumption on the move through personal devices, and a shift to streaming services means your audience are already primed to receive content in this format.  

The Interactive Advertising Bureau survey said that 44% of surveyed respondents stated that they watch more live-streamed events on their devices than live TV. 

According to Marketing Profs over 80% poll respondents favoured a good quality live stream to a companies blog or Social Media post. It’s clear that compelling interactive elements like discussion sessions, webinars, virtual product launches, and tutorials will take centre stage in 2020.

But a virtual experience isn’t just an online version of the physical event. It can provide an opportunity to digitally connect your presenter and delegates – as well as providing you with a far greater reach than a standalone event. But, more importantly it keeps you connected with your customers, particularly at a time where circumstances mean this opportunity may well have been missed.

What’s more , it’s not just conventional dialogue - a passive engagement can also lead to higher interaction rates with delegates that are now able to connect through multiple channels; such as Q&A forums and live message boards. Users can also engage at a time convenient to them, with most virtual events taking the format of a live streamed event, followed by a post event – video on demand – experience. 

Despite the fact that we know modern day content consumption promotes the virtual platform as an ideal way to communicate – it is remarkable that more companies are not utilising this channel and leveraging this opportunity now.  

So, what are the barriers to entry? None.

From creating a custom branded site, to curating engaging visuals to complement your event identity; hosting sessions on demand has never been more versatile. Springboard into collecting data on how your clients consume and engage with your content - and turn your metrics into actionable analytics. 

With quick and effective turnaround times, Hart Wilcox can help you facilitate your online virtual experience enabling you to connect with your customers, boost your engagement and ensure you maximise your investment. 

At Hart Wilcox, we endeavour to explore and engage with the latest technology to bring new dimensions to all our clients’ digital communications.

It’s time to virtualise.