Virtual Versus In-Person Events (and what should you expect from them?)

At some point in your professional journey, you’ll need to think about what kinds of business events you’ll need to attend. Amongst the range of decisions you’ll need to make is whether you attend virtual events, in-person events, or a mixture of both. While both have their respective advantages, it can help to make your decision if you understand those pros and cons a little more.

The case for virtual events

One reason to pick virtual events is that they’re way easier to get to. You don’t have to travel, you don’t have to dedicate multiple complete days of your life, and in many cases, you can even fit them around your regular working hours. 

This makes them an ideal solution if your main priority is learning about something, rather than forming in-person connections, and you don’t want to dedicate too many resources to your attendance.  Keynotes and training presentations often translate fairly well into a virtual format, due to their emphasis on knowledge over networking.

The case for in-person events

When it comes to building real connections, virtual events can often fall short. Many people find it much harder to have spontaneous conversations or build genuine relationships with someone you’ve only met through a screen. Sure, it can be a lot better than nothing, but digital events never fully replace the value of a face-to-face, human interaction.

Being able to look someone in the eye and shake their hand, especially in a custom-designed branded environment built by a company like Focal Exhibitions, is an exceptionally strong way to make a first impression. You’ll often forge important partnerships and relationships from chance encounters that might never have happened in the digital realm.

Which to choose

As with most things, which kind of event will be the right format for you will depend on your specific goals. If your primary reason for attending is because you want to learn about things, like industry updates and trends, a virtual event might be the right choice. 

If your primary motivation for attending is to form professional relationships, then it’s probably better if you can attend in-person events, at least some of the time. 

Hybrid events aim to offer the best of both worlds, but often end up being best for those who attend in person. The main networking usually happens in person, and it can be easy for virtual attendees to feel like they’re missing out a bit.

Preparing properly

Regardless of the format you choose, you need to prepare properly. Think about who else will be attending, the kinds of opportunities that will be available, and how you’re going to engage with other people at the event. A passive approach rarely delivers strong results, whether you’re online or in a conference centre.

While virtual and in-person events each have their strengths, the most important thing is aligning your choice with what you actually need to achieve. There’s no perfect answer, but being clear about your expectations will help you get much more from whichever option you choose.

This is a collaborative post.