During the last two years we lost much of our freedoms and life as we knew it. With this the bonds and relationships between people had also become more distant and forming new connections was a little more challenging in this new virtual world.
Human contact and engagement were nearly all but lost with the world turning to a virtual way of living. With so many businesses moving towards cloud-based models and online shopping options to survive, the meetings industry also was forced to steer towards a virtual platform. We found that conference organisers and corporates were either postponing their events or going virtual. We saw hundreds of meetings, conferences, and even exhibitions delivered virtually. The platforms have since come a long way with better functionality and higher levels of sophistication and capabilities.
In the following blog I will highlight the importance of face-to-face meetings along with my thoughts of how we are adapting back into the world after lockdown.
Face-to-face meetings – can they be replaced effectively?
It’s a given, nothing beats a live event. No matter how sophisticated technology is or how creative and interactive the programs are, face-to-face networking simply cannot be achieved as successfully over a virtual platform.
With particular focus on conferences and meetings we recognise and value the importance of being onsite for an event. Listening to a speaker deliver a powerful keynote presentation or watching an illusionist capture the attention of his audience is best achieved in a live environment. It enables attendees to be fully in the moment without distractions and engaged when present in the same room. There is connection between the presenter with the audience. This also allows the speaker to gauge the audience and their response and adjust their content along the way if necessary. With the use of body language, gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice and visual cues it gives the presenter the added tools to deliver their message in a clearer way. It minimises misinterpretation and there is opportunity to clarify or correct any vagueness on the spot. They have a captive audience and the ability to interact on a more personal level.
Not only is the relationship between the audience and the speaker high on the agenda to ensure the message is delivered accurately and with impact but the networking that takes place among delegates is of value that cannot be measured. Countless conversations during the break times and networking sessions in the program to allow delegates to connect, meet and exchange knowledge and best practice. These benefits are invaluable and many of us have been waiting anxiously to meet again in person to reignite these moments. The quality of the conversations, the knowledge exchange, the interaction among delegates, that develop onsite cannot be achieved online.
Over the years as an organiser myself I know and value the importance of being in front of people to build and nurture relationships. By far in my opinion the best way to build your customer base or your own professional development is attend events in person. By attending you open the channels of communication, explore new opportunities and the obvious meet a broad cross section of new and interesting people. With everything going on at a conference there is always a point of interest you can use to strike up a conversation with a stranger.
In addition, by being present not only does the presenter have your attention it also permits you to not be distracted by the everyday activities of the office or home. With a higher probability of mindfulness and being in the moment and listening to someone would result in a better retention of information and learnings. At the live event there is no chance of distractions you would otherwise face when on a virtual meeting. There are no distractions from your work colleague next to you in the office, no distractions from others during the lockdown periods of working from home including the family dog needing attention and cuddles. Your attention can be 100% focused on the event.
Getting back into the rhythm of meeting in person
We can see the importance of meeting in person, and many don’t need convincing to see the benefits. Whilst the weddings industry seems to have bounced back nicely the corporate space – at least in Melbourne – still seems to be treading carefully. There is caution out there with some reluctance to venture out. People have been comfortable at home for a substantial period which seemed like an eternity, and we have developed new ways and habits whereby the old way now seems non-existent.
So, as we slowly but surely ease back to “normal” life and people are returning to their workplace I find there is a mixture of feelings, reservations and ways of living with the world being expected to adapt again. People are sitting along all ends of the scale anywhere from the two extremes to everything in the middle. We need to accept that Covid is here, and we need to live with it. As the world was forced to adjust and change when Covid first arrived, and it became second nature for the last two years we are now having to adapt back which for some people is a lot to deal with. We recognise people are fatigued and exhausted from the pandemic and hence it is influencing their ability to build the confidence and get out there and mingle with others. Mix the covid challenges with a resistance to change as humans, finding the motivation, energy and enthusiasm for some it may be a little bit of a longer road to returning to a pre-covid lifestyle. With being so accustomed to staying in, losing themselves in social media communities and endless hours on Netflix or similar it’s a cycle and pattern that needs effort and time to be broken down to a healthy balance again.
Getting out again without fear?
Whilst we can’t hide at home forever, we need to start living healthy lives again and getting out. Majority of the population has been vaccinated and with care and precautionary measures in place and a better understanding of the virus we need to take that leap of faith and venture out confidently. Whether it be at a work conference, a social gathering or a public event there are numerous options out there to meet everyone’s individual challenges or needs. Start small and on your own and work your way up to eventually being comfortable being out and enjoying events and human contact again.
Not only from a professional viewpoint that life goes on and business doesn’t stop I also understand it’s not healthy for people to permanently isolate from others and the world. Even if you enjoy your own company and prefer to keep to yourself a healthy balance needs to be found. With numerous events on the calendar there is something to cater to everyone’s needs.
The virtual space
This served us well when we needed it. It was convenient, accessible, and cost effective. Options and functionality were limited at the beginning however we have come a long way. More variety of providers, differences in interface and improved functionality. When covid first arrived, we resorted to a life of screen time. Working from home, online meetings and for many who incorporated social elements in the workday to keep staff energised and motivated. Anywhere from Friday night virtual drinks, games and even cooking classes. Outside of work hundreds of webinars could be found with content ranging from education through to hobbies. The overload of emails promoting these sessions would flood the inbox. After a period people became fatigued. With 8 hours a day working from home behind the screen and online meetings add to the mix keeping in contact with friends it’s no wonder the world became exhausted. Many had hit their limit at different points along the Covid timeline.
While I think it is valuable and can sometimes be a winner given the right circumstances like everything you need the right formula and balance to achieve the best outcomes. Virtual meetings would be ideal particularly when geographical location is a challenge such as board meetings with members geographically widespread or the convenience of telehealth. However, in instances such as trade exhibitions where your sales manager can target many potential people under one roof across a few days a virtual exhibition won’t produce the same results. I believe when making the choice an organisation needs to look at the objective of the meeting and all the factors around it when deciding to go virtual or in person. It’s not always going to come down to the dollar savings but the outcomes you are aiming for.
In conclusion
As I have been getting out and attending business events it’s great to see the city and the events sector start to liven up again. Business events may not be quite pre covid levels however I feel we are in the right direction and certainly gaining momentum by the day. Many events are probably still sitting on the back burner waiting to be executed when the organisations are feeling ready to move forward on them. There is excitement not only for those that work within the sector to finally be able to be working again but a buzz from the corporates and associations who are able to finally resume safely and comfortably meeting in person, reconnecting with their clients and members. I am personally looking forward to the sector opening up even further and bouncing back to a new high. The pandemic has also paved the way for new growth areas in events such as smaller team building and retreat style formats. I personally am looking forward to what the future in events holds.
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