A web event includes both web-based seminars (webinars) and web-based events (virtual events). The rapid growth of web events denotes its attractiveness and effectiveness. A 2011 report by Market Research Media estimates revenues of $18.6 billion in revenues from 2010-2015 for just the Virtual Conference and Trade Show Market alone.
Web events differ significantly from in-person seminars and events and possess several distinctive advantages that are listed below. In a future article, I will discuss how to set up and structure an effective webevent.
Savings in cost and time
Since a web event is online, it avoids all the time and cost of travel that a traditional event requires. Instead, a web event merely requires electricity and an Internet connection, regardless of whether you are the presenter or the attendee.
Duration of the web event
Some virtual events, most notably virtual conferences, can run for several weeks with a handful of events occurring at specified periods each day. Several years ago, I took a course from a presenter in Australia with registrants from all over the world as part of a larger event. On a regular basis, we merely logged in at the scheduled time and continued from where we left off. (It also proved that the world is truly flat.)
Reach a larger audience
One of the problems of in-person events is that you are generally limited to people in that specific geographic region. This means that the majority of potential attendees will not attend an event unless it is held in their city or locale.
Web events do not have this limitation. People can sign up and attend a web event regardless of their respective locations. This allows a web event developer to greatly expand their list of potential attendees and attract a much larger audience (and market). It also avoids limitations of space and the maximum number of attendees (within reason). Even people who reside or work locally, but have only a moderate interest on the subject matter of an in-person event are more likely to attend a web event on that subject since they can avoid lost time and travel issues.
Easy follow-up
Since the presentation of a web event is already online, the capability to record it is already built into the web event software; no extra filming or personnel required. This facilitates the creation of a 24/7 on-demand recording of the web event, which can then be made available to both the people who attended and those who signed up but missed it.
Inexpensive way of generating buzz
One of the main benefits of a web event is that it allows you to stay in front of your target audience and if done well, helps brand you as an expert. While this benefit is similar to an in-person event, because you can reach a wider audience and easily arrange to provide additional webevents, it provides the means to continue to demonstrate your expertise and promote your brand.
Both the number of webinars and virtual events has grown rapidly in recent years. While there are several reasons for this growth, the most basic one is that they have proven to be a very cost-effective means of generating attention and driving sales.
Bruce Newman is the vice president at The Productivity Institute L.L.C. in Carmel. He is also a social media strategist and the designer of a new service, wwWebevents.com. Follow him on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and the Productivity Institute blog. Bruce can be reached at bnewman@prodinst.com.
