I think digital events potentially have a wider reach where people that cannot travel due to their circumstances can still avail of the knowledge imparted in these sessions, says Tejas Chopra.
The only advantage I can see in digital events is that you are able to work while you are attending, but that means that it is not very engaging. Digital is good for avoiding unnecessary trips for meetings, says Stephan Morais.
. The digital options were not a suitable replacement for having conversations or connecting with people face to face (even if the face was half-covered). For events that are focused on delivering content with a mastermind component, I think digital is a good replacement, says Julie Broad.
I prefer virtual events because it allows people from around the world and those who are unable to travel to be involved when otherwise they would not be able to do so. I think in-person events will gradually return in the next year so long as COVID-19 protocols are enforced but virtual events are here to stay, says Adina Appelbaum, Co-Creator and Co-Founder, Financial and Online Business Coach, Immigrant Finance.
I think hybrid events will be the norm moving forward and living in London I have been lucky to attend a number of events physically already this year, says Jimmy Jones, Head of Security at ZARIOT.
Digital events let many more people ask questions and attend than would be able to in an in-person event. It’s also far easier and cheaper to present, which opens it up to folks who might not be able to do so in person. But you miss out on the real-time feedback and interaction can be clunky, Dan Moore, Head of Developer Relations and Solutions Architect at FusionAuth
Traditionally, the in-person venues are jam-packed with an audience. I don’t see us returning to this setting any time soon. People will not feel comfortable sitting very close to a large group of other people in a closed room, says Debu Sinha, Senior Solutions Architect, AI & ML at Databricks.
I feel that presenting at a digital event is less stressful as you are not physically in front of people, and you can always have your script with you. For me, the biggest downside is the lack of personal interactions. I loved the networking part and getting to know new people. In the future, I would prefer to go back to in-person events, says Tanel Tähepõld, Founder of Actual Reports.
Virtual events can’t come close to effectively engaging people in professional development training the way live training does. The energy of being in the same room with others is only the beginning. It also allows for ideas exchange and constructive conversation that doesn’t happen through a Zoom call, Randy Anderson, Owner of e3 Professional Trainers.
I think in-person events will return as soon as the health crisis is over. But virtual and hybrid are here to stay as they open so many opportunities to people who can not travel, says Anya Razina, Head Of Influencer Relations, Restream.
