Many people look forward to corporate events because it’s a break from everyday responsibilities. It’s a chance to socialize, expand their networks, and find better career opportunities. If these events will be hosted in a different city or country, which they usually are, then it’s a chance to experience a new culture.
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way corporate events are held, though. Where there used to be panel discussions and breakout sessions throughout the day, virtual conferences are currently the norm. And where people used to greet each other with handshakes and an exchange of business cards, it’s all online now. Or for the limited in-person business conferences, elbow bumps are the new handshakes.
Admittedly most virtual corporate events don’t sound as thrilling as in-person events. You’re stuck behind a screen at your home office instead of being out there, meeting people and making new business connections. Virtual events aren’t as bad as they sound, though. You can benefit from them a lot.
You’re at the lowest risk of catching the COVID-19 virus.
Halfway into January 2021, more than 1 million Americans have already received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Almost 30 million doses have been distributed throughout the country. But that doesn’t mean that the situation is clear. New variants of the virus changed the situation.
Scientists are still trying to figure out how these new variants spread, how they differ from the initial strain, and how they can be contained. While the CDC and local communities are working together to minimize COVID-19 from spreading, you’re at a greater risk of catching the virus if you attend large gatherings.
Virtual business conferences might not be as thrilling as in-person interaction with business connections. But it’s much safer. There will come a time when people won’t hesitate to shake hands with each other. Until then, however, it pays to be careful about where you go and who you interact with in person.
You have more time to meet people and expand your network.
Contrary to how it sounds, virtual business conventions aren’t actually as dreary as they sound. If there’s one good thing about the pandemic, it’s that it showed how connected the world is through technology.
You gain more networking opportunities just by being in the same virtual event as people in the same city as you are, as well as those who are on the other side of the globe. It’s also easier to stay connected with these people because you don’t have to sort through the business cards you normally collect at an in-person event. You met them online so you already have their digital contact details.
On a related note, virtual conferences save you the trouble of deciding which sessions to attend. During in-person events, you ultimately have to make a choice. But for virtual conferences, you can gain access to all sessions on-demand so you’ll never miss a thing.
You don’t have to spend as much as you would for in-person events.
Finally, tickets to virtual business events cost much less than in-person business conferences do. The organizers don’t need to charge for typical convention fees like the venue, catering, and welcome kits.
Also, your company might normally shoulder travel and accommodation costs for corporate events. But you will still be spending on food, transport, and miscellaneous expenses. By attending virtual events, on the other hand, you effectively eliminate all those expenses and extra costs.
If all these reasons aren’t enough to convince you that virtual business conferences are great, consider this: you don’t have to wake up early to get ready and be at the venue on time. You can simply roll out of bed, freshen up, and still have ample time before the first session or seminar starts.
