What Does the Future of Event Management Look Like?

In a world that has changed so drastically in a single year, we all can’t help but wonder what the future holds. And because one of the greatest aspects that got affected was that of social gatherings, we just have to take a look at what event management will probably be like in the near future.

Is the Virtual Field More Efficient?

When it comes to conferences and board meetings, no one can deny the practicality of meeting and discussing online. There are a plethora of options to get in touch with people in the virtual world for all kinds of purposes.

As for business conferences, you’ll get to see just how efficient things can get when you are no longer limited by time, space, or the inability to access important shared documents once you discover this virtual event software.

People Miss Real Interactivity. A Lot.

Leaving efficiency aside, the online field simply doesn’t feel the same as doing stuff in reality. Even with the best VR headset and setup, you’re still fairly limited in terms of what you can do, and it simply doesn’t feel the same as the real thing.

With that said, a significant number of music festival lovers will hold out until a real event comes along just like in the old days. The appeal of physical concerts can’t be overstated. Whether you like it or not, you have to accept the fact that many people prefer going back to the real thing, even if it means risking an infection.

How Do We Please Everyone?

Pleasing everyone is impossible. The best approach will be to adapt your strategy depending on your target audience. If you’re uncertain about what they would prefer, it’s always a good idea to create an online survey and send it out to all the people who might be potential attendees.

Once done, you’ll be able to analyze their responses and figure out the best possible strategy given a certain scenario. Alternatively, if you’re hosting a small event, you can talk to the participants directly and figure out what to do together. Having direct feedback is critical in this day and age, especially until the immunization process comes to a close and everyone can feel safe again.

The Benefits and Downsides of Virtual and Real Events

Let’s take a quick glance over the advantages and disadvantages of both types of events so that you can see the bigger picture much clearer.

Pros of Virtual Events

  • No traveling needed
  • Minimal costs for the attendees and organizers alike
  • The ability to offer closed captions
  • Great for people with mobility problems
  • People are able to keep recordings for future reference
  • The speakers might have an easier time talking online than in person
  • Less liability for the organizers

Cons of Virtual Events

  • Your internet might get cut off
  • The experience doesn’t feel as “genuine”
  • Doesn’t solve the feeling of isolation
  • The interaction is limited by the user’s equipment
  • Performance issues might arise on older hardware

Pros of Real Events

  • Every interaction seems genuine
  • No more feeling of isolation
  • Higher levels of dopamine
  • Can set up multiple stages and locals with different themes and vibes
  • Bands have a much easier time connecting with the crowd
  • Networking with your peers is much more fluid
  • Organizers can get direct feedback from simply observing how people interact

Cons of Real Events

  • The risk of a viral infection is increased
  • More time spent waiting in lines
  • Not ideal for people with mobility problems
  • Heat, cold, rain, and other factors can make or break your experience
  • Things can often get confusing or out of control

Final Thoughts

It is clear as day that adaptability needs to be the main focus of any event organizer out there. For small gatherings, virtual events might be the best bet, but if you want to offer a more genuine experience, then going physical is a must.

However, there’s also the option of creating hybrid events, which can be quite useful in a lot of situations. Whatever the case may be, feel free to leave us a comment down below with your opinion on this subject.


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