Event Success

CHAPTER 2Event Success in the Post-COVID-19 Era

The pandemic has changed our very definition of events, and with it comes a new definition of event success. Prior to COVID-19, virtual events were few and far between. They also often failed to offer much of what inspired people to attend events in person. Such events (webinars, webcasts, online conferences, and digital trade shows) were often effective in achieving specific outcomes, but they were hardly considered a viable alternative to the in-person experience.

As the pandemic progressed, however, the industry as a whole made some incredible strides in improving the virtual event experience—progress that will continue well after in-person events resume. Throughout the remainder of 2020 and the first half of 2021, we saw incredible levels of resilience, adaptability, technological adoption, and rapid innovation. While the sudden transition to virtual events posed a lot of challenges, it also offered a range of new opportunities.

Challenges and Opportunities Associated with Virtual Events

According to a study we conducted in 2020, 68 percent of event marketers believe it is more difficult to facilitate networking opportunities when hosting virtual events, 67.7 percent struggled to maintain engagement, and 52.5 percent were challenged by the logistics of virtual events.

Up until this point, our entire industry was built around face-to-face human interaction, whether on stage, on the exhibition floor, or after hours. Organizers ...