We are finally experiencing a return to some of the business habits that we took for granted after a long year of Zoom conversations, no business trips, working remotely, and generally remaining close to home.
One of the best signals that we’re going back to ‘normal’ in terms of business is the comeback of in-person industry gatherings, even if certain limits and safety standards remain in place.
It’s not that virtual events or other marketing and sales outreach programs can’t provide these advantages, but there are some aspects of the face-to-face interaction dynamic that simply aren’t replicated when handled remotely.
Client and Partner Reconnection
While video chats, emails, phone calls, and other virtual channels can be used to reconnect with current clients, partners, and industry peers, nothing beats meeting in person when it comes to making a connection. If your company is built on long-term relationships, meeting people in person is crucial.
Have you ever found yourself in a scenario where working out a problem via email, conference calls, or other long-distance communication channels appears to take forever, with no end in sight?
Gaining Control of the Market
Another big advantage of attending an industry event is the knowledge you gain about market trends. Sometimes these insights are more broad views of how enthusiastic (or not) firms are about the future, while other times they are more specific to interest in new technology or fears about new laws.
Even if you aren’t searching for it, it’s difficult to attend a moderately sized industry convention and not pick up on a lot of this information.
However, if you’re looking for this type of information, the events are gold mines, with so many knowledgeable industry people in one area.
While virtual events can successfully convey planned material (sessions, presentations, panel discussions, and so on), attendees may find it difficult to identify more general information.
This is partly due to the difficulty of forcing spontaneous in-person conversations with other guests during virtual gatherings.
Developing a Brand
In-person industry events provide tremendous opportunity for marketers to increase brand awareness, market positioning, and present new products or services to the industry.
Companies that use display booths recognize the value of having a physical presence in an exhibit hall in terms of market perception and generating new leads from visitors.
Many conferences, on the other hand, give firms the opportunity to have staff members present, engage in panel discussions, or otherwise deliver thought-leadership content to participants.
Hosting an industry event with https://ungerboeck.com/ may be a strong method to deliver the message.
The bottom line
Event marketing is growing in popularity because it works. Even if not every company has the means to organize them, those who do will reap the benefits.
Ideally, you’ve been encouraged to host your own event, whether you want to boost sales, get to know your employees better, or simply express your appreciation.
This isn’t to suggest that virtual events won’t continue to play a part in various businesses in the future. However, many of these specific benefits are still difficult to achieve.
Also Read: What Can You Use a Short Term Loan For.