While 2020 saw a dramatic increase in the number of virtual events and the way we interact, these will never fully replace in-person events. There is something about meeting someone personally and creating that connection that a digital event simply cannot replicate. Corporate events are important for any company as they allow everyone to get together, to network, build connections and be rewarded for the hard work they have done. They can help employees to feel valued, that their hard work pays off and can inspire team building. As the events industry grows stronger and we continue to bring in person events back to life, here are just a few reasons why in-person corporate events are so important.
Brands will never miss out on an opportunity to deliver key messaging and values to consumers face to face. For marketers, in-person events offer massive opportunities to drive brand awareness, market positioning, and introduce new products or services to the consumer and the industry. For certain businesses, presenting at key industry events can be a impactful way to position their brand and deliver their message as leaders in the industry. But its also about the connection that we have with each other, a big part of meeting with others is about building a connection and is something virtual meetings make it hard to do. When you meet someone in person you can read their body language, get visual cues from how they are feeling or what they are thinking and build a genuine rapport. On video calls, people tend to be a lot more awkward, withdrawn and want to end the call as quickly as possible. Meeting in person is much more memorable and you aren’t hindered by dodgy internet connections or people talking over one another accidentally.
When you are on a virtual call you are always aware of your surroundings. Whether you are sitting in your office or at home, you are very aware you aren’t in the same setting as the other person. When you are at an in-person event you are immersed in your surroundings, you often get dressed up and can do things such as enjoy a drink together that just isn’t the same when done virtually. In-person events can get your team fully immersed and involved, rather than just sitting behind a screen. Companies that take advantage of conferences and exhibitions, with the use of exhibit booths understand the impact that having a physical presence at an event can have on market perception, as well as meeting new people and generating new sales leads. However, many conferences also provide opportunities for companies to have team members become presenters, participate in panel discussions, or otherwise deliver thought-leadership content to attendees which really enables companies and brands to fully immerse you into the experience.
It is a lot easier to build a connection with someone in-person when you can connect over an actual activity rather than just forced talking like a virtual event. Corporate events can get everyone involved together, talking and team building. It can be a great way to build the connection between a team, making them work better together when they are in the office. It is one of the best ways to improve working relationships.
When attending an industry conference, exhibition or trade show, a big part of the experience is meeting new people. It’s networking at all times, when a consumer walks up to your exhibition stand, when you start a conversation with someone at a networking area, when you’re sat next to someone new during a conference session, we don’t always know that we’re doing it, but we are. If your objective at an industry leading event is to meet generate new leads and meet new clients and partners, there is really no substitute for the face to face experience. Virtual events have done their best to replicate this dynamic, but it is incredibly hard to deliver the same experience.
Likewise, your business may be built on long-lasting relationships, in which case seeing people face to face is essential for growth. We’ve spent long enough reconnecting and building existing relationships on video calls, emails, phone calls and other virtual channels – Its time to harness that connection for real! A huge benefit of large corporate events and conferences is that you will have the opportunity to meet with multiple clients and partners all in one place… and you might find that you are more productive too!
You can learn significant industry updates when attending an in person event and get a handle back on the market whilst gathering new insights that could really benefit your business. When you throw an in-person event you can create something incredible that will be spoken about for weeks or even months to come. Whether it’s a corporate event, conference or exhibition, or even an experiential event or new product launch. From including LED screens to creative lighting displays and immersive special effects and technology, in-person events take it to the next level that you just can’t achieve with a virtual event.
These are just a few reasons why in-person corporate events are so important. If you are looking to enhance your business prospects, strengthen the connections within your team and take your business up a level, there is nothing like an in-person event to do this. To find out more about what to include in your next corporate event and how we can help you, please get in touch or check out the rest of our website.
Bigabox Productions are one of the UK’s leading independent, full event production companies, fusing the gap between creativity and technology.
0330 120 1424 | info@bigaboxproductions.co.uk
