These are challenging and uncertain times. Public health precautions to fight the spread of COVID-19 have forced events of all kinds, and in all parts of the world, to be postponed or cancelled. Rather than shaking hands and breaking bread together at conferences, business meetings and social gatherings, we’re keeping social distance and taking shelter in our homes.
But fortunately for all of us, we are living in a digital era where most people are connected virtually. For all of the problems with social media, this is a time where its value for society is immense. The same is true for video conferencing technology that can place us all in the same virtual space.
In early-2014, when Money20/20 co-founders Anil Aggarwal and Jonathan Weiner brought me onto their small but talented team, I launched a new phase of my career focused on developing agenda content, marketing programs and industry relationships to grow a large-scale conference business. Indeed, a well-produced physical event like Money20/20 can be a powerful catalyst to inspire and connect its attendees. But can we create a new kind of event magic with engaging virtual experiences?
For the events industry, COVID-19 will place enormous stress on our businesses. No doubt, some event producers will not survive. But might this global crisis also unleash a new wave a creativity and innovation? How can we utilize the amazing technology at our disposal today to connect, educate and inspire our stakeholders from where they are anywhere in the world?
At The Fintech Agenda, we’re working with clients on a variety of virtual event concepts, and the opportunities are exciting. And then, once we get past this global pandemic and it’s safe again to travel and gather in large groups, we’ll have an array a new tools to enhance the experiences we have at physical events and a new appreciation for the virtues of virtual.