How Virtual IT Events are Shaping a Sustainable and Connected Future 

The IT event landscape is undergoing a fascinating transformation, brimming with opportunity. Event spending is projected to rise by a staggering 83% in 2024 and beyond. This surge reflects a positive trend: companies are investing heavily in virtual event production, aiming to elevate the attendee experience with high-quality content and interactive features.  

In-depth presentations, insightful discussions, and expert panels are becoming the norm, while gamification elements, live polls, and breakout sessions are fostering engagement and a sense of community. This shift towards more engaging and interactive virtual events creates a win-win situation for both organisers and attendees. 

Democratizing access: a global stage for IT professionals 

Virtual events have shattered geographical limitations, allowing IT professionals worldwide to access industry-leading events. Think of a junior web developer in Manchester attending a live Q&A session with a leading artificial intelligence expert based in California. This was a rare privilege at traditional conferences, limited to those who could travel internationally. Virtual events open doors for professionals like this, fostering a more inclusive environment where diverse voices can be heard, and connections can be made across borders. 

Knowledge sharing redefined 

Virtual platforms offer a wider range of sessions compared to traditional conferences. An IT security conference can delve into specialised workshops on topics like blockchain security or ethical hacking, catering to niche interests. Pre-recorded sessions and on-demand access enable deeper learning. Attendees can revisit complex presentations on quantum computing multiple times to solidify their understanding. 

Reimagining networking opportunities 

Virtual events offer innovative ways for IT professionals to connect. Interactive features like chat rooms allow developers working on similar projects to connect and share code snippets. Breakout sessions focused on specific technologies can facilitate brainstorming and potential collaborations between attendees. However, maintaining engagement in a virtual setting remains a challenge. Here’s how to overcome it: 

Bite-sized learning: Break down lengthy presentations into manageable chunks with interactive polls and quizzes to keep attendees engaged. 

Active participation: Encourage audience participation through live chat, breakout discussions, and gamification elements to transform passive listening into an interactive experience. 

Virtual events for a sustainable future 

Beyond the professional benefits, virtual IT events also contribute to a more sustainable future for the industry. Traditional conferences often involve extensive travel, leading to significant carbon emissions from flights and ground transportation. Virtual events eliminate this environmental impact entirely. Additionally, they minimise energy consumption for lighting, heating/cooling of venues, and powering equipment, and reduce paper waste from handouts and program guides. By promoting remote participation, virtual IT events actively contribute to a greener IT landscape. 

Tech giants take the stage with virtual and hybrid events

The rise of virtual IT events has seen tech giants adopting innovative approaches to connect with their audiences. Here are some prominent examples of both fully virtual and hybrid events hosted by major technology companies: 

Fully virtual events 

• Microsoft Ignite (Cloud + AI): Delves deep into cloud computing and AI, offering pre-recorded talks, live Q&A sessions, interactive workshops, and virtual booths showcasing Microsoft products. Microsoft Ignite is typically held annually in November. 

• IBM Quantum Summit: Explores the frontiers of quantum computing with pre-recorded presentations, interactive simulations, and live Q&A sessions. The IBM Quantum Summit doesn’t have a fixed annual schedule, but it’s usually held online a few times a year. 

• GitHub Universe: A developer-focused conference featuring interactive coding challenges, virtual hackathons, and live coding sessions for collaborative learning. GitHub Universe is typically held annually in October. 

Hybrid events  

• Apple WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference): Offers keynote addresses, workshops, and code labs virtually, with in-person attendance for a more immersive experience and networking opportunities. This event typically takes place annually in June. 

• Google Cloud Next: Caters to both virtual and in-person attendees with keynote speeches, breakout sessions,hands-on labs, and opportunities to network with Google Cloud specialists. Google Cloud Next is usually held annually in April. 

• Microsoft Surface Pro Launch Events: Utilizes a hybrid approach for product launches, allowing virtual attendance for presentations and demonstrations, with select locations offering in-person events for hands-on experience. Microsoft doesn’t hold these events on a fixed schedule, but they typically occur a few times a year whenever they have a new Surface Pro model to launch.  

These examples showcase the adaptability and innovation within the IT industry. By embracing virtual and hybrid formats, tech giants can expand their reach, foster a more inclusive global IT community, and contribute to a more sustainable future. 

How to optimize your event for success

But how do you ensure your virtual IT event reaches the right attendees? Start with SEO and quality content. Craft compelling titles and descriptions rich in relevant keywords throughout your event website content to improve search ranking. Offer a free downloadable white paper on a relevant IT topic in exchange for promoting your event in an industry blog. 

Social media marketing plays a crucial role. Partner with IT influencers on platforms like Twitter to promote your event through live Q&A sessions or sponsored content. Consider collaborating with industry publications and blogs for guest posts or interviews highlighting your event’s unique offerings. 

The impact of virtual IT events extends beyond the live sessions. By fostering a sense of community and ongoing engagement, organisers can create lasting value for attendees: 

• Dedicated online forums: Create online forums specific to the event’s themes, allowing attendees to continue discussions, ask questions, and share knowledge beyond the event timeframe. 

• Social media engagement: Encourage discussion within your social media groups by posing thought-provoking questions related to the event’s themes. Keep the conversation going! 

• Repurpose content: Transform valuable content like speaker presentations into blog posts or bite-sized video snippets. Offer these as downloadable resources like cheat sheets or white papers to solidify attendee learning. 

• Virtual meetups: Organise regular virtual meetups focused on specific programming languages or emerging technologies, allowing attendees to build connections, showcase expertise, and stay engaged long after the event. 

Distilled 

Virtual IT events offer a powerful tool for fostering innovation and collaboration within the IT industry. By embracing a strategic SEO approach, building thriving online communities, and adopting a hybrid format when appropriate, IT event organisers can propel the industry towards a brighter future – one that is more connected, inclusive, and sustainable.