Online vs. Offline Events: What Changes and What Must Stay the Same
By Space Coast Daily // December 28, 2021
The digital shift imposed drastic changes in how businesses operate. Switching from offline to online events raises many questions for organizers. Even with having the most sophisticated tools available, creating meaningful experiences for your guests is quite challenging.
Even though online events differ from offline, there are still a few common points. Knowing that there are people involved in both, we can say they have mutual rules.
Which aspects of organizing an event should stay the same, and which ones should change? In addition, we share helpful information on making sure your online event runs smoothly.
The things that change
What are the things that will change when organizing online events? The changes refer to the attendee’s attention span and process of sharing.
Attention span
Attention span is one of the things you should consider when planning your event. In the online world, the attention span is much shorter than physical events. The fact that people have enough distractions on the internet is enough to speak for this. In addition, working from home also prevents attendees from keeping the focus on your content.
The guests can check their emails or do their house chores while your event runs in the background. When designing the event, keep in mind that the attendees won’t focus for one hour like they would in person.
Sharing information
People will attend your event because they have a benefit from it. Attendees will appreciate networking with peers in the industry, which provides them valuable insights for development. With offline events, the process consists of longer sessions to cover the topics. However, keep in mind that the attention span is shorter when attending online events.
Therefore, the thing that changes is how the content is being presented. Opt for clear and concise content presented in digestible bits. For the best result, the content should be readily available once the event ends. To avoid lags and interruptions, rely on exceptional event wifi to support content sharing.
Social element
Online events lack the human touch, which many consider a significant disadvantage. Meeting people in real life, physical contact, and body language elements your online webinar will lack.
Things that stay the same
Some elements are crucial for a successful event, regardless of whether it happens online or offline.
Festivalization
Festivalization is a significant trend meant to enhance engagement while providing enough freedom for guests to choose which activities they like. This aspect refers to customization, allowing your attendees to have complete control over their event experience
Each guest can choose when and where to engage in activities or consume content. If you have an event with a tight schedule, you risk losing interest. No matter the type of your event, make sure to allow a customized experience. Festivalization works perfectly for both online and offline events.
Active participation
Your attendees aren’t just interested in sitting and passively consuming your content. Despite taking information, they are now interested in active participation. As an organizer, you need to provide options for interaction. This action applies both to online and physical events. Participants want to discuss the topics and contribute to creating the event.
Investing time
People live a busy life and are often hesitant to spend their time on extra activities. After all, time is money, and everyone uses their hours sparingly.
Asking a guest to attend your event means that you ask for a portion of their time. Despite the timeline of your event, the whole process will include preparing and commuting to your venue.
Even if people are following an online event, the value of time still matters to them. Providing something valuable and relevant is essential if you want your guests to dedicate a portion of their time to your event. Otherwise, people won’t show up.
