Most industries rely on conferences to share information, boost networking opportunities, and generally bring people from the same sector together. However, with physical events currently off the table due to the pandemic, such events have moved to online premises.
This has taken a little getting used to, with virtual conferences offering their own ups and downs. If you’re attending one for the first time and want to know what to look out for, here are a few suggestions.
Reliable provider
Just like you might want to know more about the location of a conference before you attend one, it’s worth checking out the online provider of a virtual event in advance. That way, you know what it offers and whether it’s an ideal platform for hosting something like this.
Be sure to check out reviews and gauge how good or bad an experience people had. If the provider isn’t highly rated, you may want to consider how this influences you. For instance, if it doesn’t offer much in the way of capacity, you’ll want to ensure you snag a spot in good time so you’re not denied entry.
Plenty of translation options
International virtual conferences have the benefit of bringing together people from across the world without the issue of paying for accommodation or travelling a long way. When you have this many people from different countries present, translation options are essential.
If the conference isn’t hosted in your home country or conducted in your native language, you’ll want to ensure that professional interpreting services are in place. Companies like Global Voices can transcribe all information shared during a conference into over 100 languages, so it’s essential that someone like them is around to help. Their presence can make all the difference between whether the event teaches you something or simply acts as a complete waste of time.
Engaging content and speakers
What makes or breaks a conference isn’t where it’s held but how engaging the content is. No-one wants to spend a day or two listening to presentations that spend hours saying very little.
Before attending a virtual retail conference, you’ll want to investigate what topics are being discussed and consider their relevance to your business. If it seems like a lot of the event isn’t going to matter very much to you, you may want to reconsider where you spend your time.
Likewise, look into who’s going to be speaking at the event. If you’re unfamiliar with them, do some research to see if they’re really an expert in their field or if their presence isn’t going to add much to the conference. You want to ensure you’re getting the most you possibly can out of your attendance, which won’t be easy if the event doesn’t cater well enough to your business interests and needs.
Attending an international retail conference online can be a great way to strengthen your business without having to travel anywhere. However, for it to be worth your time, you need to ensure that the event meets all these expectations.
