The president of trade association ILEA UK, Cecilia Lavin, has written an open letter to members saying that she expects digital meetings to form a key part of communications strategies when the world emerges from the Covid-19 crisis.
“The value and importance of face-to-face events and engagement is never going to go away,” wrote Lavin. “But, it is clear to see that virtual events are clearly establishing themselves on the agenda for many companies now and will be considered more so in event strategies moving forward; not only because of consideration of situations like the one we currently find ourselves in but because it can connect with a wider audience if executed in the right way.”
Lavin noted the positive action be taken by individuals in the events industry to help keep up morale in testing times. She wrote: “As we continue fighting our way through this global pandemic that is heavily impacting our industry, I am reminded daily how important our network and connections are. I consistently see positive reminders of how people are trying to support and develop individuals, organisations and whole industries and this truly makes me proud being an event professional.
“This week we saw Global Meetings Industry Day (14 April) which was established to create an international forum for advocacy, awareness and celebration for the meetings and events industry.
“Normally people come together in person, but it was hosted virtually this year instead as it is still equally important for us to connect. On the same day the industry tried to break the world record for Largest Audience for a Virtual Meeting which is phenomenal.”
