Creative agency Smyle has announced a partnership with healthcare communications company The Difference Collective. The collaboration aims to “give pharma companies the confidence to innovate with online and hybrid events”.
The partnership was created following research by Across Health revealing that more than 50% of neurologists say they are “unlikely” to return to physical events post-Covid-19, in addition to Decision Resources Group reporting that 58% of physicians in Europe are “likely” to continue to participate in virtual conferences and congress after Covid-19 mitigation measures have been lifted.
The major drivers for remaining online are reportedly the low costs, convenience and the quality of the digital offering.
Smyle’s collaboration with The Difference Collective, aims to “strike a balance between the demands of pharmaceutical companies to deliver online and hybrid healthcare events, while adhering to regulatory policies and scientific understanding”. When physical events return, the companies will also help implement hygiene measures, such as audience testing, space planning and biosecurity.
Smyle communication director, Jonathan Boyne, said: “2020 has been a testing year for the pharma industry as it has had to rapidly adjust its mindset during a challenging time. But 2021 now provides an opportunity to shape those lessons into a truly effective digital model that works across the varied demands of the industry.”
Wayne Page, digital lead at The Difference Collective, added: “The enforced shift from physical to digital events during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic has triggered a radical change in healthcare professionals’ behaviour. Hybrid and virtual events mean pharma can continue to reach and engage with these critical audiences remotely, but what the industry needs is a partner able to combine innovation from the consumer world with science and regulatory rigour.”
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