Exhibitor magazine’s 2011 Virtual Events Survey reveals that virtual events will not replace live, face-to-face events any time soon. More than 70% of corporate events executives are not earmarking any funds toward online events like webcasts and virtual meetings. Other findings include:
• Less than 40% of companies surveyed have ever participated in a virtual event, the majority of which participated as an attendee only, rather than as an exhibitor, sponsor, or organizer.
• Only 28% claim prior virtual efforts “met” or “exceeded” their expectations.
• Nearly half of respondents who have used virtual events reported that virtual events helped them increase their brand awareness, and 36% reported that their virtual events attracted attendees who did not attend live trade shows and events at which they participated, extending the reach of their campaigns.
• 68% of respondents who have participated in virtual events say they’d rather host a live event, most notably because they “miss the energy and networking of a live event” or because “attendees seemed less engaged during virtual events.”
Source: Exhibitor magazine