Posts from the ‘virtual conference’ Category

Attending a conference is a great way to experience buzz, spark creativity, learn, network, socialize, and maybe explore a city away from home. Part of the benefit is simply changing your environment, and focusing exclusively on a theme for an extended period.

I recently ‘attended’ a virtual conference: the Great Work MBA. I found a building commons with wireless service, to detach myself from my typical work environment, and to partially simulate being in a conference environment. I used noise-canceling headphones to eliminate most background noise, yet found the visual buzz of the people in the lobby to provide a (beneficial) conference-like environment. I attended each session when they were slated to begin, keeping to the schedule. I dressed as if I were attending a physical conference. The combination proved quite valuable.

Virtual conferences may be live, or pre-recorded and made available at conference session start time, to simulate liveness. Even if I know the sessions are pre-recorded, but on-demand available no earlier then the session start times, I’m able to suspend disbelief. If they are live, there are opportunities for audio and video participation (via Skype, etc).

Virtual conferences will continue to be more live-like over time, and already, satellite groups of folks can telepresence-in to extend a conference. Virtual conferences can save time, money, and travel hassles for both conference promotors, speakers, and attendees (and additionally reduce logistics for promoters). I’ll still continue to enjoy in-person conferences.

Takeaway: Try using a lobby / commons area / public space to attend a virtual conference or webinar.