Association Solutions client the International Technology Law Association was like many of our clients that had to push their conferences to a virtual experience. With over 70% of its attendees usually attending from outside of the U.S., ITechLaw faced the challenge of creating a virtual experience that suited multiple time zones, schedules, and content needs. Their priority was first to create valuable networking experiences (both informally during breaks as well as breakout tables during sessions) and second to maintain their status as thought leaders in the industry. They knew that the virtual conference would not be the money maker of in-person events, but they wanted to create a ‘truly global event’ that showcased the inclusivity and diversity of their members.
To do this, programming ‘moved’ to a different region over a three-day period. Each ‘day’ began at 11 am in a different time zone: Day One – Americas (ET), Day Two – Europe (CEST), and Day 3 – Asia-Pacific (SGT). Although the programming began at a different time each day, each day was also rebroadcast with live networking 10 hours after the initial presentation. This allowed all the time zones to feel like the ‘primary’ time zone, but also see the presentation with the live networking element during a time that suited them, even if the presentation wasn’t live.
By utilizing the virtual platform Remo, ITechLaw was able to meet their engagement and networking goals, while keeping their expenses low. This allowed them to surpass anticipated revenue goals, even with a lower-than-usual registration fees. Attendees in the Asia-Pacific region especially liked the pivoting time zone, saying that they usually felt left out of U.S./EU-centric events, and liked that the association thought intentionally about the programming to include their region in the event.
Feel free to view the ITechLaw Global Technology Summit Website for more ideas!
Recent Comments