When Association Solutions client Special Libraries Association (SLA), postponed their annual conference from June to October 2020, the SLA team moved quickly to organize a new virtual event to provide an opportunity for learning, engagement, and networking for the SLA community in June 2020. The half-day event, InfoTrends, included education sessions with expert speakers on technology and innovation topics, several moderated discussion group sessions, and open networking time. InfoTrends was held on a highly interactive platform, which allowed for breakout tables, group chat, private messaging between attendees, and direct interaction with speakers, moderators, and the SLA team.
With timing designed to accommodate multiple time zones, the event was a huge success with over 300 registrants across four continents and lots of positive feedback from members. Even though it was virtual, InfoTrends brought much of the same beneficial attributes as in-person conferences – the ability to have spontaneous conversations with colleagues, the chance move between breakout tables to meet other professionals in the field, and the opportunity to make lasting connections over the course of the event. In addition to bringing in sponsor and registration revenue, with a profit to expense ratio of 5 to 1, the SLA team also leveraged the event to increase member renewals and attract new student members. Over 40 renewals were received in two days to gain access to the program. Following the event, 92% of attendee survey respondents said they would recommend the next SLA virtual event to a colleague.
As SLA will include virtual components in their annual conference, now taking place in October, holding InfoTrends allowed the team to better understand the behavior and interests of SLA members in relation to virtual events and technology usage. This design thinking will aid in planning and communication efforts ahead of the October event.
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