Virtual Conferences

[mchastek]

Companies spend very large amounts of money every year sending employees to various industry tradeshows and conferences. Costs include airfaire, hotels, food, conference fees, rental cars, etc. This is a substantial investment.

Do you think it would be possible to host "virtual conferences" where everyone would connect via videoconferencing over the Internet and be able to save the travel costs?

In my opinion, meeting with people face-to-face in person is probably irreplaceable, but I'd love to hear some comments!

[listseller]

That is interesting Mark, I think it would be effective in very specific conferences. I do not think anything can replace the trade show- but conferences are a good possibility. I would attend a virtual conference.

[mchastek]

That is interesting Mark, I think it would be effective in very specific conferences. I do not think anything can replace the trade show- but conferences are a good possibility. I would attend a virtual conference.

I agree with you. There's something about being able to shake someone's hand and swap business cards that probably cannot be replaced.

What cost point do you think would be acceptable for a virtual conference?

[loren_parker@yahoo.com]

what if video and audio (web cams and microphones) were added so that presenters and audience members could see each other?

[loren_parker@yahoo.com]

there are already collaboration tools (Raindance, WebEX, etc)...how would you differentiate?

[mchastek]

The video and audio would definitely be necessary, but I still feel like there would be something missing as far as interactivity goes. Even if every person who signed up was given a free webcam (which would be very possible), I still have some doubts.

Perhaps for certain events, like the Press Conferences where it's more one-sided it might work out?

[luke11]

I think that would hurt the traveling industry. Also that mite make the conference one side.

[mchastek]

Oh it would definitely hurt the travel industry! And you're right, I think it would greatly affect the balance of interaction to be much more one-sided.

[bhoecht]

How's this for an example of a virtual trade show?

Mosley Automotive Internet Cafe (http://www.mosleyautomotive.com/intcafe/)

I ran in to the Mosley Auto consultants at the AAISP show in Nashville. They have an impressive knowledge of what makes for effective sales results using psychology and process then applying it to training dealerships on properly managing their Internet operations.

If it were me, I'd have them train all of my sales staff... it is that good.

But these Internet cafes are good means to dial in, get a taste of what is going on without having to take a full day or two out of our schedules to travel to trade shows / education sessions.

Or did the author think dealers and suppliers would attend a Second Life trade show?

[CarSalesGuy]

I have been viewing a conference style seminar for a couple months. I think its much like what your talking about. Relationships are made in person but with the changing day and technology I think this is the wave of the future and we will either have to ride it in or get swallowed by the wave. Its worth the watch and its free so why not.

The company is providing free F&I training with a webcast twice a month. I caught two of them and they were pretty good - some stuff I knew of course, but the legal stuff I was not 100% aware of. I like the fact that each session is different and hell, free is free so I won't complain. I also got a link to a blog and it has the schedule for all the classes. It was a quick sign up, from their site and I was given a unique password to sign in.

Regards,
Jim

blog
http://fanditraining.blogspot.com/

[CarSalesGuy]

what if video and audio (web cams and microphones) were added so that presenters and audience members could see each other?

I think if everyone could talk and see each other it might get muttled, that is if it was over 20 poeple and opinionatied people at that. I think if it was set up as a conference and there was say 5-10 people that may be ok.

[Blade]

Companies spend very large amounts of money every year sending employees to various industry tradeshows and conferences. Costs include airfaire, hotels, food, conference fees, rental cars, etc. This is a substantial investment.

Do you think it would be possible to host "virtual conferences" where everyone would connect via videoconferencing over the Internet and be able to save the travel costs?

In my opinion, meeting with people face-to-face in person is probably irreplaceable, but I'd love to hear some comments!

If this is with an eye toward expense reduction, simply cut out the golf and other like outings and meetings that waste time and money. Face-to-face meetings between employees are good things if scheduled properly and not over done. Face-to-face with clients, partners, customers, what have you should never be totally eliminated.

Save money by cutting out the BS that happens at the executive levels. Most of all fire those executives not getting the job done and quite giving them raises and stock options [future, retro or otherwise].

[specialfni.com]

The biggest problem is that you cannot see the actual product on the web cams.

I have been to several of the travel type conferences and I think one of the biggest advantages is that I get to talk to other dealers..no web conference can do that.

Then there is the "owned" aspect, no one at the travel type conference owns you. You get to walk up to the places you want to see and walk away from the ones you dont.

Thats my two cents

Ben