Does being online increase real-world event attendance?

I had an interesting comment from someone who indicated they were concerned that online participation, such as webinars, might reduce incentives for people to go to "real world" events, such as conferences, classes, etc. My first reaction was that it has had exactly the opposite effect on me - all the different online venues end up building up a lot more "buzz", inspiring me to try to attend more events, rather than less. But what do you all think? I'm sharing this discussion with the original person, so she can see the responses - so please share your 2 cents!

Brent,

We are in a new age in the world, where the current generation is online driven. If you are looking to have any exposure and/or participation to a live event, the best way to start the promotion is via the online world. Perfect example, there is a group on LinkedIn call NetParty, which their company module is to establish different large Networking parties nationwide, and one of their ways to announce the next party and their success is via the web, which is how they got my interest. Another example is our company FileCap, where we offer many webex classes in Affordable Housing, which have generated local face-to-face training at many communities.

I strongly believe that attending and/or establishing online training seminars and events not only give you a larger exposure; the returns are much more rewarding.

Hope this help!

Thanks,
Pedro

I agree with you that being online creates real-world event attendance. Professionals are utlizing the fact they don't have to do so much out of office business meetings to weep the same benefits.

My question is does being online increase only temporary solutions? With the thousands upon thousands of these online chat groups and webinars how much is actually sticking with the user?

Brent:

I think all of online activities increase the avenues to build relationship and trust. Compare with traditional marketing, online presences will reach far more prospects which traditional face-to-face activities sometime may be even possible.

Both Pedro and Krista had very good comments. It would be foolish don't use the online technologies.

Many comments that I heard, the business will more open to share the information and transparent.

One thing should be no change, have a good content to share and a good business to backup to demonstrate the expertise. Otherwise the online activities will do both more quickly than the traditional, build or damage the trust.

Andy
Http://boundlessadvantages.com

Great comments everyone. Does anybody else have an opinion? For example, when you all read Jackie Ramstedt's blog on Brainstorming, along with all the other buzz leading up to the conference, has that influenced your desire to go? Even if you can't end up going, have you been thinking, "I wish I could make it this year!"

If yes, I think online venues definitely contribute to real-world events - what do you all think?

Brent:

The link in your last message dones't work. Can you repost the link?

Andy

Sorry Andy - all fixed.

Brent:

First, thanks for fixed the link!

Quickly looked through the online content, It absolutely helps me to understand what is the event about; who and why should go. Even I can't go this time; however it is sure on my radar now. Otherwise, there is no way for me even to know it.

Andy

I can only speak for myself. Being active online has boosted my awareness of real events, and my attendance at real events! Both on a professional level and on a personal level.

For instance, because of the many groups I am in online, the pages I am a FAN of, or the people I follow, I am MORE aware of events that are coming up that I SHOULD attend. Most events I am invited to - both on a professional AND personal level, are more tailored to me than would be otherwise, as I CHOOSE to be included on those groups, follow those people, etc.

I have found that my calendar is much more full, my awareness much higher, and I am overall more educated and happy - all because of my participation online!

-Daisy

I think it does, and has. When I have had webinars on my website, it has usually increased attendance at my next apartment association "gig" or when I have a general admission event in a market. I think the cross-marketing can be very valuable.

What I have found is a number of events are well-marketed online and even virally, but then they don't live up to the buzz by producing a sub-par event. Obviously people won't go back, regardless of how well the marketing people handle promotions the next year. Attending a show like TAA (Texas Apartment Association), FAA (Florida...) and Brainstorming certainly reinforces the idea that apartment events are no longer dull trade shows with four seminars off in the partitioned ballroom. They have to be fun, involved, engaging events with multiple ways to learn, connect, network and have fun. Few state or city events fit this bill.

But I also know that relying on Internet marketing only can be a mistake. When I first launched my business, granted 7 years ago is a long time, I missed a number of possible attendees by relying on e-mail marketing campaigns. This was before the opt-in and spam crackdowns, but I had small e-mail lists and, often, small classes. When I began to use direct mail postcards, a phone blast system and the old stand-by, fax blasts, I got much better numbers. Some older property managers are still not too thrilled about the Internet. They don't open e-mails from people they don't know, they aren't hanging out on portals like Multifamily Insiders. We don't want to just ignore them, so we market the ways that reach them.