Business Motivations and Social Behaviors for In-Person and Online Events

Michael Doyle, Executive Director, Virtual Edge Institute (VEI)

“Too often the argument centers on how face-to-face or virtual best delivers on an event experience for delegates. This survey demonstrates that there are significant similarities, as well as fundamental differences in the experience and the results regardless of format. This report will help the events and meeting industry to look at the combined effect of wrapping a digital event strategy around physical events and meetings; thereby increasing the overall value beyond the sum of the parts.”

Biography:

Michael is the founder and executive director of the Virtual Edge Institute (http://www.virtualedgeinstitute.com/) an industry organization dedicated to advancing the development and adoption of virtual environments and digital solutions for events, meetings and learning programs. He is a 20-year veteran of trade shows, magazines and online publishing with extensive marketing, content and business development experience. Doyle has also served as Publisher at Reed Business Information’s Cahners Publishing Company, Director of Business Development and Publisher for Interex’s HP World, General Manager at Online Market World, Executive Director of the Solution Provider Institute, and Group Publisher at Gordon Publications. He is a frequent speaker and blogger on topics related to the use of virtual technologies for business.

Deborah Sexton, President & CEO, PCMA

“Rather than focusing on how in-person and online events differ, this represents a tremendous opportunity for meeting and event practitioners and virtual event vendors to come together on common ground. By working together, we can move the conversation forward to provide a richer experience that engages the visual and auditory senses, drives desired actions within the event, and ultimately delivers definitive business results.” Biography: Deborah Sexton joined the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) in March, 2005 as President and CEO. In conjunction with this role, she also serves as President of the PCMA Education Foundation. A 30-year veteran of the meetings and convention industry, Sexton previously served as President of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB). Prior to joining the CCTB, Sexton was principal for Sexton Hospitality Services, a sales and marketing consulting firm for hotel management companies. From 1987-1989, she was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Coastal Hotel Group. Throughout her career, she also has held sales and marketing positions with Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, the Hyatt Regency Chicago and the Midland Hotel Chicago.

Kate Spellman, President, UBM Studios

“Virtual events can compliment an organization’s marketing and business objectives while also expanding the overall audience experience. This requires rethinking marketing, engagement and content strategies to better align with audience expectations and needs.” Biography As President of UBM Studios, Kate is responsible for UBM Studios – UBM’s virtual interactive environment provider – since her appointment in 2010. A veteran of the technology industry and a graduate of UBM’s Leadership Development Program, Kate has more than 20 years of marketing, business development and management experience. Prior to her post at UBM Studios, Kate was SVP Marketing and Business Development at UBM’s Everything Channel business where she was responsible for driving branding and messaging as well as developing strategic partnerships. Earlier, Kate was Publisher of SmallBizResource.com, the first comprehensive online “how to” technology source for small businesses.

Before joining UBM, Kate was Vice President of Conferences at International Media Partners; publishers of CEO Magazine, Emerging Markets newspapers and organizers of the CEO Institutes, one of the world’s leading chief executive membership organizations.