May 28
Break Outs ((9:00-9:50))
The ABC’s of Virtual Events, Meetings & Marketing
This is a session of an introductory nature that will cover all of the different types of virtual events and meetings that exist and show some examples. Think of this as Virtual Events 101, where all attendees get a Checklist for what they need to know about virtual events production, platforms, marketing and follow-up. (ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers, marketers--basic level)Going Beyond Lead Generation; Driving Customer Relationships that Drive Revenue
This is a session that will feature a panel of virtual event veterans and virtual event platform providers that will explore issues that go beyond lead generation activities and get to the heart of virtual marketing— building customer relationships. From strategy to technology, this session covers it all. (ideal for corporate and media virtual event and meeting producers-- mid-advanced level)Keynote ((10:00-10:50))
Get the Virtual Edge!
You can see it in the headlines: “Virtual Meetings Will Replace 2.1 Million Airline Seats Per Year by 2012”; “Cash Strapped Corporations Cut Down Their Executive Business Travels”; “TSEA Survey Confirms Reduced Booth Traffic”; “Study Confirms Explosive Growth for Virtual Events in 2009”…business for events and meetings is changing fast. At the same time that corporate travel is being cut, corporate marketing budgets are being slashed, and headcount is being reduced; the pressure to increase lead generation, customer acquisition and improve customer retention has never been greater! Find out why the adoption of virtual is here to stay and how you and your company can effectively intertwine physical and virtual strategies and techniques to get and keep the edge over the competition. (ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers, marketers—all levels)Break Outs ((11:00-11:50))
Event & Marketing Professionals; Skills for Virtual Worlds
This session will provide event and marketing professionals the opportunity to see how they can adapt and reinvent themselves to harness and master virtual technologies and virtual marketing opportunities. (ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers, marketers--basic level)Revenue Development Part I
This session will look at the issue of how virtual event producers can develop exhibit, sponsorship and custom revenue streams from participating companies. (ideal for corporate and media virtual event and meeting producers-- mid-advanced level)Solution Provider Program Block I ((11:50-1:30))
The Solution Provider Program is an educational period that is set aside for more in-depth demos, discussion with experts from technology and services firms, one-on-one/team meetings and even hands-on training. This is also an opportunity for solution providers to dive more deeply into the higher-level discussions touched on during the regular program sessions. (ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers, marketers—all levels)Break Outs ((1:30-2:15))
Defining & Creating Virtual Communities
This session will cover the different aspects of virtual communities and how to create and nurture your community. (ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers, marketers—all levels)Revenue Development Part II
This session will look at the issue of how virtual event producers can and are getting attendees to pay for content and charging registration fees. (ideal for virtual corporate and media event and meeting producers-- mid-advanced level)Solution Provider Program Block II ((2:15-3:45))
Break Outs ((3:45-4:30))
Integrating Social Media Strategies & Virtual Events
This session will look at various social networking strategies including structured and unstructured activities pre, during and post event to provide insight into what s working best at what stages during an event lifecycle. (ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers, marketers—all levels)Measurement, Tracking & ROI
This session will address all of the aspects of measuring virtual and mixed events and ultimately capturing ROI information for sponsors & exhibitors, the event producer and attendees of virtual events. (ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers, marketers—all levels)Networking Reception ((4:30-5:30))
May 29
Break Outs ((9:00-9:50))
Planning & Strategies
A case study on demonstrating the decision-making process and business process related to researching, planning and socializing the move toward the launch of a virtual event including a look at creating a virtual events team. (ideal for corporate event and meeting producers, marketers--basic level)Voice, Video, IM & Chats
This session will look at the pros and cons of various networking and communication tools available for virtual events and meetings. (ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers—all levels)Keynote ((10:00-10:50))
The Future of Virtual Events
After the recession ends – general session with panel of experts; topic to cover the future direction and trends with virtual events and meetings– We envision this keynote session as a thought provoking general session, where top virtual event experts talk about the future of the virtual event industry and offerings. (ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers, marketers—all levels)Break Outs ((11:00-11:50))
Audience Acquisition Strategies
This session will provide strategies to boost attendance at virtual tradeshows & expos. (ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers, marketers—all levels)Business Ready Virtual Worlds // Second Life & Others
This session will dive into the use of Virtual World platforms for business use (Active Worlds, OLIVE, Protosphere, Second Life, Web Alive) with particular emphasis on internal & external meetings. (ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers, marketers—all levels)Solution Provider Open House ((1:00-5:00))
Sponsor Partners will have open house time for prospects and customers that want to visit and check out the platforms and service providers but are not able to attend the full conference. The Open House is open to all attendees as well as invited free attendees. Access time is 1pm to 5pm.Break Outs ((1:30-2:15))
Content Development & Format/Experience Strategies
This session will provide content creation, formatting, production and virtual attendee experience strategies and techniques to keep attendees engaged longer and visiting more frequently. (ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers, marketers--all levels)“X” Casts and Telepresence
This session will look at the state of the art in webcasts, slidecasts, bannercasts, podcasts, and cool virtual meeting and marketing tools. (ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers, marketers—all levels)Workshops ((3:00-4:45))
The 30 Day Plan!
A special workshop ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers and others interested in getting a quick but thorough introduction to virtual events and a 30-day roadmap with a workbook on what they need to do and when. Open to all paid conference attendees and Workshop Only attendees.Building a Social Media Marketing Plan for Your Community
A special workshop ideal for corporate and media event and meeting producers, marketers and others interested in learning how to build community awareness and interaction that engages your audience in all of the virtual communities and networking platforms they are a part of.