Thanks for your comment and links!

Also, thanks for reinforcing the point that you set your strategy, then select the tools! I definitely agree with you. The “Four opportunities” that we presented start to frame the discussion that way.

You can read more about the four opportunities here: http://interactivemtgtech.wordpress.com/2009/12/02/worlds-are-colliding-to-create-new-opportunities-for-events/

Thanks again!

– Sam

Thanks for sharing the presentation and mentioning InXpo =). With regard to GSX, I’m unsure if your colleague said “90,000 sales people.” Just in case, the event had 19,000 people from the sales organization in attendance. We provided an overview on our blog about this and some recommendations: http://inxpo.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/the-hybrid-model-comes-to-global-sales-meetings/

The recent cover story in Meetings & Conventions is also very interesting as it covers hybrid events: http://bit.ly/5vLPgw.

With regard to the question about virtual events as opposed to virtual worlds, I think it’s important to recognize that virtual events will never replace physical events. Rather, I believe that virtual events will complement physical meetings.

So why virtual?
1) For those who wouldn’t have considered attending your event, you’re able to reach them with either a free or low cost registration

2) Enables you to invite more people to an event, like a sales kick-off meeting, that you wouldn’t normally have been able to due to costs of travel, lodging and catering of a physical event. Maybe top performers in person with sales support virtually

3) It’s about creating an overall event strategy. For example, you may decide to do a webinar for lead generation, a virtual product road show to maximize resources, a hybrid event to extend the reach of a conference globally, and physical for high-touch customer and partner outreach.

In the end, an event is an event is an event. Don’t let the format dictate your needs. Rather your strategy will help you decide what mix of technologies, if any, should complement your strategy.

Thanks,
Cece