B2B event organiser Forum Events & Media Group has enhanced its tech capabilities to create a virtual platform for its live video meetings.
Event organisers at Forum recently held its first virtual networking events with over 550 individual meetings at the Total Security Summit and the Security IT Summit. The two-day event matches procurement professionals with suppliers for pre-arranged meetings. Companies taking part included security and cyber security personnel from Amazon, BNP Paribas and Marriott International.
As well as the virtual meetings, delegates could ‘attend’ streamed webinar sessions with industry experts.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown restrictions associated with it have had a major impact on how we, as a nation, do business,” said Sarah Beall, Forum Events & Media Group managing director. “Exhibitions are postponed, traditional conferences and networking events are on hold for the foreseeable future. But the wheels of commerce must keep turning and businesses need to connect, particularly during these unprecedented times as companies look for practical solutions to their challenges during the pandemic.
“Like many of our colleagues in the events sector, we have a goal to #GetBritainMeeting. The events industry is a £70 billion sector that employs 700,000 people and is currently on its knees, with no ‘go date’ yet from the Government about when we can host live events.
Spike in live video meetings
“The events industry is full of forward-thinking individuals who are more than capable of making controlled, organised events and exhibitions COVID-secure. But with no greenlight from the Government, we cannot sit back and wait. We are creative and innovative thinkers and, like many other events businesses, we have taken our events virtual.
“The success of our first virtual events has proved that business connections can still be made in an online environment. Over 550 meetings in two days shows the potential – and we’re looking forward to hearing back from our guests about the business deals that are made as a result of this event.”
Forum is also hosting hybrid events, where delegates can decide whether they attend the events in person or via virtual offering.
Other events organised by Forum include the Hotel Designs LIVE event aimed at hoteliers, interior designers and architects; and the PA Life LIVE conference. Both digital conferences also featured ‘supplier pitch’ sessions, allowing companies to present their products, services and solutions to the respective audiences.
