In addition to best practices and guidance, there were also some requests for Zoom experts. Event planners were mainly looking for recommendations on technical platforms and products, but a few were looking for people who could share their expertise in running virtual events. We also scoured relevant groups on LinkedIn to determine whether any emergent event planner concerns related to planning their pivot to virtual to translate into new roles.
These generally fell into two categories: event technology managers for virtual events/webinars and livestream event hosts. We also found offers specifically targeted at virtual events specialists. Some companies were more online-oriented in their job offers, including virtual events in the job description, or asking for specific experience in online event management. However, we did find some offers requesting experience in developing impactful digital, video and/or interactive content - all things necessary for a good virtual experience. We can only assume that large companies with internal events positions bet on live events to be back to normal in the near future, or that people in these positions will have resources available in the company to help them handle virtual events. showed no substantial difference in the job requirements usually expected for these positions (communication, budgeting, organization, time management, etc.). Interestingly, posted advertisements from some companies such as Apple, Samsung, Lowe’s, etc. We looked at several job offers for event managers/coordinators posted in the past month or so. In this article, we will share our vision on the new event industry roles about to emerge or become more prominent in 2020.
64.3% of over 2,500 participants acknowledged at that time that they had never been involved in planning a virtual event.Īs the planning and production process of virtual events is quite different from live events, it is likely that event planners will have to add other skill sets to the ones they currently rely on for their face-to-face events. Virtual events currently seem to be the only way forward for events subject to travel restrictions, widespread lockdowns, and uncertain recovery timeframes.Ī few weeks ago, EventMB hosted a three-hour online event to accompany event planners on their journey to pivot to virtual. The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on carefully laid plans and agendas for events in 2020.