DISADVANTAGES OF DIGITALIZATION OF THE EVENT INDUSTRY

The event sector is always evolving, much like societal structure, and it is reflected in the latest trends. This has been spreading all around. The scale of the world events sector, which was estimated to be worth $1,100 billion in 2018, is projected to increase by 10.3% year until it reaches $2,330 billion in valuation by 2026. (Allied Market Research, 2019) (Transformation and Digitalisation of the Event Industry, 2021).

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New digital techniques, including the usage of cloud-based event management tools and chances to review and improve current procedures, are also indicative towards the event industry's digitalization. Becoming paperless is no longer a passing trend; it is now a must for most event organizers. Digitalization in the events sector has an impact on every stage of event planning. Saving time and streamlining organizational processes are two main objectives of employing digital technologies. With the constantly shifting pandemic landscape, people have seen how effective virtual engagements can indeed be, from neighbourhood activities and seminars to huge sports leagues and corporate events (Transformation and Digitalisation of the Event Industry, 2021).

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IS DIGITALIZATION OF EVENT GOOD OR BAD?

In contrast to live gatherings, the organizers and presenters at a digital event must have a specific flair for entertaining to keep viewers interested in the show for an extended duration of time. However at analogue events, monotony is never enjoyable, but with digitized events it is extremely important because disinterested attendees can easily leave by pressing a button.

 

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DISADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL EVENT

Afterwork networking opportunities- Oftentimes, networking takes place outside of formal meetings during after-hours casual gatherings. At live events, such gatherings and celebrations are typically well-liked and well-attended. Following exhausting days, everyone has an opportunity to unwind, and both personal and professional connections can grow.

Solution- How could the ambiance of a traditional restaurant's happy hour be replicated in a virtual setting? It's hard. Nevertheless there are ways to develop enjoyable chances for socializing. People can connect online, for example, through escape rooms (P. (2021, November 21)).

More Difficult to Keep Guests' Attention- Individuals may have numerous things pulling for their concentration while watching a virtual event at house. Everyone working from home will occasionally require to step aside, whether for child care, cleaning, or a visitor. So, it may be difficult for event organizers to present information that keeps attendees engaged. It's challenging to convince individuals to devote in spending a prolonged amount of hours  before a computer screen, which is another possible drawback. Several individuals will naturally desire occasional breaks (P. (2021, November 21)). 

Solution- Proper attention spans must be taken into account while creating online material. Also, it must have enough engaging information to encourage visitors to return after breaks. Everybody engaged in organizing an event, including the organizers, funders, and exhibitors, may run into this problem. It is important to take into account both the micro and the macro levels because everyone has a part to engage in creating content. 

Absence of Face-to-Face Connectivity- The simple interpersonal connections that occur at live company events are among their greatest benefits, not the events' informative content. Furthermore, there isn't yet a technology inside the virtual environment that can fully replace it. Networking during live events is frequently partially intentional, but a lot of it happens naturally. Walking through the exhibition halls, discovering who you meet with, and spending time with people you only meet during events adds towards the event's enjoyment.

Solution- Even though interacting and conversing with somebody online is substantially different from engaging in reality, the fact that it's unique is what prevents most people from adopting it. This indicates that there's a chance the experience of interacting with others virtually could get better. The novelty of this mode of communication will eventually wear off, making it appear more comfortable and rewarding (P. (2021, November 21)).

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Reference- 

P. (2021, November 21). The Pros & Cons of Moving Your Event Entirely Online. ProGlobalEvents. https://www.proglobalevents.com/blog/virtual-events-pros-cons/

How virtual events changed the event industry - and how to host your own. (n.d.). https://www.brella.io/blog/how-virtual-events-are-changing-the-event-industry