Cartoon Coffee Break: Virtual Conferences Are Here to Stay

Editor's Note: This post is part of our "Cartoon Coffee Break" series. While we take talent management seriously, we also know it's important to have a good laugh. Check back regularly for a new ReWork cartoon

Virtual conferences are a relatively new addition in our world of work—and even after the pandemic has passed, they’re likely here to stay. They offer numerous benefits, like increased accessibility, cost savings and have smaller environmental footprints. And the attendee experience is only improving as companies across industries learn how to make these events as worthwhile online as they were in-person.

For example, we’ve learned that virtual conferences feel fake if they’re too polished. Organizers should make space for ’human’ moments and shouldn’t edit out pauses, stumbles or bits of raw emotion. In a recent webcast, Arianna Rehak, the CEO of Matchbox Virtual, reiterated the importance of ’being real’ with attendees, saying: "Create a positive conversational environment that signals to others that they can join. That can be as simple as being the first to say, ’Hey, really excited to be here and get started.’ That will set the right tone."

Including interludes or adding breaks to the event schedule can also help with attendee engagement. In addition, it’s important to make time for the breaks that occur naturally in-person. Virtual musical performances, games, quizzes, workout classes—or even dance parties!—are a great way to give everyone’s mind a break.

This month, Cornerstone’s annual Convergence conference is going all-virtual—and we took these lessons to heart when building out our two-day program. We’ll not only include inspiring, authentic keynotes from different personalities and experts, but we’ll also offer attendees a place to connect and network with other industry professionals through digital forums and in-session chats. And to ensure that attendees have an opportunity for a break, Convergence will offer virtual yoga and meditation sessions, virtual photo booths and a cooking demonstration from a Michelin-starred chef!

We hope you'll join us on September 16 and 17!

To register for either the Americas or EMEA Cornerstone Convergence and build your personalized session schedule, visit: www.cornerstoneconvergence.com.