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Looking for the right way to dive into the digital world? Follow these three key pieces of advice.
Eliminating Excel spreadsheets, slashing registration time, expanding an organization’s reach with live-streaming — digital technology providers make a lot of promises to event organizers. While all these possibilities are exciting, they can also feel overwhelming. As you consider investing in new technologies for your organization, consider these three key pieces of advice from the recent PCMA webinar “What Is Digital for Events?”
1) Take Baby Steps.
If you’re just beginning your journey with digital technology, you must temper your expectations. Donny Neufuss, director of digital engagement at PRG and the company’s eSports vertical market leader, told the webinar audience that the first steps must be tiny and affordable.
“Crawl, walk, run, fly,” Neufuss said. “That’s my mantra when I talk to anyone about digital strategy. You have to find a place where you can start crawling. You want to ease your way into leveraging digital technology throughout all your programs.”
2) Focus on the Year Ahead.
As you mature and your digital strategy evolves, it’s important to recognize that you may not rely on the same technology by the time you start walking, running, or flying. Sourabh Kothari, director of advocacy, brand and content, Signifyd, said that submitting an RFP for a digital event marketing solution or a digital registration system for a three-year span is not realistic. Technology is changing at a rapid pace, which means that what works this year may no longer be a good fit by the time your next annual event arrives.
“Just get a solution that will work for the next 12 months,” Kothari said, “and then determine if you should upgrade that plan or look for a new solution.”
3) Don’t Overwork.
Whether you’re integrating a new project-management system to help your internal team or using a new mobile app to enhance the attendee experience, the process needs to check one important box: simplicity.
“Technology can overcomplicate things,” Neufuss said. “Whatever new tool you’re using, it should be relieving some stress and pressure. If you’re working too hard to use a tool for your event, then it’s not right for you. The digital aspects of your event should help you move faster.”
Interested in expanding your digital knowledge? Neufuss and Kothari will host another webinar with best practices on how other organizations are leveraging the power of digital on Aug. 21 at 1:00 p.m. CT. Click here to register for free.