The relevance and convenience factor of virtual events are best

As parents our instincts are always to do whatever it takes to protect our families. Mothers are particularly adept at morphing from genteel soothers of scrapes and peelers of grapes, to fearless lionesses protecting their cubs when someone dares to threaten them. Dads are equally fearsome when it comes to ensuring their brood is out of harm’s way when danger lurks. Just over two years after the world went into lockdown with the start of Covid, parents everywhere feared for their offspring and themselves. Families spent special occasions gathered around screens drinking toasts virtually. And we’ve seen the advent of a hybrid working environment.

Scenarios we only ever thought we would see in science-fiction movies have become the norm. We’ve adapted. We’ve learned to inhabit the virtual world like shapeshifters. We did what was necessary to keep our families safe.

In April 2020, Daniel Newman, CEO of Broadsuite Media Group penned an article for Forbes Magazine about virtual events replacing physical events.

He wrote: “I think there’s a real opportunity here for companies to embrace change and experiment with a different way of doing things – and digital events, when done well, can be awesome.”

In those few words a whole new world of opportunity became viable.

The Virtual Parenting Experience (VPE) presented by BabyYumYum.co.za, was among the new kinds of events. A year into the pandemic when our inaugural VPE took place, we could never have predicted that this passion project would be so warmly embraced and supported. More than 13 000 people attended sessions spanning two days with handpicked speakers and experts. Covid was simply the catalyst for the next growth.

During a recent virtual conference I attended, one of the medical industry’s esteemed experts commented: “We are in the middle of pandemic and on the brink of yet another wave and another new variant. Pregnant women are considered high risk for Covid infection as are newborns and toddlers.”

So, apart from the health precautions, why else would you want to attend a virtual event?

Firstly, convenience. Ask any pregnant woman or parents of a newborn or toddler. It takes ages to pack the bag, get the stroller into the car, ensure we have enough bottles, snacks, nappies, etc. And then you still have to drive to the exhibition venue, find parking, stand in a queue. You could instead stay at home and attend a virtual event at a fraction of the cost and frustration factor.

From an environmental perspective, not only will visitors reduce their own carbon footprint by attending a virtual event, but attendees are also able to cherry-pick exactly which sessions they want to attend. A virtual event allows pre-booked time slots to engage with a captive audience of people who have specifically chosen to engage with your brand.

Rogaly founded The BabyYumYum.co.za Virtual Parenting Experience