Technology changes at a rapid pace – as does the volume of data, and the tools, available to us as marketers. Yet while techniques may evolve, the goal of any activity is typically the same: generate and convert more profitable leads.  

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The last few months have been chaos for event planners and marketers all over the globe. For many, it’s been a thoroughly frustrating time and a never-ending spiral of cancellations and postponements. 

Gartner is now advising companies to prepare contingency plans for cancelled events, including online delivery for hosts and for exhibitors to shift event budgets to digital channels. Microsoft has just announced that all its conferences will be 100% virtual until the middle of next year. And, in fact, the majority (65%) of the B2B marketing industry plans to reallocate some or most of their live event budgets to online events, such as webinars.  

Yet if there’s one silver lining to be found in this scenario, it’s the growing realisation that virtual events can offer an incredibly easy, cost-effective and powerful way to bring people together. And in many instances, virtual events can actually be a more powerful and succinct way to engage people, particularly in the tech B2B space. Here are five reasons why:  

1. Lower costs and less overheads
2. Larger attendee numbers 
3. Stronger post-event engagement 
4. Higher value speakers 
5. Greater geographic reach 

As Splendid’s strategic offering goes from strength-to-strength, we asked Mel Johnstone, our Strategy Director, about the road to here, and what the future looks like. 

Right in the middle of Australia’s COVID-19 lockdown, Bella Baird joined Splendid Suggestions as an account executive, working across both our strategy and client services teams. According to Bella, the remote ‘onboarding’ experience has actually been very positive and surprisingly easy.   

Right before the world descended into pandemic-induced lockdown, Splendid welcomed Jen Greatrex to our team as our new head of Client Service. Now that the dust is settling a little, we thought it time we gave her a proper introduction. 

As was announced in AdNews this week, we’re thrilled to welcome Jennifer Greatrex (Jen) to our business as head of client services.  

Take-outs from the latest global Challenger research

This week, everyone here at Splendid was very excited to welcome our newest (and youngest) team member, Miffy! Though she’ll be stationed in a gum tree in Ballarat Wildlife Park on a permanent basis, Miffy’s responsibilities will include (remotely) boosting our morale, hanging out 24/7, and eating copious amounts of Eucalyptus leaves.  

Last week, we were very excited to be invited to speak to, and be a founding member of, the Microsoft ANZ Commercial Excellence (ACE) Council.