The reality of attending live events was a lot of meetings, but not necessarily the right ones. Then again, there are always those magic moments of serendipity where you struck a deal, placed an order, found a job. The question events producers should be asking is can serendipity be orchestrated? 

Video conference tools let us absorb content but they don’t do much for meeting the right folks.  We’re already surveying current attendees and using AI to create good matches, but what about all of those years of data from live events? Are you using your data from your in-person events to make better virtual events?

Aventri (event management software) partners with Brandlive (live-video solutions) to offer TV-style video production for virtual events and for the digital component of any hybrid gatherings. Cvent's acquired Shoflo, a professional live streaming platform. And in the metaverse world, Roblox acquired Guilded (a Discord competitor), which allows communities to form around calendar events and games. 

And check out HeadOffice.space a quirky space-themed metaverse for meetings and events. 

Another reason to blame Zoom? I spent a week investigating the new Zoom App Marketplace, apps that can be launched directly from within your Zoom meetings, webinars and rooms. The results of my experiment did not bode well for using Zoom as a platform.
Read all about it. 

The Price of a Quick Test 

For somewhere between $95 and $125 per test you can scan your attendees and exhibitors on-site for COVID-19 infection. Companies like Renegade Bio handle everything from on-site logistics (like bringing the pop-up testing facility, performing quick saliva tests (suggested for large groups), and scheduling to keep wait times manageable. Others like Veritas Genetics offer what’s called a pooled test (best for schools) where saliva tests are pooled together to detect COVID. It’s usually less expensive but could shut down your entire event. We recently threw a small party where we tested guests using two-packs of quick tests from Abbott, which we bought for $25 at our local pharmacy. (I’d only recommend this DIY approach for really small events.)

Netflix’s Event Debut

It’s called Tudum (named for the sound you hear as Netflix boots up) and it’s Netflix’s entry into the world of virtual fandom. Viewers will get to meet the stars of their favorite Netflix series in a 3-hour livestream gala. (Be still, your Cobra Kai hearts). Viewing deets: Tudum event starts at 12 p.m. EDT/9 a.m. PDT on Saturday, September 25. The event will be broadcast on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch. Netflix is also hosting special pre-shows to showcase its Korean and Indian original series and films along with its anime content at 8 a.m. EDT/5 a.m. PDT.