There's no question that virtual events require a new skill set. That’s why we’re super-psyched that we've teamed up with VEI, Virtual Events Institute, to offer their fabulous courses on how to get up to speed on virtual events. Members receive an enormous discount on the 11-module course that includes a certification of completion and a new skill set for your resume.

Sign up to become an events leader. Use the code VEG50 for a 50% discount.

As many of you know I straddle the worlds of virtual and live events, usually with agility. One of my favorite projects is creating the panel discussions for the upcoming #CES2022 conference. As we went into this week of prepping the conference sessions, our panelists bonded over an equally important matter that goes beyond just the content of the panel: our individual worries and concerns about whether to attend the event in the midst of another COVID surge. Some decided to stay the course. Some decided to sit it out. My role was not to coerce but to listen and scurry back to Plan C when necessary.

CES has taken yeoman measures to ensure attendee safety. The difference between this year and 2021 is that last year the shutdown was mandatory. Moving forward it will be a voluntary decision where we'll each have to find our way.

This week I attended the VR/AR Association event on Metaverse Platforms and Avatars on Hopin. Yes, there were tech glitches, yes they did not have my complete attention, but I made some great new connections and got so much smarter about the underpinnings of AR and VR tech. I will be at CES in person because of the deep connection I have to that show, and because I want to see innovative companies and ideas first hand. 

I'd love to hear how you're navigating the path ahead.

Seton Hall just did a study about live events, with an emphasis on sports. “The data is clear, and it’s disturbing,” said Seton Hall Marketing Professor and Poll Methodologist Daniel Ladik. “The question remains if this is a blip or the beginning of a downward trend and a return to more challenging times for sports and the country.” Takeaway: sports fans have a higher risk tolerance, but all events are suffering

We’re taking a holiday break, but wanted you to know that we’ll be at CES in January creating great conference programs. Let’s fist bump if you’re there. We’ll also be at Toy Fair in February building a Welcome to the Metaverse experience. So far, Wooshi World and Chain Guardians are joining us for the ride. Hope you’ll join.
—Robin Raskin