Few recent developments in the world of business hold as much promise as the dramatic rise in cloud-based systems. For event marketers, exhibitors, and attendees alike, the cloud is an invaluable asset, able to enhance event planning as well as the event experience for exhibitors and attendees. Here are some ways utilizing the cloud can enhance your event.
1) Ease Of Management
A conference, trade show, or event can be thought of as a single—albeit large—project, and efficient project management is vital to the success of events. Project management software housed in the cloud enables the easy sharing of important event information, alerting event planning and production staff to important tasks and deadlines while allowing management to see what is and isn’t being accomplished.
2) Improved Data Access
Whether you place your data in the public, private, or hybrid cloud, cloud software offers ease of access to essential event materials and information.
Public Cloud
For large public or semi-public events like a trade show or business conference, using a public cloud such as Google Drive is a great way to disperse information to the public about speakers and promotions, or provide access to product demos and more.
Private Cloud
Set up a private cloud when you want to disperse information to a select group of people at the event—event staff, perhaps.
Hybrid Cloud
A hybrid cloud is useful when there is a private event within a larger public event, such as a vendor meeting before a trade show.
Whichever you choose, the cloud allows those to whom you give access the ability to interact with your data at any time and on virtually any device.
3) Increased Communication
The cloud can also be used to provide a single, universally accessible location for attendees and exhibitors to share information and feedback about the programs taking place within the event. Moving from the multiple point solutions of the past to a single consolidated platform enhances the event experience for everyone involved, allowing attendees to voice concerns and enabling event staff to take care of issues as they arise.
4) Make Your Presence Truly Global
Placing your marketing or product materials in the cloud doesn’t only provide access to staff and attendees. It can also help to open your event to the world, allowing anyone anywhere in the world to learn more about your company and its products and services.
By making event information, materials, and even videos available to people everywhere, the cloud allows you to expand your audience by extending your event to those who would otherwise be unable to attend—potentially encouraging them to attend in the future.
For both event marketers and event exhibitors, cloud-based services simplify planning and execution while expanding reach and improving communication. The efficiency and elegance of this solution is clear. It seems almost guaranteed the cloud will continue to play a central role at events for years to come.