Due to the Covid-19 related restrictions for the best part of a year, most indoor gatherings had to be canceled. This includes tech events. While not the most important issue by any means, tech events had to adapt.
Whether it was product launches or developer conferences, tech events had to move online. But what about when the pandemic's over? Will tech events resume in-person or remain online? Let's have a look at what might happen.
Why Have Tech Events Moved Online?
The short answer to why tech events have moved online is the COVID-19 pandemic. The long answer is a little more nuanced. How does a worldwide pandemic cause tech events to move online? Let's explain.
Most countries worldwide have introduced restrictions on everyday life in an attempt to reduce the spread of the virus. Indoor events and gatherings have been one area for restrictions. After all, if you pack a large number of people into one space, it's pretty obvious that the virus would spread.
As most countries have restricted indoor events and gatherings, tech events have been prohibited for the best part of a year. As a result, tech companies have had to adapt. Rather than canceling much-loved product launches or developer conferences, companies have moved these events online.
Often pre-recording events, companies can broadcast to customers across the world at once. But are they the same as in-person events? Let's take a look at what might happen to tech events once the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us.
Reasons for Keeping Tech Events Online
We'll first examine why companies might choose to keep tech events online after the pandemic has ended.
Events Are Pre-Recorded
The majority of digital tech events are pre-recorded. As most TV producers will tell you, pre-recorded broadcasts are much easier than live broadcasts. When you fill an event beforehand, you can go back and tweak bits before broadcasting it to consumers.
You don't like the section where Tim introduces a topic? Go back and re-record that segment. The flexibility that pre-recording brings reduces the risk of any mistakes or on-screen blunders being shown to the world.
Events Are Often Live-Streamed Anyway
As you probably know, most live events are live-streamed anyway. Every time there's a product launch in-person, the company live-streams the event as well so everyone else can see what's happening.
Since companies typically offer an online version of the event, why not cut out the expensive in-person event, and opt for a pre-recorded event online?
Can Take Advantage of Effects
Now, this is a fairly minor point, but we've seen companies take advantage of special effects in their pre-recorded online events. Apple, for example, included scenes of Craig Federighi driving a car to Apple Park, and traveling through the floor.
Special effects aren't the biggest deal when it comes to tech events. We've gone fine without them for years. But it gives companies an opportunity to do something fun, get people talking, and drum up some internet memes.
Reasons for Resuming In-Person Tech Events
Now we'll consider why companies might resume in-person tech events after the pandemic is behind us.
Companies Prefer These
Some people may not realize that companies actually prefer these despite the costs of in-person events.
At most product launches, companies offer journalists some hands-on time with new products. Here, companies get to show off their latest developments in a controlled environment, generating buzz online.
It's just not possible to replicate this experience with online events, so companies may opt for in-person tech events to offer hands-on experiences.
It's Part of Normal Life
Simply put, tech events are part of normal life. So, as everything else resumes, why shouldn't tech events as well?
We've already had the first in-person tech event take place since the start of the pandemic. MWC 2021 took place in Barcelona at the end of June. While there wasn't too much announced at the event, it was good to see a tech event in the flesh again.
There's Something Special About In-Person Events
Last but not least, there's just something special about in-person events. Whether it's the latest iPhone launch or the E3 event, everyone gets excited by new announcements. What's more, everyone wants to be at the event.
Even though it is just an event at the end of the day, for those that are passionate about tech, it's exciting to see these events in-person.
So, What Will Tech Events Do?
Well, it still remains unclear as to what exactly will happen to tech events. However, there are some pretty solid arguments in favor of both outcomes, and ultimately, it's up to the event organizers.
The fact that we've seen some tech events resume in-person, suggests that this might be the way to go. But, we'll only find out as time goes on and more events happen.