The events industry was turned upside down in 2020, forcing organizations to adapt quickly. SmithBucklin, a major player in association management and events, found itself at the forefront of this transformation. In 2020 alone, they orchestrated 72 virtual events, and in 2021, they produced over 100 virtual or hybrid events. This rapid shift made them a leading authority in the virtual event space.
To capitalize on this experience and chart a course for the future, SmithBucklin partnered with Ricochet. Our mission was to gather insights from their whirlwind of virtual events and identify strategies to enhance future virtual and hybrid experiences. This included everything from financial models to overall event business strategy.
We rolled up our sleeves and conducted seven internal listening sessions, engaging with over 40 SmithBucklin employees who were on the front lines of this virtual event revolution. Through these sessions, we distilled their valuable experiences and expertise.
The result was an 18-page research paper that was packed with actionable insights. We identified three major shifts that were reshaping the events landscape, provided comprehensive best-practice checklists, highlighted success stories from SmithBucklin’s clients, and even created an early glossary of emerging virtual event terminology.
This research wasn’t just about looking back; it was about looking forward. By partnering with Ricochet, SmithBucklin was able to transform their wealth of experience into a roadmap for the future of virtual and hybrid events.
