Tips for maximizing your networking at a virtual event

The world has changed a lot in this decade: from the global accessibility offered by the Internet to the restrictions we experienced during the pandemic, almost no aspect of our lives is the same today as it was just a few years ago.

If we focus on events (congresses, fairs, training...) specific to the tourism sector, we will realize that they have taken a 180º turn since 2020: completely eradicated during the pandemic, they were timidly reappearing digitally, and in recent times we have been able to experience them again in person. However, the digital tsunami is here to stay, and many appointments that used to take place in person have decided to maintain a more global and accessible format through the online world. This format mainly affects networking, one of the main business focuses for agencies at any event, especially fairs and congresses.

‍How can I do quality digital networking for my agency?
‍There are many reasons to attend a virtual event, but without a doubt one of the main ones is that it allows us to be present at events that take place thousands of kilometers away without altering our agenda. This is why this format is so in vogue and it is necessary to be able to squeeze out everything it can offer us.

Whether your agency is the organizer of the conference or if you are attending as a guest, don't miss our tips to get the most out of your virtual attendance at any tourist event by following these simple tips.

- Spread your support through your communication channels. Attending events, fairs or sectoral congresses shows that you are interested in knowing and moving forward, in being in the focus of decisions, so it generates a very positive impression of your agency. So once you've confirmed your presence at a conference, the next step is to make sure that your clients and associates know it: post it on your social networks (look at the hashtags that are being used), make an entry on your website, even include it in your signature (it may seem small, but how many emails do you send throughout the day? Well, information is included in all of them, which is equivalent to wide dissemination). By the way, remember to include LinkedIn in your posts: after all, it's the professional social network par excellence.

- Register on the event platform or app. Most virtual congresses (even some in person) already have an internal platform where they can share information from participating companies. Sign up, include your contact details and as much valuable information about your company as you can. Through this platform you can meet and contact the rest of the virtual companions, so take the opportunity to select the most interesting ones and contact them before the event starts. Also make sure to present a powerful and eye-catching profile so you don't go unnoticed. (Note: if you are the organizer of the conference, don't forget to offer your guests such a platform!).

- It leaves its mark during the event. Whether it's a conference or a training event, be sure to contribute your knowledge and stand out at a professional level. Participate in round tables, showcase your agency's innovative work, ask your questions or comments in presentations, interact with presenters/trainers as well as with other participants at a private level... Also take the opportunity to meet your virtual colleagues and explore business or collaboration opportunities: to do this, make use of the platform's chat tool, or contact individual attendees who are of interest to your agency strategy.

- It provides quality content. A good way to connect with the public is to contribute material that adds value to the topic being discussed: it's not just about being present, but about differentiating yourself with contributions of quality content. To do this, you can share articles and professional references related to the theme of the conference, identifying yourself as someone of interest and great knowledge in the sector. This will awaken the interest of the rest of the guests in the work of your agency.

- Keep track of your contacts. Once the event is over, it is very easy for us to spend time with the daily routine and forget the contacts made, thus wasting a networking opportunity that we had prepared thoroughly. To prevent this from happening, select those with the greatest prospect of collaboration and contact them one or two days after the event. This way you will have a fresh memory of who left their mark on you, and the same will happen to the other party. The probability of closing collaborations with partner companies at the event decreases as the days go by, so review your notes and contact those agencies or companies that aroused your interest when it came to making a business collaboration.

By the way! You can also apply many of these tips to maximize your attendance at in-person events, so take note. You can also check out our post on How to prepare for a tourism fair that we published as a result of FITUR 2023

Did you know that the MOGU platform is perfectly adapted for congresses and events? If you are planning to organize a conference and are looking for an app that will meet many of the needs that arise when coordinating an event of these characteristics, don't miss everything that MOGU can offer you through its management platform and its guest support app: internal chat, sending documentation, updated program, external link, notifications... Schedule a demo and we will offer you all the information focused on events.

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