What to Expect from an All-Virtual GlueX
BY IT GLUE | June 24, 2020
Now that GlueX is going all-virtual, you might have some questions about what that means for your GlueX experience. Let’s get one thing out of the way right up front – a virtual event is not a webinar. A virtual event is way more than that; a virtual event takes the features of the in-person event and transforms them for the virtual context. We’ve got a fantastic platform that we’re using for GlueX, so I’d like to walk you through some of the highlights of what you can expect from GlueX 2020
Same Killer Content
First, there’s the speakers. You get access to all of them. What’s better is that we’re working to bring in even more speakers, because the digital format is more flexible and cost effective that way. So you get all the content of an in-person conference, but from the safety and comfort of your own home. Oh – and with lower ticket prices, you can bring more of your team, and really maximize the content that your company absorbs, for the same amount of money.
One unique feature of GlueX virtual is that you will have access to all the rich content on demand after the event, so you’ll be able to watch and re-watch every breakout, keynote, and the State of the Nation address on your own schedule after the event is over. This content will only be available to ticket holders, so to our partners in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, you’ll want to get a ticket in order to access GlueX content in the comfort of your own time zone.
Networking
One of the best reasons to attend a conference in person is the networking, the random connections you make at the breakfast table or the bar. Virtual events today bring you the same networking opportunities; it just looks a bit different. Expect virtual meeting rooms and social events that provide much the same opportunity for interaction. Virtual events also tend to have more attendees, because there’s no travel costs. That means more people to talk to. More peers, more GlueCrew, more of the folks you want to chat with, available more often.
Vendors
Conferences are big business, and so virtual conference software prioritizes the vendor experience. You’ll be able to have the same one-on-one interactions with vendors that you’d have in person, plus the ability to download promotional materials at your leisure. Vendors will still have virtual swag, too.
Entertainment
Wait, entertainment? Absolutely. This isn’t a webinar, it’s a conference. We’re working on bringing some in really cool entertainment options for GlueX this year. In fact, the virtual format has allowed us to be more creative with the types of entertainment, and our entertainment budget goes farther, both of which will probably make the entertainment options at GlueX 2020 even better than ever before.
Venue
GlueX might be virtual, but there’s still a venue. You actually replicate the look and feel of going into a conference venue, choosing your rooms, exploring the vendor pavilion, and more. The venue provides the structure of the event, and allows it to feel like something more than a string of webinars.
Unique Features
We demo’d a lot of virtual event platforms to find one we love. We can’t give you all the details yet because we’re still building it out, but the GlueX team is very much excited about the unique features we’ll have for you this year.
Get Stuff Done
If a conference also means working at the breakfast table and in the hallways, because you’re the boss and there’s no “off” switch, this is actually one of the nicer things about a virtual event. You can soak up the content, the networking and the vendor conversations, all from your desk. This means you can get more work done, with less stress. You get all the benefits of a conference but without any disruption to the whole making money thing.
Welcome, EMEA and APAC!
As beautiful as Phoenix is with its saguaros and sun, it’s still a long haul for some of our partners. GlueX 2020, however, is not. It’s evening in the UK and Europe, and it’s a great way to start your day if you’re in Australia or New Zealand. But you can watch the content sessions whenever you want if you’re a ticket holder. If you’re not a ticket holder, the sessions will not be available to you. The virtual format makes all the awesomeness of GlueX available to all of our partners, no matter where you are in the world.
This year’s all-virtual GlueX is a no-brainer for IT Glue partners and the IT Glue curious. With all the benefits of attending an in-person show, but without the hassle and cost of travel (and travel is definitely a hassle these days!), attending GlueX 2020 is a no-brainer. Get your ticket today, and a couple more for your team while you’re at it.
