Have you noticed that in almost every major industry there are major thematic conferences? Some people think that such events are a waste of time, while others do not allow themselves to miss them year after year. Why are conferences and similar major industry events needed? Why do they appear everywhere?
Today I will express my opinion on this subject on the example of the young industry of distance learning.
Reason #1. “Checking the clock”
In any industry, especially in such a rapidly developing one as online education, there are a lot of changes happening at the same time. Someone, somewhere, is constantly coming up with something, and it is important for market participants to be sure that they do not lag behind the rest of the locomotive.
In addition, conferences help in keeping track of new technologies and achievements of colleagues in the shop. Such events are an ideal environment for the dissemination of new ideas and technologies. As listeners, we usually send guys who have recently joined our company. Attending such events, they almost always get a certain charge of optimism, and it results in a gush of ideas, which is useful both for the company and for the employee.
Reason number 2. Experience exchange
Experienced market participants know that it is better to be friends with competitors than to fight them. The exchange of experience is beneficial for everyone because it helps to develop the market as a whole and increase the size of the pie to share. CMO summit is a good example to learn experience exchange throughout the event.
To meet for an exchange of experience, some kind of an occasion is often needed. An industry conference is a perfect occasion!
Reason number 3. Broadcasting site
It is no secret that conferences often advertise or announce some important information. In my opinion, it is absolutely normal if the advertisement is unobtrusive and professional, and the information is relevant and well presented.
Large events are also ideal for this: the most active and advanced market participants gather at the same time in one place. When to go out on them, if not at such moments?
Reason number 4. Get out of the routine
Nobody likes routine, so many people look forward to industry conferences to talk with colleagues “for life” and break out of the usual circle of affairs a little. Even if the event is held online, for example, in the format of a webinar, it is still an interesting occasion and an opportunity to feel like a part of something big.
Perhaps this is the most important reason why any industry has its own conferences. After all, what could be more valuable than understanding that you are not alone with your problems?
Why do you go to professional conferences?
Now in every area (SEO, website development, etc.), there are many paid and free conferences. All participants can be divided into two categories:
1) Speakers. Obviously, they perform to promote themselves or their company. The following is not clear if this is a professional conference, i.e. 90% of your competitors are on it, and you advertise your company, then what’s the point, this is not your target audience?
2) Participants. Based on the advertising goals of the first audience, why should participants go to conferences where they usually tell “water” and truisms (especially at SEO conferences), diluting their advertising with it? I still do not really understand the practical benefits of such events. And it will be very interesting for me to learn from colleagues: what benefits do you get from professional conferences (do you get clients, do you find employees, etc.)? In general, why do you attend/speak at professional conferences, where the majority are not your customers, but rather competitors.