Report: Online video most wanted at virtual events

Press Release: Onstream Media and Trade Show News Network Release Findings of Groundbreaking Virtual Event Survey

POMPANO BEACH, FL – Onstream Media Corporation, a leading online service provider of live and on-demand Internet broadcasting, corporate web communications and virtual marketplace technology, and Trade Show News Network (TSNN), the world’s leading online resource for the exhibition and event industry, announced the release of what is believed to be the trade show industry’s most extensive survey about virtual events. The survey report entitled “2010 Virtual Event Report: Insights & Trends from Industry Insiders” is now available for no cost at www.tsnn.com.

Designed to assess true market adoption, future spending and overall acceptance of the virtual-event medium, the top-line findings show there is substantial market acceptance for virtual trade shows and belief in their revenue-generating potential as a complement to physical events. Over 800 trade show industry professionals responded to the survey and many of the industry’s featured writers, bloggers and subject matter experts contributed commentaries to the report.

“Virtual trade shows are rapidly becoming centers for both commerce and networking for people with like-minded interests,” said Randy Selman, President & CEO of Onstream Media. “We co-developed this foundational survey with Trade Show News Network to verify this belief and confirm that virtual event platforms can in fact help organizations and businesses in a number of ways. Specifically, they can create new revenue streams, reduce marketing expenses, minimize their carbon footprint and more effectively communicate with customers, prospects and partners alike.”

Key findings from the survey include:

Virtual events are a success — Of those who have participated in a virtual event, 75% deemed it a success.
Virtual events extend the value of physical shows — 75% see virtual events as a complement or a logical extension to an existing show or physical event.
Virtual events offer a tremendous opportunity for trade show organizers to generate revenue and reduce expenses, as not all industries yet offer such events.
Online video is the most desired feature among virtual event attendees.

“We are experiencing a dramatic rise in interest from our readers and sponsors regarding the recent adoption of virtual technology by trade show organizers to extend their physical presence. Along with Onstream Media, we conducted this important survey to take the pulse of the virtual-event industry and understand what is in store for its future,” said R.D. Whitney, President of Tarsus Ventures. “What we learned is just how important it is for show organizers to have virtual events. On a going forward basis, these events represent a critical component of their portfolio as they not only truly engage attendees in a 24/7 year-round environment but also drive more revenue and reduce costs.”

- Originally posted on HypergridBusiness.com