There is growing concern that European academics will drop out of conferences being held in Britain over the next 3 years. Earlier this month, the Guardian reported that visa uncertainty and worries about research funding post Brexit means that overseas delegates are wary of attending events in UK venues.
Concerns over problems entering and leaving the UK and being delayed by bureaucratic travel documents are among the key concerns for senior thought leaders. But how can UK conference organisers get over this hurdle with so much uncertainty still around?
New technologies have been tipped to come to the fore to help bridge the gap until governments confirm what the new world will look like. Live streaming, live video links and interactive Q&A platforms are predicted to become mainstream, beaming international speakers from distant locations to conference rooms all over the UK.
Is this the solution? Delegates attend events to hear from experts in their field, to network and get inspiration. In many ways it seems that live streaming is the next best thing to attending a conference in person. Pre-arranged meetings can be scheduled on a one-to-one or one to small group basis, allowing for intensive learning and knowledge share. It also allows conference organisers to maintain the integrity and credibility of their conference brand.
Conference organisers can sigh with relief as technology once again provides. By being orgnised (as PCO’s and event managers usually are) and securing dates early doors with esteemed remote speakers, delegates are likely to continue to flock to their events, virtually if not in person.
If the cost of the additional IT is a problem, charge conference delegates to view live online or find a sponsor to the cover it. Live video offers excellent branding opportunities for entrepreneurial brands.
So go ahead, use the low exchange rate to your advantage and book your conferences and events in the usual way and let me know how it goes!