Virtual convention

Last week I attended a three-day self-publishing convention – and I never left home. While I have attended many webinars and teleconferences, and even a video conference or two, these have all been small and highly focused events lasting no more than an hour or two. But what I attended was a full-fledged convention with multiple workshops and even an exhibit hall. What was lacking was the ability to network and interact with other attendees.

Most of the workshops were panel discussions with leaders calling in from all over the country. Each workshop allowed those of us who participated to text comments or questions to the leaders. The workshops were handled as teleconferences – not webinars. While at least one presenter had a power point presentation we could download, the conference lacked any visual elements.

I can well imagine that virtual conventions will increase in popularity, particularly as they become more interactive and multi-media. This particular conference is one that I would not have attended had I needed to be away from the office for three or four days, and yet I did get value from some of the workshops to which I dialed in. Much of the value of any  convention, however, stems from the relationships established, the networking, and overall comaderie. So, just as printed books will never be totally replaced by electronic versions, so live conventions will not be totally replaced by those conducted over the Internet.

Will Limkemann
www.siqualtd.com