Virtually Possible: Conferences You Can Attend While at Work

Conferences can provide wonderful opportunities to learn groundbreaking information and make new friends. However, attending one in person is often unfeasible. Fortunately, some companies are now offering full-scale conferences directly online. Anyone can participate, and if you're able to conduct a Google search, then you already have the resources necessary to attend.

I first heard of this concept last year, when I was invited to attend a virtual conference and expo for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Although I was initially skeptical, I decided to personally check out what all of the buzz was about. Here's what I discovered:

Pros of a Virtual Conference

Efficiency: I could still work. In my office. The primary issue for some who would like to attend a conference is: "Who will hold the fort down while I'm gone?" With a virtual conference, you have the schedule of events in front of you, similar to any other conference, and you can schedule your work day around meetings, talks, etc. that you would like to attend.

Time: Who has the time to get away? With a virtual conference, you can eliminate travel time, hotel time, walking time, and formal mealtime - and still achieve what you want to accomplish: acquiring new information, networking, and yes, shopping (many include virtual exhibition halls where vendors discuss - and even sell - their wares).

Enjoyable: I was pleasantly surprised to find that I felt physically at the HIMSS conference - it was like a work-related video game. (Take a tour of the June 2009 HIMSS Virtual Conference and Expo.) The virtual tradeshow included "physical rooms," a human-guided tour, an exhibit hall, and even a lounge where attendees could chat with other professionals in real-time.

More candid group discussions: When attendees can ask questions virtually, they are likely to be less inhibited. As opposed to face-to-face communication, there's no sugar-coating during virtual discussions.

Less expensive: While the virtual conference I attended was free of charge, many are not. However, tickets to virtual conferences are generally less expensive than traditional, in-person conferences. I was even able to print full versions of the handouts and other educational materials that I would have received in person. Plus, I didn't have to pay for transportation, meals or lodging, and I still walked away informed.

Ability to see more, faster: At most conferences, it takes forever to weed through the Exhibit Hall booths that have nothing to offer you and find the ones that do. Combine that with tired crowds, hot temperatures from all the lights and body heat, and the large amount of walking required, and Exhibit Halls can be downright miserable. But a virtual conference allows you to scan which vendors are in attendance, "visit" their "booths," and acquire the same amount of information as a traditional tradeshow. The HIMSS conference, for instance, even allowed attendees to chat with representatives and exchange virtual business cards.

Cons of Virtual Conferences

Less exposure: While networking is certainly possible at virtual conferences, attendees won't be exposed to as many people as at traditional tradeshows and conferences.

You can't get away from the office: Some people have no problem leaving the office, and conferences often provide great excuses to just get away. However, that won't happen if you attend virtually, so if you're that person, you should hope that your office never gets wind of this concept. Otherwise, you'll likely be staying home!

Slow network connections: Although I didn't encounter this problem, Internet-connectivity issues may compromise some virtual attendees' experiences.

The next time you discover a conference that you would like to attend, explore the possibility that it may be offered virtually. Most likely, you won't regret this cost-effective, economically friendly option.

If you'd like to explore this concept, you have a great opportunity with the 2009 Administrative Professionals Briefing being held on Tuesday, April 21 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM ET. The program will be available via satellite, videoconference and/or the web. Reserve your seats now!