2009 is proving to be brutal on the conference circuit. While there are still plenty to choose from, attendances are way down. That's bad for the organizers who put a lot of money up front to stage these events. For instance, I am hearing that an important SAP FICO/HR conference that attracted 3,600 last year is down to 2,500.
Instead, I notice that more organizations are getting tele-conference/rich media religion and that's a good thing. The finest example I've seen to date is the MIX09 conference, currently underway in Las Vegas.
Microsoft has done an incredible job providing remote viewers with what amounts to a front row seat at one of its premier development gigs. (see image at top of post) Also, in what I believe is the first attempt of its type, the livestream integrates a Twitter panel. This allows the viewer to see incoming Tweets that have #mix09 added to them or which mention MIX09. I'm pretty sure I know how Microsoft is doing this and on thinking about it - it's darned obvious. Twitter Search using #mix09 will retrieve all Tweets that have the MIX09 'word' in them. Stitching that to a web page isn't hard. It's a simple piece of script.
Now before you all roll your eyes heavenwards, just stop and think. Including what amounts to an IRC back channel into the livestream means as a viewer, I get to see and access more relevant content. So for instance, I saw that one person has provided a link that discusses the announcements. It provides extra perspective I might well have missed. It also shows me new people I may not know but with whom I may have a topic connection.
Now think how this could apply to the profession. Imagine for instance livestreaming one of Mark Lee's development gigs and having a Twitter channel that allows for real-time Q&A. Or how about a tax seminar that tackles common issues around (take your pick) compliance? What about Faculty sessions? How about inviting clients to participate in these streams? the possibilities seem endless.
As my analyst colleague James Governor pointed out - these methods of mixing up media types allows both increased reach and the fostering of valuable hive mind thinking. For more responses, see the images below:
A virtual or digital 'version' can never quite replace the value of face to face meeting or networking. Even so, it can go a considerable distance towards meeting the needs of those who want to attend but cannot justify the expense or who wish to dip in and out, concentrating on the things that matter to them.
Once you see events in this light then it is a short step to thinking about this as a fresh way to deliver all manner of educational content. The model is already in place: put the live event on as something people pay to attend and then offer the livestream for free.