Jeremy Minnick is taking his success story to the next level, leaping from Map D's Founding CEO into a board of directors role at Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE) - an organization he feels deeply connected to and with which he has enjoyed a long and close relationship. He steps forward confidently, embracing who he has become both personally and professionally.  

Emerging new technologies such as Augmented Reality or AI are paving the way for companies at the forefront of The New Economy. There’s no returning to life before COVID; the post-pandemic reality will be built upon amplifying what we’ve learnt in the past 18 months. Face-to-face events are now hybrid events - the best of two worlds. Online shopping, thanks to 3D interactive product models and AR banner ads, is now bringing the in-store shopping experience to the consumers at the comfort of their own homes. Immersive learning and human holograms are forever altering the way we consume content and learn. 

While the world is carefully starting to open, it isn’t likely to return to the pre-shuttered lockdown that was 2020. The past eighteen months helped us realize how much can be achieved by combining the digital and live; and the best part is, we’re only getting started. 

Regardless of whether we’re talking in-person or virtual, the key event goals remain the same: attendance and qualified leads. One work without the other, so how can you attract both? 

One thing becomes crystal clear as we approach the second quarter of 2021: the chances of large conferences or trade shows taking place in-person this year are close to none. Despite our hopes, it'll take months for the vaccines to be widespread enough to turn the tide, so online events will continue to dominate the event industry. 

Hybrid events are set to dominate the future of the event industry. While 2020 undoubtedly belonged to virtual events, 62% of event planners agree that the hybrid model will lead the way for B2B gatherings as soon as the threat of COVID-19 subsides. 

How many ads or social media posts promoting virtual events do you see daily? With thousands of global organizations switching to online events in 2020, creating a truly compelling event marketing campaign on any given digital channel can be quite the challenge. 

The event industry is undergoing a major and unexpected transformation and the reason behind it is simple: COVID-19 outbreak, which led to thousands of in-person business gatherings being postponed or even cancelled.

Trade shows have long been an important staple for marketing products, services, and brands. They also serve as a unique opportunity to network and make connections with potential partners and customers.

As the world continues to adapt to the new normal, consumers are now doing much of their shopping online rather than in-person. In March 2020, online retail categories saw as much as a 74% uptick in sales when compared to March 2018.