Learning from our audiences to attract and stimulate engagement
INCON partners are transforming education, networking and engagement. We are listening to our communities and embracing new technologies and marketing techniques to deliver well-produced content that engages global delegates and sponsors.
Today, we would like to share a client’s experience moving an international congress online. As Co-chair of the 23rd International Congress on the Education of the Deaf (ICED 2021), Bronwyn Green has some interesting observations on why this congress was such a successful and engaging virtual event. See a highlight clip below:
INCON Partner Arinex were the conference organisers and it was their job to convince the target audience – many of whom are deaf or hard of hearing – to participate in their first virtual event. One of the key success factors of this event was that they listened to the audience’s views. Colin Allen, past President of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), was appointed a community ambassador. He talked to the deaf community and helped define what they really needed. He built a lot of trust among the community.
Bronwyn remarked, “Expectations were high! Arinex stayed with us each step of the way. They walked alongside us, they understood what we needed, they accepted our bottom line and they made it happen.”
Nicole Walker, Arinex CEO remarked, “We pulled out all the stops to make the entire program as accessible as possible. All the conference sessions were pre-recorded in international sign language and in Auslan, the unique sign language to Australia.We also inserted closed captions which allowed our deaf and hard-of-hearing delegates to have a more immersive experience during the sessions. A specialised helpdesk was also set up for delegates to receive support via text message.”
To optimise the online experience, presentations were pre-recorded while a live Q&A was held after each session to encourage networking and audience interaction. Bronwyn noted, “It was like a twitter feed on steroids with hundreds of people interacting. We thought we would just get the Australians online as we ran the event live in Brisbane. Almost all of the presenters got up and were online when their presentation was broadcast. The presenters responded to questions live. It was an amazing sense of community and engagement and demonstrated the power of connection.”
All expectations were exceeded. Apart from the very active Asia Pacific delegates, the Congress also attracted registrations from around the world, including UK and Europe (16%), North America (13%) and Asia (7%) as well as Africa, South America and Middle East.
Congratulations to our Partner Arinex. For more information contact: prathgeber@arinex.com.au.
You can watch Bronwyn’s full interview on the INCON Hybird & Virtual hub.
About Arinex
Arinex is a leading Australian event and conference management company, delivering successful event outcomes for nearly 50 years and across many industry sectors. Using your goals and ideas as our blueprint, we design event solutions that deliver on what is most important to you.
Your vision. Our expertise. Inspiring Experiences.
Media Contact:
Paula Rathgeber
Arinex Senior Marketing and Communications Manager
E: prathgeber@arinex.com.au
T: +61 407 598 555
W: www.arinex.com.au