Author Archives: Kerry Rea President of GovEvents

About Kerry Rea President of GovEvents

Twitter: @Kerry_Rea | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kerryrea/ I am a business and marketing professional with an extensive background in company start-ups. I have 20+ years direct experience in the information technology, government, franchise, and construction industries. Having a passion for business, I love brainstorming, collaborating and strategizing on the best ways to achieve our clients' and partners' business objectives.

A Real Look at Virtual Events

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It's been a little over a year since we last looked at the state of virtual events. Since that post, streaming has become more mainstream with the launch of Facebook Live. The rise in mobile device usage and access to high bandwidth connections has fueled the viability of video in recent months. Its popularity -- and power -- is growing at an amazing rate thanks in part to Google and Facebook's efforts to promote video through prioritizing it in their algorithms.

While every virtual event does not require video (many audio and slide-driven webinars are very valuable and popular), it is a dynamic way to hold the attention of virtual attendees. It also serves to broaden the reach of live events to an online audience.[Tweet "Virtual events can broaden the reach of live events to an online audience. #GovEventsBlog"] In 2016, the Super Bowl, the Democratic and Republican National Conventions and the debates were live streamed creating a second venue for people to watch and interact online. While the Federal events we list on GovEvents are nowhere near the scope of those events, there is a real need and opportunity for virtual events in the federal market. Continue reading →

2017 Government Events Outlook

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Each year we look ahead and take our best (educated) guesses on what the federal market can expect from events in the coming year. With so many unknowns around the incoming administration, 2017 may be a difficult year for predictions. While the administration does not affect events directly, it does affect those who attend them.

We've dusted off our crystal ball once again. Here is our look at Government Events in 2017:[Tweet "Here is our look at Government Events in 2017. #GovEventsBlog"]

Continue reading →

Looking Back at the 2016 Federal Events Market

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It's the time of year when everyone finds themselves wondering how time went by so fast and what the new year will bring. We thought we'd jump on the bandwagon of reflection with a look back at the federal event market predictions we made at the beginning of 2016.

Here's a re-cap of the predictions and what really happened in the past 12 months:

Prediction 1: More creativity in events - We did see many events shaking up their normal routines and adding more interactive sessions and more social media to shows. Amazon Web Services used a social media center to share conference information and activity as it was happening at their annual public sector event. We're looking forward to seeing the reaction to ASAE's unconference format that will be introduced this May in Washington, DC.[Tweet "What the new year will bring for #Federal events. #GovEventsBlog"] Continue reading →

Go Take a Hike

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The television show, The West Wing, was famous for its walk and talk scenes. But more than being dramatic, there is something to the function of moving while talking. Companies across all industries are implementing walking meetings for problem solving and collaborative discussions with great results. A Harvard Business Review study found that those who participate in walking meetings are 5.25% more likely to report being creative at their jobs than those who do not. Additionally, walking meeting participants are 8.5% more likely to report high levels of engagement. While these are not huge numbers, it shows that there is something to be said about the connection between movement and engagement.[Tweet "Walking meeting participants report high levels of engagement. #GovEventsBlog"] Continue reading →

A New Look For GovEvents

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goveventsWe've written numerous posts about the importance of refreshing events to attract new attendees and keep repeat attendees engaged. Now we've taken our own advice and refreshed GovEvents.com to provide a new look and better functionality.[Tweet "A new look for GovEvents to provide better functionality. #GovEventsBlog"] On the revamped site you'll notice:

  • New Home Page - Includes highlights of and access to open calls for papers/presentations, exhibitor/sponsor opportunities, as well as the top trending events.
  • Important Message Banner - This bar, visible across the main site pages, will be used to highlight upcoming deadlines, announce weather-related event cancellations or changes, and special offers.
  • Exclude Items in Search - You can indicate phrases or categories you do not want included in your search results.[Tweet "Now it is easier than ever to add events to GovEvents! #GovEventsBlog"]
  • Search Confirmation/Suggestion - In entering a search, if you misspell a word or there is another closely aligned search term with more relevant results, the site will give you clarification options.
  • Event Suggestions - When viewing an event you are interested in the site will recommend up to three similar events.
  • Easier than Ever to Add Events - Now all government users can add events without having to register as a vendor or an event organizer.
  • Mobile Responsive - The updated site is more mobile friendly for members that access GovEvents on a smart phone or tablet.

[Tweet "What you think of the refreshed GovEvents site? #GovEventsBlog"]Many of these updates were made based on user feedback. Have more ideas? We always welcome new ideas. Let us know what you think of the refreshed site in the comments below.