The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the way we live. Social distancing, remote work, and video conferences have become the order of the day. Clearly, the meeting and conventions industry was not immune from the ravages of the pandemic. As the disruptions took hold, organizations, meeting planners, and keynote speakers had to quickly adapt to a new way of conducting meetings.

Thus, live in-person meetings gave way to virtual keynotes and webinars. And although the world is moving back towards pre-COVID times, virtual meetings continue to be popular. Live in-person events are clearly still the preferred way to go but it is fair to say that virtual events have made a lasting impression and are definitely here to stay. They are less expensive, and much easier to organize, with the ability to bring together attendees in different time zones at the same time without the need for travel and all the logistical headaches that that entails.