Improving a Virtual Tech Conference | Addressing Challenges During the Pandemic
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Throughout the pandemic, everyone transitioned to online platforms, including events. Building a digital global conference from the ground up is a demanding task to accomplish once. I did it 3x. Walk with me.
Deploy by DigitalOcean is a virtual conference for developers, startups, and founders worldwide. It celebrates the developer community's innovation and individuality through technology. The event has grown from 1000 attendees to 15,000 in 3 short years. Find out how I kept the growing attendee list informed, entertained, and inspired.
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HOW
Keep What Works, Iterate on What Can Improve
The annual conference was an important event where new products and strategic partnerships were announced. Originally lasting 24 hours, the decision was made to reduce the duration to 8 hours. This created a more focused and interesting program in line with the brand’s mission to support new businesses. However, limiting speaking time was just one of the innovative changes made.
Differentiators Included
Offering a variety of entertainment options, such as poets, comedians, DJs, and whiteboard artists
Creating special VIP gift bags filled with useful products designed for modern entrepreneurs
Developing and incorporating a virtual environment that encourages real-time engagement and immediate follow-up from the sales team
Generating interest through fun games and giveaways before the event to secure RSVPs and ensure attendance
Hosting audio chatrooms during session breaks to encourage natural engagement with developer advocates available to help solve technical challenges
Break during virtual conference, directing attendees to networking rooms
RESULTS
Each edition surpassed its goals, bringing in a larger, more diverse audience interested in trying out new products and interacting with the global community.
product growth rate for featured products 6 months after event date
40%
RSVPs per event with a 35% live attendance
10k+
people engaged with event-specific hashtag
3M
of audience were new customers on average, generating $2k net revenue within first month of event attendance
50%
Your event deserves these results too.
