EDUCATION SPECIAL
NEW SKILLS - WHY DCOS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND Author: Nicole Walker Member: Arinex, Australia
As virtual and hybrid events continue to grow in size and
What are the benefits of a DCO?
frequency, Arinex CEO Nicole Walker sheds some insight on
A DCO is like a one-stop-shop for virtual/hybrid events. With
the expert teams who deliver these events, Digital Conference
expert online event managers and tried-and-tested in-house
Organisers (DCOs), and answers some common questions.
technology solutions and support throughout the entire event journey, a DCO team will take the fear of the unknown – and
What is a DCO?
the risk – out of transitioning from physical events to virtual/
DCO stands for Digital Conference Organiser, which is a spe-
hybrid. An experienced DCO team will help you increase mem-
cialised team that not only plans, but enhances the conference
bership/attendance, manage financial risks and drive engage-
experience through use of emerging digital technologies. DCOs
ment - whatever your objectives a DCO will partner with you to
were born about 18 months ago, in response to the changing
ensure successful return on investment.
requirements for events worldwide and subsequent rise in virtual or hybrid events. A DCO is now seen as an important
What skills are needed to build a DCO team?
component of a PCO (Professional Conference Organiser).
DCOs are derived from experienced Event Managers with expertise in hybrid and virtual events, who become the main
Does every PCO have a DCO team?
contact for the client and drive the event development and
In a nutshell, no. A full-service DCO incorporates a skilled
delivery by the team. A Technology Manager with experience
technology team to drive the virtual elements of the event and
in integration and systems development is important, to
most PCOs need to partner with another provider to facili-
carry out requested product modifications and to oversee the
tate this. There are many advantages to keeping everything
smooth technical delivery of the event. A Sponsorship Manag-
in-house; with one team managing the entire event comes
er will design tailored virtual and hybrid sponsorship packages
better security, less chance of human error and more efficient
and manage stakeholder relationships, consulting the spon-
and effective communications. These DCO event managers
sors on how to achieve maximum outcomes on their virtual/
understand event technology – as well as what it takes to run a
hybrid involvement. Depending on the size and complexity of
successful online event – better than anyone else in the indus-
the event, a number of Event Coordinators will be needed to
try. We are fortunate to have a DCO team and after delivering
do the heavy lifting of the conference.
specialist DCO services for 45 virtual or hybrid events in the past 12 months we are positioned more effectively than ever to deliver on our clients’ needs and objectives.
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| September 2021
