3 minute read
NEW SKILLS - WHY DCOS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND
by IAPCO
Author: Nicole Walker Member: Arinex, Australia
As virtual and hybrid events continue to grow in size and frequency, Arinex CEO Nicole Walker sheds some insight on the expert teams who deliver these events, Digital Conference Organisers (DCOs), and answers some common questions.
What is a DCO?
DCO stands for Digital Conference Organiser, which is a specialised team that not only plans, but enhances the conference experience through use of emerging digital technologies. DCOs were born about 18 months ago, in response to the changing requirements for events worldwide and subsequent rise in virtual or hybrid events. A DCO is now seen as an important component of a PCO (Professional Conference Organiser).
Does every PCO have a DCO team?
In a nutshell, no. A full-service DCO incorporates a skilled technology team to drive the virtual elements of the event and most PCOs need to partner with another provider to facilitate this. There are many advantages to keeping everything in-house; with one team managing the entire event comes better security, less chance of human error and more efficient and effective communications. These DCO event managers understand event technology – as well as what it takes to run a successful online event – better than anyone else in the industry. We are fortunate to have a DCO team and after delivering 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.
What are the benefits of a DCO?
A DCO is like a one-stop-shop for virtual/hybrid events. With expert online event managers and tried-and-tested in-house technology solutions and support throughout the entire event journey, a DCO team will take the fear of the unknown – and the risk – out of transitioning from physical events to virtual/ hybrid. An experienced DCO team will help you increase membership/attendance, manage financial risks and drive engagement - whatever your objectives a DCO will partner with you to ensure successful return on investment.
What skills are needed to build a DCO team?
DCOs are derived from experienced Event Managers with expertise in hybrid and virtual events, who become the main contact for the client and drive the event development and delivery by the team. A Technology Manager with experience in integration and systems development is important, to carry out requested product modifications and to oversee the smooth technical delivery of the event. A Sponsorship Manager will design tailored virtual and hybrid sponsorship packages and manage stakeholder relationships, consulting the sponsors on how to achieve maximum outcomes on their virtual/ hybrid involvement. Depending on the size and complexity of the event, a number of Event Coordinators will be needed to do the heavy lifting of the conference.
How can virtual/hybrid events match the attendance and profitability of in-person events?
The industry has had to adapt to view virtual attendees as not just an ‘add-on’ but a very different demographic – and we need to ensure we are providing the same level of value for both physical and virtual attendees. If networking is a key objective, particularly with regards to sponsors and exhibitors, there are platforms that allow for better engagement and then the DCO can derive sponsorship packages to ensure ROI is being achieved. In terms of attendance, we are now seeing an increase in overall delegate numbers; a decrease in physical but an increase in overall reach. Sponsors may not be having 1:1 contact but are gaining access to a much larger audience and the data and analytics available to sponsors within a virtual platform are much more informative.
