Last year’s selection of influencers by Kongres Magazine marked the eighth year of the distinguished project. The selected influencers are trailblazers in their respective fields and help co-create the regional meetings industry. Kongres Magazine’s selection is, in a way, an overview of who is who in the industry.
Q1: Live meetings are coming back. What is your take on the current situation, and what is your prediction for this year?
Are they really? Yes, for sure, we are meeting in person and loving it. But things have changed: online is the new kid on the block, and I’m sure the kid is here to stay.
My prediction (and hope, honestly) is that 30-40% will go back to live. The rest will remain online/hybrid since it has proven to be more effective, more sustainable and – if well designed – just as much fun.
Q2: How do you see the future of digital, hybrid and metaverse events?
For digital and hybrid: see my answer to Q1. These two will grow creatively so that, in the end, all aspects of a meeting will be covered. About the Metaverse… I don’t know. Let’s experiment, let’s see. For the time being, it’s a challenge. At Masters in Moderation, we did some metaverse-moderating, and it’s hard; technology is still embryonal, so it doesn’t feel like really being together.
In my humble opinion, interaction in the Metaverse will only truly happen, when our avatars are a (near to) 100% copy of our physical being. When that happens, the new challenge will be how to handle the effects of ‘real’ and ‘fake’ no longer being clear.
Q3: We are living in uncertain times; in the past two years, we have learned how to cope with a crisis caused by the spread of the coronavirus, and we have found ourselves amid a war recently. How do you face such crisis situations?
Accept and move on. Just dive in and do what you excel in. I mean: moderating online was different, but the basics are still the same.
Q4: What does the future bring for the meetings industry in the next decade? Which challenges should we address immediately?
I would love to know 😊. More digital, obviously. For the rest, I’m looking forward to the surprise element.
Q5: How do you keep up with the changes transforming the business world, particularly in event organising? What is your advice for our readers?
Forget about the old and dive head first into the new. And rest assured: your talent will always prevail, no matter how hard the medium changes.
“The most inspiring trend is the one away from speaker-oriented events toward participant-centric ones.”
Q6: Which trend inspires you the most, and where do you see immense potential for event organisers?
The biggest potential is online. The problem is that most continue treating it as a poor alternative to in-person events. Digital is not a plan B; it’s an extra Plan A!
The most inspiring trend is the one away from speaker-oriented events toward participant-centric ones.
Q7: What perils do new technologies adopted during the corona crisis hide?
So far, I don’t see any perils, just opportunities.
Q8: What should the meetings industry do to attract talented individuals among its ranks?
Give them space to grow. And allow them to do other stuff in parallel: the days of 80+ hours working weeks are over!
I’m happy to see that the next generation of young moderators in their twenties is now taking the stage. I’m really looking forward to seeing (and helping) them grow.
Q9: What is your recommendation for young colleagues starting their professional path?
Have fun. Experiment. Do crazy stuff.
Q10: What is a good practice case in 2022, in your opinion?
This one: https://mastersinmoderation.com/matches/ek-congrestival.
Find out more about Masters in Moderation here.
