> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://scribbles.devrel.page/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://scribbles.devrel.page/developer-evangelism/dev-events-beyond-2021.md). # Dev events beyond 2021 {% embed url="" %} Video {% endembed %} ## Summary: * One of the main things to always remember is that each event -- online, ***hybrid, or physical***, it's those ***little decisions*** made by the core team that can eventually make the event successful and now it depends on how you set the ***metrics for success***.
* In an online world - if someone is online and present —they're likely willing to be approached.
* Reaching out to speakers is hard for in-person events.
* Try to think ***more*** about ***reach than attendance as a metric***.
* Having a global staff helps to reach global audiences. ## Scribbles ### 🚩 Takeaways * It's really ***difficult to know who to approach IRL*** (in real life), online events make this easier, especially for introverts. * People ***were left with less time during COVID***, ***not more time***. * In an online world - ***if someones is online and present*** —they're likely ***willing to be approached***. * People from niche interests can come together, overcoming geographical limitations. * Letting people who wanted to attend but couldn't due to cost issues. * Long-tail of talks being available on Youtube long after the event. * Online events are driving up the quality of the talks, giving speakers more confidence, helping them overcome stage fright, etc. * Online brings more diversity on how to deliver talks, it is more accessible, and being able to educate/teach/talk in so many different formats * Noticed a trend of online communities (Slacks, Discords) staying more active after events, Kevin's communities have noticed the opposite, ie, less or no activity after events. > There is more organic engagement in the community in between events. People stay connected because they remain on the platform, instead of physically going to a different space and disconnecting from the community. -- @Jonathan Gottfried from MLH * Now that events have transcended geographical limitations, it would be really useful to think across timezones, languages, etc to expand the potential audience to the whole world. * Think about accessibility in demographics where people might have limitations for example connectivity speed. * Having a global staff helps to reach global audiences. ### What are some positive outcomes in taking events online, What would you retain? * ***Recording stuff*** for later reference. * People have been ***making more meaningful connections*** because everyone seems more 'equal'. * People are more receptive to being approached. * People took respite in online events due to the disruption in their lives due to COVID. * COVID forced us to pivot, put resources to best use. ### **What do you see as the future of Hybrid Events?** * Hybrid events are hard, just like hybrid workplaces! * Going to have to get really really creative. * Events are social experiences, talks are important but not the main thing. * Harder to bridge the gap between in-person and online. * Depends on the nature of the event. Easy for hackathons, harder for conferences. * Serendipity online vs in-person may not have a lot of overlap. * We need to know what part of an in-person event will get value from having an online component, taking the whole event online may not make perfect sense or be feasible. * Challenges of covering in-person events via video and taking them online fully. * Reaching out to speakers is hard for in-person events. * Issues finding accessible and inclusive venues - some people can't go to bars for example. * Inclusive timings are still a challenge. Everyone's being cautious about hybrid events! ### **How can we get more people to attend events?** * Try to think ***more*** about ***reach than attendance as a metric***. * ***Reusing assets*** from events afterwards. * Online events might have greater reach post-event, youtube videos for example. - Low attendance could be because of Zoom fatigue. * Rethink online event as not just a Zoom call, but maybe say as a Youtube playlist. * People look for social aspects in events, if that can be replicated online, then it might be helpful. * An event needs to offer high-quality social contact. * Content is a hook, not the full reason to attend. * Often there's not a real good engagement strategy for IRL events. > We need to rethink the success metric. In the past an event's success used to be measured by "how many people attended" there is a real opportunity here and now to go beyond that. You can have low attendance numbers and still be considered a success because you can now measure other things now, like engagement. - @Kevin