Homing In: are online events here to stay?

Build Up, the networking group I help run for BD, marketing and comms people across the built environment, held its second online ‘Homing In’ event this week.

Aside from the insightful contribution of our speakers Leanne Tritton, Richard Waite and Helen Parton, a few things struck me:

• Our attendees were sitting in their homes across the UK and there were a handful overseas – not just from London and its commutable surrounds.

• Many of those people were new to the group – what had stopped them joining in before?

• Some attendees I know have young families and so often miss some of our events which tend to be in the evening.

• No one had a glass of wine in their hands (unless those were hidden behind laptop screens).

Once the preserve of the golf course and Mayfair wine bars, networking in the built environment has changed hugely in my 25 years in the sector. Less interest in alcohol, efforts to improve diversity and inclusivity, and the drive towards a better work/life balance have all mounted pressure on the industry to change its norms. Add to this the rise of social media enabling digital networking and the use of activities such as cycling as ways to meet people, there have never been so many opportunities to form new connections and build relationships.

Then came lockdown!

Many event organisers have been quick to take to platforms such as Zoom. In the last month we have seen a plethora of online events including the first online Negroni Talk, the 100 Day Studio from Architecture Foundation and a whole new digital programme from the NLA. So, what role will the currently ubiquitous Zoom event play in the future of networking in the built environment? As Leanne Tritton said at this week’s ‘Homing In’ event ‘we have taken an hour, we haven’t left our homes, we have some useful information and have met some new people’. What’s not to like?!
With technology now making it possible, I believe Build Up will keep some of its events online even when we’re once again able to see full length, 3-dimenional people. The use of online platforms breaks down geographical barriers and provides access for new groups of people, both of which increase the richness of the experience and content. With virtual reality technology also rapidly advancing there will be even more possibilities.

What do others think, are online events here to stay?