ROI of Engagement and Virtual Edge Institute Announce Measurement Research

Second phase of groundbreaking research project on value of virtual technology

Pleasanton, CA and Appleton, WI - January 6, 2011 – Today, the Virtual Edge Institute and ROI of Engagement ROI Resource Center announced the second phase of a groundbreaking research project on virtual and hybrid events. Initially begun at the Virtual Edge Summit 2010, the research project will continue at the Virtual Edge Summit 2011 (January 12-13, 2011, MGM Grand Las Vegas and virtually), which is co-located with Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) 2011 Annual Meeting, Convening Leaders . The goal is to continue building the business case for virtual and hybrid events and gain insight into how to make them increasingly effective for participants and event stakeholders.

“Engaging people using virtual meeting and event technology has never been more important. But like most major expenses, the value of these programs is being scrutinized by stakeholders and participants. We want to help demonstrate the success of investments in virtual and hybrid meetings and events and help identify ways to improve effectiveness,” says Todd Hanson, a twenty-five year event industry veteran and Founder of the ROI of Engagement ROI Resource Center. “The Virtual Edge Institute not only embraces the importance of measuring results to prove value but has stepped out to lead the way by example.”

For the second phase of the research project, the ROI of Engagement and Virtual Edge Institute will broaden the scope to include participants at both the Virtual Edge Summit and PCMA Annual Meeting events. The project will include a post-event follow up that will measure session content, summit satisfaction/reaction, planned action and learning that took place at the Virtual Edge Summit 2011. Then, at approximately 90 days, participants will be asked to provide insight into application, implementation, barriers and enablers of success. Visit http://www.roiofengagement.com/measuring-and-maximizing-the-impact-of-a-hybrid-event.html to see research results from the 2010 Summit.

“In today’s environment, attendees and sponsoring companies want to know what tangible benefits are created with their virtual programs. By expanding our research to on-site and virtual participants of PCMA and Virtual Edge Summit conferences, we are gaining valuable insight into the effectiveness of virtual technology. Armed with this information, event marketers and meetings planners can design and implement truly engaging virtual experiences that deliver real business results,” says Michael Doyle, Executive Director for the Virtual Edge Institute.

The project will be utilizing MeetingMetrics survey and measurement platform. "We're excited to be a part of this project and see the opportunity to expand the measurement currently provided by virtual events and meeting platforms," said Ira Kerns, Managing Director, GuideStar Research/MeetingMetrics.

For more information on the Summit program or to register visit www.virtualedgesummit.com. To follow ROI of Engagement developments visit www.roiofengagement.com and www.twitter.com/roiofengagement. For more information contact info@catalystperformancegroup.com.

About ROI of Engagement
ROI of Engagement Team strives to empower organizations to more successfully invest in their people by helping them defend, justify, and improve meetings, events, incentives, rewards, recognition, training and loyalty programs through workshops, certification, webinars, speaking, consulting, ROI evaluation and the ROI Resource Center. ROI Institute Partner.

About The Virtual Edge Institute
VirtualEdge.org is an organization dedicated to advancing the development and adoption of virtual event and meeting technology and best practices for collaboration and marketing. They do this by supporting and contributing research, education, thought leadership, promotion, and professional networking. VEI members help set the direction for the virtual events and meeting industry and create significant business opportunities, solutions and advantages for all. Members have access to various services and deliverables based on their membership level. Learn more at http://www.virtualedge.org.

Contacts:
ToddHanson, President and Founder
ROIof Engagement ROI Resource Center
920.882.5000
Todd.hanson@catalystperformancegroup.com

Cece Salomon-Lee
PR/Marketing
Virtual Edge Institute
415.608.0302
clee@virtualedge.org

VirtualEdge.org is an organization dedicated to advancing the development and adoption of virtual event and meeting technology and best practices for collaboration and marketing.

Virtual Edge Institute
6200 Stoneridge Mall Drive
Pleasanton, CA 94588

Telephone:
(925)600-1001

E-mail: info at VirtualEdge.org

This release was published on openPR.