In the last couple of years, marketing has taken a 360-degree turn, and so has marketing events! Thanks to increased access to information and technology, marketing events have grown in size and scope, attracting more attendees and providing more value.
Marketing events used to be focused on in-person interactions, such as trade shows, and focused on delivering content, such as webinars and seminars. However, due to the pandemic, we now live in a world where marketing events are virtual platforms, providing business owners, marketers, and sales professionals with a variety of marketing-related opportunities.
As a marketer, you may be wondering where you should be investing your time and energy. Should you attend a trade show to network and make connections? Or should you be more focused on webinars and seminars where you can get in-demand training and gain valuable insights from subject matter experts?
Keep reading for more information on the Top 5 marketing events to attend online.
The Future of Marketing
The way we market will change for the foreseeable future. While in-person interactions will always play an important role in marketing, the virtual world will take over. Thanks to platforms, like Zoom, MeetOn, and Skype, marketing as we know it will evolve.
Thanks to online stores, such as Amazon and eBay, as well as social platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, marketing to consumers has massively shifted to the digital sphere. In 2021 alone, the digital marketing budget will reach $16.9 billion, which is a 21% increase from 2020.
Consumers have gained access to information and reviews online, which makes them more likely to purchase a product or service. According to HubSpot Blogs research, 79% of consumers research products or services online, before buying.
Additionally, marketers have shifted their focus to building a brand online, instead of focusing on in-person interactions for leads and retaining customers. In the past, marketers would send out a steady stream of emails, push notifications, and website traffic to attract new customers. Now, with more people working remotely, it’s essential to establish a clear brand voice and connect with audiences online.
1. HubSpot Summit
The HubSpot Summit is an annual user conference, attracting more than 10,000 marketers and business owners each year, which was originally designed for in-person attendance. However, due to the pandemic, the Summit is now a virtual platform, providing business owners, marketers, and sales professionals with the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with one another.
If you’re a HubSpot user, then this year’s Summit is a must-attend. The HubSpot platform is incredibly valuable for any business, whether you’re just getting started or have been using the platform for a while. Additionally, since the Summit is an annual event, you’re sure to learn something new every time you attend.
2. MarketingCharts Summit
The MarketingCharts Summit is one of the world’s largest e-commerce marketing conferences, attracting approximately 5,000+ marketers and business owners every year. The Summit focuses mainly on in-person interactions, with plenty of networking opportunities and roundtable discussions, as well as keynotes and informative seminars from industry leaders.
Additionally, the Summit features several digital marketing platforms, including Google Analytics, Hootsuite, and MailChimp, as well as affiliate marketing software, such as Woocommerce and Easy Affiliate Marketing, creating opportunities to connect, learn, and grow with other marketers and businesses.
3. North American Marketing Symposium
The North American Marketing Symposium (Namys) is a marketing professional conference, attracting more than 5,000+ marketers, advertising executives, and business owners from across North America.
While Namys was originally designed for in-person attendance, due to the pandemic, it has become a virtual conference, featuring keynotes and roundtables, as well as opportunities to network and make connections.
If you’re a marketer, then Namys is a must-attend. The opportunity to learn, network, and share best practices with peers from across North America is something not to be missed. Additionally, you’re sure to hear some great keynote speakers, such as Seth Godin, Marie Forleo, and Joe Pulizzi.
4. DMA Ventures Summit
The Digital Marketing Agency (DMA) Ventures Summit is one of the world’s largest online marketing conferences, attracting over 5,000+ marketers and business owners each year. Like the previous event mentioned, the Summit is now a virtual platform, providing attendees with the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with one another.
If you’re a DMA user or partner, then this year’s Summit is a must-attend. The Summit features several virtual marketing platforms, including HubSpot, MailChimp, and Google Analytics, creating opportunities to hone your digital marketing skills and work with various technologies. Additionally, since the DMA Ventures Summit is an annual event, you’re sure to learn something new every time you attend.
5. BizEaze
BizEaze is an international business and marketing event, attracting more than 10,000+ business owners and marketers from across the world each year. The event is owned and organized by BIG Group, which also owns and organizes the INK Conference in London and the Big Market Summit in Chicago. BizEaze is dedicated to providing business owners, marketing professionals, and sales individuals with the tools and tips they need to grow their businesses.
BizEaze is a great choice for anyone interested in expanding their business and gaining valuable insights on marketing and sales. The keynotes and roundtables are incredibly informative, as are many of the workshops and digital marketing courses available on the site!
The Importance of Networking
It’s important to remember that networking is an essential component of any marketing plan. Whether you’re attending a marketing event or business dinner, you’re sure to make valuable connections and gain new insights!
One of the biggest benefits of attending a marketing event is the ability to meet other marketers and businesses that can help you grow your own. It’s important to remember that while some networking opportunities can be really beneficial, others can be a waste of time. Being selective about which events you attend and engaging with others where appropriate can help you maximize networking opportunities and make the most out of any event.