Business travel managers from 28 countries swelled participation at the Association of Corporate Travel Executives’ Global Conference in Atlanta, this week - without leaving their offices. According toACTE Executive Director Greeley Koch, live streaming of two major conference sessions made it possible for 250 additional registrants to view keynote speakers, participate in panel discussions, and make comments through the latest technology of Chicago-based INXPO.
“Association service models must innovate,” said Koch. “Our profession is dedicated to bringing people together. ACTE is applying that same philosophy to our members, and future members, through a joint venture with INXPO. People who couldn’t attend still got the benefit of the general sessions - without charge. In fact, they didn’t have to be an ACTE member either.”
INXPO’s reputation for seamless live streaming, complete with smooth interaction between participants and host, made them a logical choice for a project of this magnitude. “INXPO’s Online Event platform and ACTE are creating the business travel industry’s first digital hybrid community,”Koch added. “It is another first for this association and our second industry innovation in a year.”
“INXPO developed a program to support ACTE’s goals using our video broadcasting expertise and specialized technology,” said Drew Vanvooren, President of INXPO commented. “The immediate response to the association’s live streaming clearly illustrates the potential and the power of this option.”
It took seconds for live streaming participants to register before receiving two of the ACTE Atlanta conference’s general sessions in real time. Questions or comments for the panelists were submitted through a text box and addressed by panelists following the broadcast. “Clearly, the experimental phase of live streaming at ACTE conferences was successful,” said Koch.
Results are always subject to measurement and context. One hundred forty-five of the 250 online conference participants were business travel managers, a number appreciated by conference sponsors. Coupled with a seven percent surge in participants over last year’s conference in Miami, ACTE’s concept of “Zero Registration” fees for all events and live streaming of major events is clearly resonating with the business travel industry.
