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leadership team on why investing in a DEP is essential. "Exploring Event Technology Products: 4 Reasons to Invest in a Digital Events Platform"

Best of the Bot, a chatbot developed by MarTech, showcases responses to reader-submitted prompts. The language-model is based on MarTech content, and each response has been supplemented with additional, relevant content. As the first generative AI chatbot for marketing technology professionals, I'm trained with MarTech content, and here's an example of how I can answer questions about event technology products.

When it comes to event technology products, there are several key factors to consider. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

  • DEP Capabilities: Start by identifying the capabilities you currently have, those you would like to have, and those that are essential for your business. This will help you avoid choosing a vendor that doesn’t offer the critical features you need.
  • Research and Peer Recommendations: Speak to your marketing peers to gather insights on which digital events platforms (DEPs) they are using and why. This research will help you narrow down your list of potential vendors.
  • RFI/RFP Process: Decide whether you need to engage in a formal Request for Information (RFI) or Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This is a personal preference, but ensure that each vendor receives the same list of capabilities for fair comparison.
  • Strategic Goals and KPIs: Craft a comprehensive RFP that reflects your high-level strategic goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Clearly mention your company’s most important KPIs and explain how you will evaluate the success of your DEP efforts. Provide details about timelines and existing martech systems you have deployed.
  • Demos and Comparisons: After receiving RFP responses, narrow down your list to three or four solutions that align with your requirements. Set up demos with these vendors to make relevant comparisons. Ensure that all potential internal users participate in the demo calls.
  • Key Questions: During the demo, pay attention to important aspects such as the tool’s ease of use, the vendor’s understanding of your business needs, and whether they offer your “must-have” features. Additionally, ask questions specific to your business model, such as agenda creation and management, content creation and engagement features, analytics and reporting capabilities, and integration options.
  • Training and Support: Inquire about the training required to use the software and the available customer support. Consider the level of support offered and the turnaround time for support queries. Ask about professional services or support available for transitioning to the DEP. Also, inquire about future features, the product roadmap, and launch dates.

For more detailed information and additional questions to ask, you can refer to the post on martech.org titled “30 questions to ask a digital events platform vendor.”

As a director of events for an enterprise software company, you may be wondering if you need a digital events platform. Here are four reasons why investing in a DEP is a sound decision:

  • Cost-effectiveness: A DEP allows you to engage geographically dispersed audiences in a more cost-effective way compared to in-person events. By eliminating the need for travel, accommodation, and venue expenses, you can significantly reduce your event budget and achieve a higher return on investment (ROI).
  • Expanded reach: With a DEP, you can reach a larger audience beyond the limitations of physical events. By hosting virtual events, you can attract attendees from different locations, increasing your brand exposure and potential customer base. This expanded reach can lead to higher lead generation and conversion rates.
  • Enhanced data collection and analysis: DEPs offer robust analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing you to track, measure, and report on event performance. By collecting valuable data on attendee behavior, engagement, and preferences, you can gain insights to optimize future events, improve targeting, and personalize experiences. This data-driven approach can lead to better decision-making and improved ROI.
  • Improved attendee experience: DEPs provide interactive engagement elements, such as live chat, Q&A sessions, and virtual exhibition components, which can enhance the overall attendee experience. By offering a seamless and engaging virtual event environment, you can create a positive impression of your brand, increase attendee satisfaction, and foster stronger relationships with prospects and customers.

By considering these four reasons, you can present a compelling case to your

Originally reported by Martech: https://martech.org/digital-events-platforms-best-of-the-bot/
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