Virtual, Virtual, and More Virtual
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the world is adjusting to doing so much more virtually. Three events that I usually attend in person all switched to virtual this year.
In the past few days, my life has become quite virtual. One of the yearly conventions I love to attend had to cancel due to the virus. Instead of trying to rebook the event for a later date or cancel completely, they arranged to have everything from lectures, to discussions, to awards ceremonies, to parties to happen. Almost everything you’d experience in real life except it is done virtually.
The nice thing about being virtual is that most events and activities have been recorded so people can watch them later and all lectures and discussions included closed captioning so the hearing impaired could participate. Now, I am not going to tell you that everything ran smoothly as it was done with Zoom but it went well.
One of the biggest issues involved had to do with trying to coordinate two to four panelists from different time zones so they’d all be there at the right time. In addition, many entered the room as attendees and the host had to elevate them to panelist. Every room had a host to trouble shoot, make sure recordings started, make sure panelists were there and there were several places in the backend available to provide support. Overall, it worked quite well.
Then there was the annual family reunion that always seems to happen when I’m busy doing other things so I never go but this year, it was possible to attend because it was being done via zoom. One of the family members who works at a university, set up the zoom room and everyone gathered there for a couple of hours to share pictures, catch up on what is going on, and how everyone is coping with the virus.
There were attendees from Germany and the United States. About half the people had to phone in because their Zoom didn’t have sound. I was one of those who had the Zoom screen on with audio coming via the phone.
Finally, this weekend is the usual time for the costumer’s college held down in Los Angeles but due to the virus, they’d had to cancel it and rather than just skip a whole year, they arranged for a limited number of classes to occur. Everyone got the chance to sign up for three classes over a two day period. Each class was delivered via Zoom.
For this type of class, the presenter had to use a slide show program such as power point or keynote to share materials. I went to one on creating a capsule historical wardrobe. The particular time period covered went from the 1920’s to the 1950’s but it showed how the concept of a basic capsule wardrobe changed over time.
The instructor also touched upon how to use it for other time periods, looking at what type of activities you’ll be doing, made recommendations on certain books, and discussed how she determines what she needs for the wardrobe. It was quite fascinating.
Three different events, all held virtually over the same time, and all intersecting on one day. I have a feeling that the idea of virtual events may remain with us even after the virus disappears because organizations do not need to book hotels and meeting spaces, fly in speakers, or anything else.
Furthermore, I know some people I spoke to who mentioned they like this virtual way because it saves them money and for the disabled, it is easier to attend. They don’t have to navigate a strange city to get places, nor do they have to stand in line for anything.
I don’t know how the costs compare but I’d say it probably is less to do it virtually. It does open up events to more people who might not otherwise be able to attend. I do miss the personal interaction of running into people, chatting, and maybe going off to dinner to catch up on things. Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear. Have a great weekend.
