Dev Gadhvi is an entrepreneur, best-selling author & India's 1st Passionpreneur Mentor. On a mission to transform 1bn lives.
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Before the world was gripped by the pandemic, my schedule was packed with numerous events each month, spread across the length and breadth of the country. These events were the lifeblood of our community—bustling hubs of networking, learning and engagement. However, as the pandemic unfolded, we found ourselves pivoting to a fully digital format. This transition, initially jarring, gradually became our "new normal," reshaping how we connected and interacted.
Fast-forward three years, and we are witnessing a resurgence of offline events. In cities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi, the revival of these in-person gatherings has been nothing short of exhilarating. There's a palpable energy in the air—a sense of renewal and enthusiasm that only physical interaction can foster.
For instance, at a recent event in Mumbai, my company experienced an overwhelming turnout of 2,000 attendees. The event spanned two days and was filled with unbridled focus and dynamic energy, a reminder of the unique magic that offline events hold.
As a coach, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that conferences, workshops and seminars can have on personal and professional growth. Offline events offer unparalleled networking opportunities, allowing coaches like myself to forge meaningful connections with peers, mentors and potential clients. These gatherings are crucibles of professional development, showcasing the latest research, trends and techniques essential for staying at the forefront of our practice. They provide a platform for skill enhancement, certification and accreditation, all of which are pivotal in maintaining our edge in a competitive field.
Beyond mere knowledge exchange, speaking at or attending these events elevates our visibility and credibility, marking us as thought leaders and innovators. They serve as wellsprings of inspiration and motivation, rejuvenating our passion and commitment to our calling. Moreover, the community-building that takes place fosters a supportive network, vital for navigating the challenges inherent in our coaching work. Offline events also grant us insights into market needs, enabling us to tailor our services more effectively. Perhaps most importantly, they contribute to our personal growth, pushing us to innovate, adapt and thrive.
Here are some key reasons why I firmly believe that offline events will always hold a special place, irrespective of digital advancements:
The Power Of Human Connection
There's an irreplaceable quality to face-to-face interactions. The spontaneous conversations, the handshake, the eye contact—these elements forge connections in a way that virtual events cannot replicate. Offline events create a sense of community and belonging, strengthening relationships and fostering new ones.
Engagement And Focus
In a physical setting, attendees are more immersed in the experience, away from the distractions of the digital world. This heightened engagement can lead to more meaningful participation, deeper learning and a greater sense of involvement.
Networking Opportunities
The value of networking in person is unparalleled. The chance encounters, the coffee breaks, the informal discussions—these moments often lead to lasting business relationships and collaborations. When I attended an event in 2022, I met another well-known coach who led us to collaborate for multiple programs as speakers on each other’s platforms. Similarly, at one of my company's events, two members of real estate came together to collaborate on several projects based on their synergy.
The Energy Of Live Audiences
There is an undeniable energy that a live audience brings to an event. This energy is contagious, creating an electrifying atmosphere that enhances the overall experience for both speakers and attendees.
Tangible Experiences
Offline events provide sensory experiences that virtual platforms cannot. The ambiance, the physical setup, the interaction with tangible products or demonstrations—these elements add depth to the event experience. For example, every 15 minutes at my offline events we play a rap song I wrote and recorded, and the energy is unbeatable. Many attendees stand up and do the signature step, making them feel energetic and motivated as passionpreneurs.
Customized And Dynamic Interactions
In-person events allow for more dynamic and spontaneous interactions. Speakers can gauge audience reactions and adjust their delivery accordingly, making the experience more personalized and impactful.
As we re-embrace offline events, it’s clear that while digital platforms have their advantages, the power of in-person gatherings remains unmatched. They offer an irreplaceable dimension to professional and personal development, community building and experiential learning. My company now follows a 70:30 ratio of virtual events to offline ones.
That said, we find virtual events a great way to nurture new leads and keep in touch with our existing members. There is little hesitation when it comes to attending virtual events, as costs and effort are both low. With no travel costs, virtual events can be attended for very little investment, so they can be a great way for a new lead to experience your program and community and then move to attending an offline event in the near future.
Another great advantage of online events is that you can bring in big celebrity speakers with greater ease since they don’t need to travel either to be a part of the event. For example, we’ve had big-town Bollywood celebrities like Suniel Shetty, Bhumi Pednekar, Rannvijay Singha and Neha Dhupia, among others.
As we continue to navigate today's world, a blend of online and offline events will undoubtedly be key.
The unique blend of personal interaction, professional development and community engagement offered by offline events cannot be replicated in a digital format. These gatherings remain a cornerstone for coaches seeking to enhance their craft, expand their network and, ultimately, drive meaningful change in the lives of those they guide.
