Last year, a massive conference attracted around 25,000 marketing professionals. This year, it's going digital. And, partially as a result of that move, HubSpot INBOUND 2020 should top the list of virtual marketing conferences you attend this year.
The move is by necessity. Like so many other major events, HubSpot had to adjust its plans for this year's conference because of COVID-19. INBOUND, previously scheduled for mid-August in Boston, is now happening September 22-23 and will take place entirely online.
Here's the twist, though: the switch to virtual has actually resulted in some significant benefits for anyone interested in attending. So let's dive right in. These are our 8 biggest reasons to attend HubSpot INBOUND 2020 virtually in September.
We're not just talking about a few Zoom sessions. If you've attended INBOUND events in years past, you know that HubSpot has gone over the top with its presentations, experiences, and leisure events. It sounds like we can expect something similar in September.
There's a reason that HubSpot is calling this virtual event an "immersive, digital experience." Over the two days, expect to be wowed by content and presentation of that content alike.
Just take a look at some breakout types available throughout the event. Speaker vs. Speaker is a battle session disguised as a debate. Dynamic Duo has the speaker invite a mystery guest to the stage. And that's before we even get into the non-session types of content described in more detail below.
Part of that allure, of course, is the caliber of speakers. How does HubSpot plan to follow up names like Jennifer Garner and Katie Couric, not to mention marketing experts from some of the world's largest brands?
So far, it looks like going virtual is doing nothing to diminish that quality. Sign up, and you'll hear from spotlight speakers like Alicia Garza, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter, and Sasan Goodarzi, CEO of Intuit. And that's before all the speakers have even been announced yet.
The quality remains high in the 250+ breakout sessions. Hear from experts at Twitter, Harvard University, and Capital One. Of course, HubSpot will once again have its own suite of speakers distributing knowledge about marketing, sales, and customer experience.
It's worth emphasizing again: when signing up for INBOUND 2020, you'll get the benefit of no less than 250 breakout sessions. That's a massive amount of content, all designed to further your expertise and teach you about new trends.
Here, you truly get the full range of content. Some sessions focus on topics as broad as corporate culture, while others get tactical on individual digital channels. Where do you want to focus? The choice is entirely yours.
If past events are any guide, you'll get more than just buzz words. Instead, you'll get actionable content that helps you increase your marketing and sales expertise, ultimately driving your business forward.
That much content, and that many sessions, can seem overwhelming. In person, it certainly would be as you try to navigate your way through hallways and try to prioritize exactly what content matters most to you.
Move to virtual sessions, and that problem almost entirely goes away. Depending on the package you sign up for (more on the pricing below), nearly all the sessions will be available on-demand after the event. Missed something? No problem. You can just go back to it when you have the time.
As if that's not enough, HubSpot takes it even further. Selected sessions will be presented as audio only, giving your eyes breakthrough word-optimized content as you step away from the screen to relax, exercise, or eat that much-needed lunch.
You thought we were done? Not even close. You probably remember office hours from college, that time when you could discuss homework or run some thoughts by your professor. Now, imagine the same thing, but with a marketing speaker.
It's exactly what it sounds like. Through this session type, HubSpot wants to ensure that those learning better through one-on-one conversations still take away valuable knowledge from the event.
The result is an emphasis on mentorship, and a level of personal engagement, that you just don't get at other marketing conferences. The fact that INBOUND moved online this year is almost irrelevant if you can get that expert on your screen for an in-depth conversation on their expertise and your needs.
No, you won't be able to mingle with others in your industry and cheers with your colleagues from across the country this year. While that's an unfortunate side effect of the pandemic, HubSpot is doing its best to recreate the experience in a virtual format.
That might take the form of a Meetup, which is a live session that randomly rotates among attendees. Depending on your preferences, you might be matched up with a complete stranger in a 1:1 setting, or with a group of others. Either way, it sounds like fun.
The other networking option released to date is Bookshelf Life. Here, you'll be able to share feedback about each Spotlight speech with other attendees, gathering insights and getting to know each other in the process. The topic is set for you, making the networking part come more naturally.
Yes, we'll talk price. We almost can't avoid it, given that in years past you might have paid up to $1,399 for VIP tickets that would last throughout the event. Let's just say that price is slightly reduced for its virtual alternative this year.
How much? Try $0 for basic access. Granted, a free two-day pass will "only" get you access to the Spotlight speeches and limited networking opportunities. But it's not like the Powerhouse Pass is much more expensive at $69 for the full event.
For that price, you get everything we've mentioned here and then some. In addition to each of the items we've already outlined, that means stand-up comedy acts, access to all content through 2021, and even an "Inbound From Home Kit" with goodies shipped to your home or work.
Last, but certainly not least, let's look at the broader picture. INBOUND, perhaps more than any other conference of its kind, has the ability to build motivation and improve your marketing efforts almost entirely. Everything we've read about the virtual 2020 event has us believe the same will be true here.
The sessions offer tangible, actionable takeaways in engaging and interesting formats. The Spotlight speeches are at once profound and inspiring. The extra content keeps your brain fresh, so you don't feel like you need a month-long vacation by the time the conference is done. Finally, the networking opportunities allow you to build connections for valuable feedback and partnerships down the line.
That's what makes INBOUND 2020 such an important event to attend. The price, of course, makes it almost impossible to say no. So we'd love to see you there! Meanwhile, if you want to learn more about our HubSpot connections and inbound marketing expertise, contact us. Let's get the conversation started before the introduction at INBOUND even kicks off.
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