As a certified Virtual Event Specialist I can honestly say that virtual events are not a fad. I mean, come on, look at the economy, people don’t have money as they used to to hop on a plane and trek across of the country for a conference,seminar or some summit like they did in the past and let’s face it, hosting an event in a brick and mortar setting does cost a pretty penny. Even if economics was not a consideration, people are opting for the convienience and avoiding the fuss that generally is associated with hosting events in a traditional setting.

Statistics show that not only are virtual events growing, but so too are the number of businesses using them to attract clients and make money.

Here are some interesting statistics that I recently gathered from Virtual Event Specialist extraordinaire, Leesa Barnes:

• Twenty-six percent of exhibitors reported they will use virtual events as a promotional tool to brings leads to their business (source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research)
• 63% of marketing professionals said they’re more likely to attend conferences online than in person in 2010 (source: On24)
• 48% of marketing professionals said that they plan to do more with virtual events in order to generate leads and retain customers (source: Unisfair)
• 27.5% of trainers and workshop leaders said their company moved instructor-led courses to e-learning or web-based courses (source: American Society for Training & Development)
• 83% of meeting planners see the need to add virtual elements to their meetings and events (source: Virtual Edge)

Interesting statistics, huh? Do you still think virtual events are a fad? If you’re a business owner, solopreneur or independent consultant, you can’t afford to dismiss virtual events any longer. The marketplace is demanding that you provide learning opportunities without the need for travel or wasting time in airports. Ignoring this will result in being left behind.

The International Association of Virtual Event Managers will be hosting an upcoming event (virtual, of course), geared towards Authors, Coaches, Speakers, Association Directors, Workshop Leaders, Trainers, Meeting Planners, Independent Consultants, Project Managers & Virtual Assistants.

The program is designed to help you effectively and properly plan, produce and profit from virtual events, with an emphasis on teaching you how to build your list, build a passive income, gain recognition as a leader in your industry or niche. If this sounds like the sort of things that gets you excited, click on the following link to check out the event. This is going to be big and you really don’t want to miss it – click this link to learn more of sign up for the event.