Why Conferencing?

Several factors contribute to the growing interest in video and other conferencing techniques. The first of these, sad to say, is that despite all claims to the contrary, many people are still justifiably nervous about getting on airplanes following the tragedies of September 11th. As a result, training classes and off-site meetings have declined dramatically.

The second (but equally important) factor is cost. Because of the overall decline in the economy, companies are less inclined to pay for travel expenses. Meetings and training events are clearly important no company would ever say otherwise. However, if there is a different way to accomplish the same goal without having to pay for travel, lodging, and meals in addition to the cost of an instructor if training is the goal companies will sit up and take notice, particularly if the alternative is effective. Furthermore, because of the economy and the growing competitive nature of the marketplace, company management is less willing to have employees away from their jobs for long periods of time because of lost opportunities, especially in sales organizations. In addition to the real, measurable costs associated with travel, meals, and lodging, there is a less tangible (but no less real) cost associated with having sales professionals and others away from their jobs. Consider the following numbers: 20 salespeople (a standard class size) enrolled in a 3-day course results in 60 days (2 months) of lost sales effort. No matter how good or important the training or how crucial the meeting, managers...