The digitalisation of a popular annual business event has significantly extended its reach and prompted plans to further explore possibilities later in the year.
The eighth annual Aberdeen-Houston Gateway was originally due to take place in its traditional format at the end of March but plans were curtailed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. However, in seeking to find a way of facilitating the international networking opportunities the event is renowned for, organisers Granite PR embraced technology and adopted an all-new digital format to deliver the event via a series of online sessions last week.
A total of six free podcasts, two webinars and assorted online discussions replaced traditional visits, face-to-face meetings and showcase lunch thus creating a unique opportunity for delegates to come together and do business in a virtual way.
And such as been the success of the new venture that plans are now in the pipeline to adopt a similar format for the Aberdeen-Norway Gateway which is planned for the end of August, during the week when ONS should have taken place.
Commenting on the success of the first-ever digital Aberdeen-Houston Gateway, Granite PR founder and managing director, Brett Jackson said: “Since its inception in 2013, the evolution of this event has been motivated by many factors – this year circumstances led us to embrace new digital opportunities in an exciting, accelerated way.
“We are delighted that we were able to create a safe and secure environment for people to come together in a way which is appropriate to current circumstances, and open the event up to a wider audience which is not limited by geography. Adopting this digital format also creates the possibility to grow the Gateway beyond a once-a-year meeting and host more regular sessions throughout the year which is an exciting prospect.”
He added: “The success of the move to digital has been made possible by the support and enthusiasm of sponsors and delegates, and we are very grateful to them for joining us on this new stage of the Aberdeen-Houston Gateway journey.”
The Aberdeen-Houston Gateway was supported by Caxton FX, The British Consulate-General Houston, The Energy Industries Council, The Greater Houston Partnership, The Houston-Grampian Association, The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership, G-Tech Innovation Centre, Keller Williams, McGill & Associates, Scottish Development International and Ziyen.
To find out more about The Aberdeen-Houston Gateway, visit www.granitepr.co.uk
Granite PR founder and managing director, Brett Jackson