THE virtual Aberdeen-Houston Gateway business event has been hailed a success with plans now being explored for further possibilities later this year.
The annual event 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.
Organisers Granite PR instead 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.
Brett Jackson, Granite PR founder and managing director, has revealed 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 the Offshore Northern Seas oil and gas conference and exhibition should have taken place.
Mr 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.”
