GH : How can industry professionals use RSDE as soon as they ’ ve finished reading this interview ? RD : The first step I ’ d recommend is that you review the RSDE glossary and start swapping your current terms and definitions for the official ones . This way , we can all speak the “ same language ” and enjoy more productive conversations around digital events .
Next , get clear on your expectations for the data .
Exhibitors – ask your platform and / or organiser what data points will be available during and after the event . RSDE includes 17 data tables and formats containing ‘ required ,’ ‘ recommended ,’ and ‘ optional ’ data points ; you need to know which ones your platform provider and organiser are planning to share in advance so you can fill the gaps for your own reporting , as needed .
Also , find out who owns your data and how it will be managed . To help organizers with this , we ’ ve created a template for these types of questions that you can use in your RFPs and contract negotiations . You can also ask any platforms you ’ re thinking about utilising to see their seal that proves they ’ re certified and compliant with RSDE standards .
Finally , remember that transparency builds trust … and trust is so important , especially now . So , even if your event isn ’ t perfect yet , you shouldn ’ t be afraid to communicate honestly about where you are and where you ’ re headed .
After all , if you treat your exhibitors like the partners they are , they ’ ll be more understanding of any hiccups along the way and you can grow together instead of frustrating ( or , ultimately , losing ) them , if / when their experience doesn ’ t match up with what you promised .
GH : What is your overall goal for RSDE ? RD : For me , the purpose of RSDE is to help everyone feel more empowered to thrive in digital events and beyond . So , I hope as many platform providers , organizers , and exhibitors as possible will see the benefits and choose to take advantage of this very special resource that we worked so diligently to create .
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 4 2022 33