I could simply erase and rerecord my remarks for a particular slide if I wasn't happy with them. Delegates could log on and listen to my remarks while viewing the slides at the times that best suited them. Unlike with a real-time speech, delegates could pause and review my remarks or even spread my speech out over several days. Delegates asked questions, and I replied online. A conference like IBM's can offer keynote speakers and panels, breakout sessions, exhibits, a reference library, open space for conversation about issues of interest, a bookstore, private meeting spaces for teams, sessions by invitation, company suites, a conference packet and more.
All activities can take place online.
IBM also used regional conference calls. The knowledge gained and processes recorded during such sessions are valuable assets. The information can be used as a starting point for further conversations and additional development or distributed and reused elsewhere in the company. Companies can no longer afford to wait for semiannual, quarterly or even monthly meetings to share insights within a team. The pace of business is just too fast.