Reimagining the NABA 2020 Convention
The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) was three months out from the 2020 NABA National Convention & Expo in Indianapolis when COVID-19 made the in-person event impossible — and MCI USA transitioned from full-service event management partner to full-service virtual event producer. In the ensuing 90 days, we identified a virtual event platform that fit the convention’s high-energy mix of continuing professional education (CPE), networking and recruiting, and exhibitions; worked with NABA to streamline the original four-day agenda into two days; and tailored the program to the virtual environment. In addition to designing and producing the show, MCI USA provided speaker management, digital and AV support, and help-desk functionality, and monitored live chats, which allowed us to respond to any immediate problems.
Results:
- The NABA Virtual Convention had nearly 1,900 registrations and more than 1,500 unique attendees.
- The agenda included three plenary sessions, eight CPE sessions, and five on-demand sessions.
- According to an NABA representative: “MCI USA enabled us to innovate, helping us create an online event which met the moment while raising our profile as a highly relevant, progressive, and nimble organization.”