Bohn Stafleu van Loghum independently organizes online events

Medical publisher Bohn Stafleu van Loghum organizes about 160 events for healthcare professionals every year. For a number of their live events, they use Networkapp’s event platform. “We organize a lot of events every year, which are very different in size. For example, we give master classes for 20 to 30 people, conferences for 300 visitors and at our largest trade fair we welcome around 4,000 healthcare professionals every year,” says event coordinator Leonie van Helten.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, BSL had to look for other options for their live events. “We initially postponed a number of events because we had to look for a solution that would guarantee our quality,” explains Leonie. “In the autumn we started offering online events through Networkapp.” That was quite exciting in the beginning. “But in the meantime we have got the hang of it and we get a lot of energy from our online productions.”

DIY: setting up a program

The organization is happy to take the lead in setting up the program in the Networkapp event platform and sets up almost all online events without any help . “That is very simple. You can fill in and adjust everything yourself. Of course it was a bit of research in the beginning, but that is now very easy ”, says Leonie. The visitors are also enthusiastic about the use of Networkapp. “The healthcare professionals who applied were perhaps a bit reluctant at first, but have since become very satisfied. We present many of our events as a TV show. That makes it fun for us, but also for our visitors. ”

Van Helten has a tip for other event organizers. “Keep in mind that turning to an online event takes time. You have to think carefully about the program you want to offer and manage the expectations of your visitors. Quality is now even more important. We have put a lot of time into this and we see that in the feedback from our visitors.