27.7.2022
Online events
This is what matters

Time zone settings for international events

In our article, we will show you what is important and what you should consider when planning time zones for virtual events.

Table of contents

Due to the increase in international events that are held remotely, the time zone issue has become more important for the event industry. The great advantage of virtual events is that they address a global target group and reach them in a compact way.

In order to guarantee the best possible experience during the digital or hybrid event, some challenges such as language barriers or different time zones must be overcome.

Organizers have often opted for the obvious solution and determined the time zone of the location where the event is taking place. In our article, we will show you what is important when planning time zones for virtual events and what you should bear in mind.

What is a time zone and what is it needed for at events?

The 24 applicable time zones are based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). UTC is not a time zone, but a time standard for calculating local times worldwide in the respective time zones. GMT, on the other hand, is a time zone that is based on UTC and is used in several countries.


Where is the time zone required at an event?

Use a time zone calculator to convert local times between multiple participant locations. Important tools such as online conference planners, world time apps or the digital world clock provide reliable information about the respective time zone.

For face-to-face events, the time zone of the event location always counts. Clearly indicate the applicable time zone to participants of virtual events to avoid frustration and confusion. In the following organizational areas, the precise definition of the division of the time zones of virtual events is needed:

1st mailing

2nd poster

3rd agenda

4. invitation management

What are the technical and personnel requirements?


Increasingly, considerations about technical and personnel requirements for the feasibility of the virtual event are proving to be complex. According to reports, setting the time of a virtual event after receiving confirmations of participation from all candidates has proven successful. Time zone settings were then selected from which the most confirmations of participation were received.

Work with recordings of the presentations so that some program items can be viewed by participants at a later date.

For virtual conferencing software, use competent providers who offer a platform with extensive functions such as videos, question area , live chatdiscussion forum, presentation documents and contact areas.

Presentations can be followed live and streamed afterwards.

1. technical requirements:

Use platforms with time zone integration, appealing landing page with registration form, constant e-mail communication around the event and integrations of calendar, webinar, video conferencing tools

2. personnel requirements:

If necessary, create several events and record the event. Bear in mind that this may require more manpower.

Reading tip: How professional livestreaming works


How do events with multiple time zones behave?


The main goal of all virtual events is to involve as many participants as possible. By breaking down access barriers, even more people in different time zones have the opportunity to take part in virtual events and interact with other content.

Navigate through the different time zones to ensure a good experience for the largest group of participants in each time zone. Use the option to record individual modules and make them available to participants at a later date.

Offer the same session live multiple times so that participants can benefit from the live experience at a later date. Create separate content for virtual events and offer exclusive discussions/interviews with industry experts.

Plan regular breaks into the daily routine and prepare content so that it remains available at a later time.

Hybrid conference from multiple time zones


What are the advantages of time zone integration in a virtual event platform?


Users of a virtual event are automatically recorded according to their time zone and assigned according to the schedule of the event. As soon as a time zone has been updated, the agenda items for the participant appear in the corresponding order.

Dates for networking meetings, chats and discussions are automatically adapted to the schedule and time zones of virtual events. The main focus is on the best possible experience of digital and hybrid events. Divide the event into several sections that extend over several days so that they can be offered at different times.


Is the time zone also negligible for events?


Yes, if they fulfill the following points:

1. events in the same time zone

2. Excessive effort in creating the event and possibly higher costs

3. confusion of participants due to unnecessary complexity

4. increased event density

5. small number of participants


How do time zones help to overcome language barriers?


Advancing globalization and limited (technical) networking present companies with major challenges. Modern software systems connect data from customers, suppliers and event organizers and evaluate it in several languages.

The location-independence of virtual events inspires many and most participants can easily integrate international work appointments into their daily routine.

Another challenge is to establish a good culture of conversation. Language barriers are a daily companion for those involved in intercontinental knowledge exchange.

Don't be discouraged by possible language barriers, expand your own vocabulary and find out about the language and communication culture of your conversation partners.

Organize chat rooms where participants can discuss work-related or private topics and stay connected across time zones.


Analysis and optimization


There are now a number of providers on the market that automatically carry out the time zone settings for you and make your work incredibly easy.

The following criteria speak for an excellent tool:

  • Marking of local holidays and office hours,
  • A simple location search, intelligent sorting and listing
  • Explanations of cryptic time zone abbreviations.

It should be easy to export data as an ics file or text. The selection of multiple locations should not be a problem. For this reason, it is always helpful to use a functional display with a countdown timer. Data should be easy and quick to enter, but also easy to change.


Conclusion

Use the practical aids provided by the Internet to find the right time for your event.

There are many occasions when it is important to determine the time difference between countries.

The best way to plan is with a tool in which all public holidays worldwide are marked. Use time zone settings to organize meetings with people from all over the world and find the best time for your virtual event.

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