Banks usually have a conventional, almost dusty image. Why is a bank organizing an IT Innovation Day?
We want to show both our customers and our employees that Sparkasse Oberösterreich is always looking beyond the digital horizon. Artificial intelligence, digital product innovations, CRM and security on smartphones – these are topics that we constantly deal with. We have organized Innovation Day several times, but never in the form of a 3D event. But if you choose 'innovation' as the topic, the event format must also be innovative.
How was Innovation Day 2021 different from previous ones?
The most important thing was the backdrop: With the launch ramp, we had our own 3D event location. We, the speakers, were there as 3D avatars. It was also the first time that it wasn’t a live event. The speakers were actually supposed to speak live, but we were in the middle of the fourth Corona wave, in lockdown, and couldn't gather seven speakers in one place. The on-demand version has greatly reduced the stress level for us. Previously, all lectures often had to be held several times in a row - individually in different slots for each audience. This time the lecture was recorded and integrated into the 3D platform for retrieval.
How did you ensure that the audience stayed engaged and didn't get bored?
The platform itself is much more interactive in this 3D format than a conventional online event. Our avatars led through the rooms and there were countless links to discover. The guests were also able to ask the speakers questions. We also made the lectures themselves as exciting as possible, with robots and much more. We were dealing with a very technology-savvy audience, so it was particularly important to us to make an impression.
What was the feedback after the event?
Extremely positive! Also from the tech companies that were on board as partners or were interested in our lectures. We received real storms of enthusiasm. The event had the right format to promote it via social media. Because our partners and the participating employees and customers were so enthusiastic, they also posted, shared and commented diligently on social media. This gave us additional reach and was a nice bonus for our work.
Why was ONevents the right partner for this innovative event?
We have already implemented countless online events together and really appreciate ONevents and the work of the team. That's why we wanted to organize the IT Innovation Day 2021 together. The fact that product development is at the table right from the start is a big advantage. We were able to give input and each of our requirements was implemented in the best possible way. The programming and design always remained flexible. The coordination between ONevents and the 3D company also went great - and for me it was a particularly nice side effect that the two companies also networked in connection with the IT Innovation Day 2021 and this resulted in further joint projects between the two. This is a perfect example of such an innovation hub!
Martin Kocijaz deals with IT innovations and digital solutions for Sparkasse Oberösterreich and, as an entrepreneur, is, among other things, the founder of an innovation expert network, the “Radical Innovators", as well as co-founder of the Linz networking start-up CATCHGOAL.