chat-1For the second year in a row, Congress-goers experienced live networking with each other and global vendors from the comfort of their own computers during Congress Xstream this week.

 

Happy Networking! 

This year, APA unveiled a new feature for Congress Xstream attendees: Video Chat. 
 
For the first time, Congress Xstream attendees can see each other and communicate face to face within the platform. 
 
"The video chat tool has been amazing to not only network with payroll professionals but provide an added touch with seeing face to face," Gerard Hall, CPP, said in the Networking Lounge. 
 
The Networking Lounge, a live chat feed that runs during Congress Xstream, stays buzzing with activity throughout the day as payroll pros catch up with old friends and meet new ones. 
 
"There's a lot more interaction this year, for sure, in the chats," said Michael Baer, CPP. "People are getting more comfortable with this way of communicating." 
 
Congress newcomers as well as veterans find the chatroom a great way to gain information and share the joy of going to Congress as if they were in person again.
 
"I have participated in as many chats as I could manage," said Charlotte Hodges, CPP. "It's been a great experience, and I definitely feel more comfortable with the chat function this year."
 
 

An Expo Like No Other

Congress Xstream’s one-of-a-kind virtual Expo featured 50 booths set up in the exhibitor space, including 24 in the Global Expo. Vendors showcased their latest products, services, and technology to attendees, who could speak directly to a representative via live chat. Congress-goers can easily find everything they need from vendors all in one place

"Thank you Payslip Team for joining us at Congress Xstream this week! I've already saved several of your resources from your booth to bring back to the office & read later when I can really concentrate on it. Appreciate your support!" said Abbey Moran, CPP, in Payslip's chatroom. 

Vendors have pulled out all the stops to interact with attendees, including trivia games and prizes, including Wisely ADP, which is offering a $10,000 grand prize for their contest. 

"I appreciate you providing great resources for us to review and a chance for a prize!" said Jon Schausten, CPP, in vendor Fintwist by Comdata's chatroom.
 
Kate Schoenfeld, Director of Strategic Sales in the Southwest at Fintwist by Comdata, said while it's good to have so many attendees visit their virtual booth, it can be difficult to converse with individual attendees about their products. 
 
"A lot of people come in and leave before you can start a chat, so it has been a bit challenging compared to in-person," Schoenfeld said. "Our follow-up conversations are where we are able to understand more someone's needs."
 
Shoenfeld said she misses in-person interaction, but a virtual Expo expands opportunities for others.
 
"I'll be happy when it goes back to in person, but if [APA] also had the virtual option for those who couldn't attend in person, I think it would help reach more people," Schoenfeld said.