As a means of internal communication, partner and channel engagement we see the use of the virtual events platform as a significant development within the Symantec EMEA communications and digital events marketing strategy. We are now able to stimulate dialogue for our client's channel partner community before, during and after any live event activity webcast through the conference module. The communication tools encourage interaction between the online audience, live event and social media applications which in turn keeps the site and content engaging and fresh. The potential to roll out campaign and provide quick and quantifiable ROI for our client is a strong incentive for future product launches. We have been delighted with the incredibly positive feedback from Symantec and are pleased to be working with Decisive Media on future phases rolling out through 2010 and beyond. Karen Hammond, Account Director at leading ICT agency Banner, who commissioned the project on behalf of Symantec.

The Symantec Virtual Expo was developed to offer a secure partner communications platform for the dissemination of video and documents via a number of custom-built virtual 'stands' in the on-line exhibition hall. Using the clean and efficient interface, stands were created for the flagship products as well as bespoke stands for the Symantec Distributor network, the Partner Incentives Program and the Small Business Specialisation partner group.

Using a multi-language registration form, partners, distributors and Symantec employees were granted access to various stands and content depending on their registration choice. This allowed for sales, technical and marketing audiences to download the most relevant white papers and content simply and quickly. The stands also presented educational welcome videos from Symantec's key directors and product experts explaining the benefits of the new products and providing additional insight into the stand content. The "Contact the Team" function on the stands also allowed for partners to send emails directly to the relevant Symantec representatives for additional information and correspondence.

The Symantec Virtual Expo was soft launched at the end of January with an internal communications programme to Symantec employees, channel partners and distributors. In early February, Banner and Decisive Media produced a streaming live day which included an interactive webcast through the virtual event platform's Conference Module. The morning and afternoon sessions of live programming incorporated both studio and "behind the scenes" interviews, panel discussions, product demonstrations and pre-recorded videos.

With over 400 viewers on go-live day, the subsequent edited and archived video continues to deliver more viewers and drive visitors to the Expo on a daily basis. Due to an overwhelmingly positive response to this innovative and interactive approach, the Symantec EMEA team has taken the decision to expand the virtual event activity out across Europe by deploying 5 localised events and additional product and campaign booths as part of its 2010 marketing strategy. More live events and local activity are already under development.