by Bruce Reid

Virtual meetings have been steadily picking up steam in the wake of the economic downturn, partly due to what many people call the “AIG effect.” The financial corporation’s misappropriated funds left the population wondering why anyone would spend millions of dollars flying executives around in private jets for meetings in far-off, luxurious destinations while the majority of businesses struggle to survive. But as any logical economist would aptly point out, even grim and dire situations turn out opportunity. Enter virtual meetings.

When you aren’t AIG and don’t have millions in your business travel budget, there are a number of solutions available that allow associates from various locations to connect in a virtual forum and interact in real-time. Focus Research breaks down The Top 12 Web Conferencing Vendors and also provides a Web Conferencing Buyer’s Guide* to assist you in making your selection.

Nothing can beat a face-to-face, but meeting planners know that this is not always an option. Next time consider a virtual meeting.

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