Apart from the difference in technology, we take special steps to narrow the gap between the two experiences.
We facilitate both events in ways that include attendees, while recommending methods for distractions to be eliminated. We jointly establish ground rules ahead of time that make a difference.
We have conducted four virtual conferences with thousands of participants, so we have deep experience engaging virtual audiences.
Our observation has been that both virtual and face-to-face methods can be effective with the right design.