"...unlike the traditional conference that ultimately concludes in a few days, virtual conferences have an element of immortality.

Much of that is due to the latest breed of conferencing software that incorporates real-time activities (chat and Webcasting) as well as non real-time activities (discussion threads, e-mail and archived presentations).

Photo credit: Peter Björknäs
Proponents of virtual conferences argue that it provides a fuller experience because it gathers and presents all relevant information and valuable insights, including not only participants' responses but also the reactions and counter-responses of others. The recorded exchanges, theoretically, can continue indefinitely to form an ongoing community." (Source: Virtual Conferences)

And I do agree.

Synchronous and asynchronous communication channels offer the possibility to greatly extend physical events into time.

Before, during and after the event, a multiplicity of communication channels can be leveraged to allow greater participation, wider choice of topics and as correctly mentioned the opportunity for creating powerful online communities.

The eXtended event and the new communication/exchange/publishing tools that will make it possible, are setting one of the most interesting evolutions of how we meet, discuss and co-operate beyond traditional space and time.