TopClass LMS by WBT Systems has responded to a growing need for associations to provide virtual or hybrid conferences, as they face travel restrictions and event cancellations due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. With the release of virtual conference management capability, TopClass LMS enables associations to incorporate virtual conferences and events as an integral part of professional development programs.

Following completion of a project to build a virtual conference platform for the ASAE MMCC Virtual conference in April 2020, which saw three times its normal attendance, WBT Systems sought customer feedback on their need to convert scheduled conferences and meetings to virtual events.

"The overwhelmingly positive response and input from our customers helped us make the decision to incorporate the capability to create, manage, and host virtual conferences and events within TopClass LMS", said Michelle Brien, VP Marketing & Product Strategy at WBT Systems. "This means organizations can reduce the cost of delivering virtual meetings, as there is no need for a separate platform. Setup, branding, and session creation all happen within the familiar TopClass LMS platform, allowing meetings and education teams to focus on delivering relevant, motivating professional development sessions for learners."

With virtual conferences and events delivered through TopClass LMS, associations can expand the audience for professional development programs and create a new, sustainable channel for non-dues revenue. TopClass LMS provides an end-to-end integration with Zoom and GoToWebinar to simplify session creation and learner participation in virtual or hybrid events.

Delivering virtual conferences through TopClass LMS also ensures the learning experience continues after the conference, as learners can continue their conversations in discussion forums or integrated online communities and review conference sessions with interactive video to add bookmarks and notes at points of interest.