In ordinary times, the measure of success of a business event is a crowded plenary room, a buzzy exhibition space and a networking drinks session that ends in forcible eviction.

Take The Australian Financial Review Property Summit of last year as a case in point. It is fair to say we underestimated the commercial property sector's appetite for this first-time event, which sold out in less than three weeks and attracted hundreds more onto a ticket waitlist. The event was literally standing-room only, the enthusiasm of the 250-plus speakers and attendees only amplified by the cosiness of the surrounds.