Virtual events are accessible, flexible, and bring a host of opportunities your business can leverage. Here's how to throw a successful virtual event.
Virtual events are here to stay. And thanks to the plethora of technology available, it's easier than ever to host a branded virtual event for your organization. However, executing a successful virtual event goes beyond turning on your webcam or downloading a live stream app. Here are five actionable elements to ensuring your next virtual event is a success.
1. Identify Your Goals
The first thing you need to identify for a successful virtual event is your event goal. What is your goal, and why are you holding this event? At this stage, you also need to start thinking about the 'nice-to-haves and 'need-to-have elements in your event. "Need to have" elements include essential requirements and project deliverables that you absolutely need to happen. The "nice to have" elements are not vital, but you would like them to happen for an improved overall experience.
2. Select the Right Platform
As online events have become the new normal, make sure your virtual event goes beyond the typical Zoom webinar, where attendees click a link and passively watch a presentation. To create a virtual experience with the most impact, invest in a virtual event platform such as Socio or Pheedloop. These platforms allow you to fully brand your event with custom landing pages and streamline the registration process. They also offer interactive functionality, from virtual exhibit halls to live networking sessions to breakout rooms and more features to engage your audience and track results.
3. Encourage Audience Participation
For virtual events, in particular, attendee engagement is critical. You can use many tactics to add that buzz of excitement and interactivity, especially if you have an event management platform. You can incorporate live Q&A sessions, create breakout rooms for social networking, or use gamification and prizes to keep people engaged. Depending on your budget, you could also arrange for swag bags to be delivered to your attendees to incorporate some of those hands-on elements they'd encounter at an in-person event.
4. Create a Contingency Plan
Just because this is an online event, it doesn't mean you should skip the rehearsals! Run-throughs are extremely important for a virtual event. You and your team should also be thoroughly familiar with the event management platform, and it's features, so you know how to use it. Think about a recovery plan in case your internet fails, or there is an unexpected power outage. Your team should also be ready to offer technical support to attendees who may not be well versed with online environments.
5. Find the Right Virtual Event Partner
For a smooth-sailing virtual event experience, consider hiring a virtual event management partner who can handle all the moving pieces for you and deliver an engaging, memorable experience for your attendees. From consultation and planning, managing your content delivery, technology management, and integration, and day-of support, you can take a breather and enjoy your event as your virtual event partner delivers your brand's goals and vision.
Planning a Virtual Event? Reveal Events Group Can Help.
With over 25 years of large-scale event production and management experience, the Reveal Events Group team has the expertise and partner networks to deliver an engaging virtual experience that will go beyond what you imagined. We've helped clients from various industries leverage the advantages of a virtual or hybrid event. Book a free consultation to learn how we could help you with your next virtual event.