Similar to physical events, engage attendees pre-and post-show as well to maximise their experience journey with the event. Photo Credit: gettyimages/fizkes
To get your virtual event off to the best possible start, surprise
and delight your audience. Create a sense of anticipation ahead of the
event, by sending a swag bag in the post with items related to the topic
or an event-themed prop or email a digital teaser. Consider asking
attendees to submit questions in the run-up to the event; this could
identify areas of interest that could be further explored in the content
and make participants feel included.
Put production values first
Event organisers invest considerable time and effort when looking for
venues, so apply the same thinking to your virtual setting. Virtual
events that take on the quality of a broadcast, akin to a TV programme,
can project a more immersive and professional environment. Think
Dolby-quality sound, creative use of lighting and content that moves
seamlessly from one frame to the next.
Consider an event host
It’s easy to get distracted during a virtual event. With a host
overseeing the proceedings, similar to a facilitator at an in-person
gathering, you can grab attendees’ attention at a particular moment, or
the host could provide a round-up or a session. Or consider a ‘virtual
host’, in the form of push notifications sent to attendees’ phones,
alerting the start of a certain session, for example.
Immersive interactions
Breakout sessions at physical events give delegates the chance to
network and unwind. During a virtual event, in a session or a keynote,
use a live chat function to encourage attendees to start a conversation.
If it’s a smaller group, asking participants to explain a little bit
about themselves when they post can create a more relaxed, human touch
and make your attendees feel more valued. And interactions don’t need to
end once the event has. Keep sessions on-demand for a set period of
time, or prompt delegates to post questions that can be followed up in
the form of exclusive content. You can also use polls and real-time
feedback.
Creating compelling content
Focusing online for a long period of time can be challenging.
Entertain delegates with a mix of longer, more in-depth features
alongside shorter sessions, making it easy for them to dip in and out.
Use videos, visuals, panel discussions and interviews to bring your
content to life.
Don’t forget the tech experience
To engage attendees from the start, your event needs to be easy to
access and attend and embrace ‘choice’ - with hundreds of people
potentially connecting online, you have no control over how they are
joining. So ensure your event platform works regardless of whether
attendees are on a mobile, smart device or joining from a desktop. It
should be available on any browser and give attendees the option to join
via a browser or by downloading software.