With many events pivoting (sometimes very quickly) from a face to face event to a virtual event we look to share our tips to creating a successful virtual event; every time.
Many brands and businesses have come to us with questions regarding creating successful virtual events and many of those questions revolve around the knowledge it takes to successfully find a partner that can help you through the process of online virtual event management and finding a webcasting company that provides the tools required to do so.
When pivoting to an online conference or virtual event, the thought of connecting with your audience in an entirely new way for your business can be daunting, finding a trusted virtual event management company you can work with confidence is paramount to ensuring your journey to reaching your audience is as easy for you as possible. With the process often being much simpler to organise than a face to face event, we find our clients are more likely to enjoy the many benefits that can come from going virtual.
Our tips below are a great start to getting your business on its way to enjoying the benefits of moving to virtual or hybrid events and ensuring your live webcast is one that your audience enjoys and engages with.
With extensive experience in events ourselves we have seen many event managers make the change to live webcasting over in-person events for many reasons over the past few years and we have taken part in ensuring their live webcast has been successful by implementing our already proven AV and event technology is used hand in hand with our webcast streaming service that is reliable, gives our clients measurable results and allows us to help them connect with their audience in new and meaningful ways.
Taking note of what works for virtual events in the recent months we thought we would share what we have found with you to enable your business to take advantage of the benefits that virtual and hybrid conferencing and events can offer.
Events have always been about connection; that hasn’t changed, the tools we use to make those connections have. By using tech to reach out globally and engage with our audiences, creating a successful event can require a new set of planning tools to create that wow factor but virtual events can actually be a value adding resource to your business and we are sharing five tips on how to ensure your event is remembered for all the right reasons.
Creating a successful virtual event requires:
- Keeping attendees engaged by sticking to a strict timeline;
- Create an event that is visually appealing throughout by using animation and special effects where appropriate;
- Allow your attendees to engage with you by asking questions, making comments or working with you on topics when possible;
- Differentiate your live streamed event from others by employing some techniques that really help your brand stand out from the crowd;
- Employ a virtual event management team and webcasting service provider with proven experience and let them take care of the technical side of things so you can deliver meaningful content to keep your audience engaged and interested;
Keep attendees engaged by sticking to a strict timeline;
Keeping to your timeline not only helps keep the event running on time, it also helps keep the focus on your content and your key messaging. Creating a connection with your audience and building an online audience for your event takes time, so stay focused, stick to your timeline and make the most of the time you have their unwavering attention.
Online virtual events are entirely measurable, this is one of the things we love in terms of value for our clients, creating events that attract good audience retention gives them key insights into what was effective and what the audience loved.
Create an event that is visually appealing throughout by using animation and special effects where appropriate;
No, a plain Zoom virtual background will not keep your audience engaged!
Keep your live webcast interesting by working with the creative team to make the most of the value adding virtual backgrounds available OR use animation and special effects where possible and appropriate to really keep your audience engaged.
It is unique features like this that help get your events remembered, and people coming back for more. Special effects for the background of your online event can be a cost effective way to really create that WOW factor.
Allow your attendees to engage by asking questions, making comments or working with you on topics when possible;
Make use of the tools available to you through your webcast service provider and create ways to interact with your event. You may have it open to questions your team answers throughout the event, or take the opportunity to answer those questions in a separate email or live chat after your event.
Differentiate your live streamed event from others by employing some techniques that really help your brand stand out from the crowd;
Making your event different from the next can be done easily with animation and special effects that align with your branding and messaging. Chat to your online event manager about what you can do for your allocated budget, there are sure to be some value adding solutions to really lift your online event presence!
Employ a virtual event management team that has a webcasting provider with proven experience;
Working with an AV and event technology partner that can back you up when it comes to pivoting to an online virtual event can see your event reach the next level as you look to reach out and engage with your audience. Ensure your team has the experience that gives you the certainty your event will go ahead with no hiccups on the day and one that gives you the added value of having everything you need in the one place; including a team that helps make you feel at ease during your event.
With events being cancelled and changed at the moment as it seems quite often, the Nextgen team is a fully specialised business with AV & event technology at its fingertips and able to help you plan and execute your face to face event knowing if you need to pivot, that very same team can help you do so; and quickly.
If you are looking for an events partner, chat to our team today and experience the Nextgen difference.
You may also find the following blogs helpful to your planning process, feel free to visit these and get in touch for further information:
HOW TO USE VIRTUAL EVENTS FOR TEAM BUILDING
