The Virtual Events Playbook
The physical event world has been dealt a hard blow—one that has forced us to adapt and evolve in unprecedented ways. The COVID-19 pandemic has struck the event industry hard, with many events going virtual or being cancelled altogether.
Fortunately, we’re a resilient bunch. And as the saying goes, “necessity is the mother of invention”. So, what does this mean for virtual events?
Virtual events, by nature, limit attendee numbers. This allows a previously unattainable level of intimacy between speakers and organisers and their audiences, as well as a more personal approach to networking.
From the attendee perspective, it also makes it easier to engage with speakers without having to worry about the logistics of travelling to an event.
Incorporating technology into the virtual event experience is nothing new. The updated concept of virtual events has surged dramatically as event professionals find their feet in the ‘new normal’ of post-pandemic life.
Amongst the burgeoning use of technology for virtual events, there are two approaches: live broadcast or pre-recorded.
Live broadcasting provides audience members with access to events as they occur. This approach creates more immediacy for attendees, who feel like they’re part of a live experience.
Pre-recording an event allows for more flexibility and creativity in how it’s produced, as well as easier management of content once it’s been recorded.
One of the biggest challenges of hosting a virtual event is engaging your attendees on an emotional level. With no physical presence, it can be difficult to convey the personality of your brand and make people feel included and valued. If you want to take your virtual events to the next level, you need to offer a well-planned, seamless experience that will engage your audience personally.
An effective way to do this is by incorporating interactive elements into your virtual event.
These can range from simple icebreakers and games to more complex audience-responsive features like live streaming and augmented reality (AR).
Whether you're planning an intimate mastermind session for just a few people or a large conference with hundreds of attendees, these interactive elements will help boost engagement and keep everyone involved.
Virtual events are trending now more than ever. As we continue to grapple with the realities of social distancing and mass gatherings, event pros have quickly evolved their offerings to incorporate technology in order to keep their guests engaged and entertained—while staying safe.
Keep in mind that most event planners who have successfully executed a virtual event have needed to update their technological skillset to include knowledge about platforms such as Zoom, Webex and MS Teams, amongst others - chat to us about how our trained event practitioners can support you in planning your next event.