Virtual events have become the norm, and it has meant that planning events have become an important part of being an event creator. There are many reasons why virtual events can be very successful; they can save you a lot of money, you can host them from any part of the world, generate leads, increase engagement with your potential customers and audience, helping you establish yourself as an industry leader, and building your brand.
This guide is going to look at the basics and the benefits of planning online virtual events compared to in-person events, how you can plan an event, and hosting a successful virtual event.
From planning, strategy, hosting, marketing, and presenting, the following tips will go a long way in helping you create a great virtual event.
What is a virtual event?
This is an event occurring online. This includes demos, webinars, panels, Q&As, masterclasses, and interviews with industry leaders or celebrities. They can also include virtual conferences, trade shows, and company-wide gatherings.
Audiences can gain direct access to speakers through online events. It results in trust with attendees and helps you become an industry leader. You can also increase your reach through virtual events because people don’t have to be in a given physical location. A virtual event is a chance to reach a global audience, which is good for your brand.
Planning a virtual event
There are new considerations that creators have to keep in mind when hosting an online event. You should choose a good online platform that you are going to use to host the event. Make sure it has all the technology you need. This is still an event, which means the same principles creators follow when planning a normal event apply. Here is a list of best practices that will make it a success.
Understanding your audience
As you choose the topic, keep in mind that content is king. People attending your event are there to learn something, so you need to make sure they get what they are looking for. Look for things you think they will find the most interesting. Don’t be vague or too broad, hone in on one area.
If the virtual event is for dog lovers, you can choose a breed to focus on. Choose something that you are knowledgeable about. Break down your knowledge of the dog breed into smaller details that they might not know about. This will keep the audience interested and focused.
Finding a speaker
If you want to host a virtual event that has speakers, then ensure you have ones who have experience with the topic. The speaker you choose needs to be knowledgeable on the topic.
Take the time to research as much as possible about the speakers and see how they are when it comes to public speaking. This is how you can vouch for them as presenters. Not all public speakers are good or have experience in a virtual setting. Check out their past videos in a similar event to learn more about them. See how they are comfortable as they speak at the virtual events. You can also judge them during a pre-event virtual meeting and see whether they are a good fit for the virtual event.
Working with an events team
You can make things easier and smoother when you plan a virtual event with a team. There are different moving parts and strategies you can consider when planning the event, it is a good idea to research and ask your peers what has worked and what hasn’t for them. You should research by checking out virtual events and taking notes so you can know what to do when it is your turn.