Virtual events have been on the rise ever since the pandemic. In 2020, the global events industry revenue was valued at $1 trillion. According to a survey in 2021, 40% of marketers predicted their events to be virtual in 2022. On the other hand, 35% of marketers indicated their events to follow a hybrid pattern.
If you plan on hosting a digital event. In that case, you must choose a virtual event platform that is customizable, easy to use, and offers analytics that you can leverage for audience engagement.
This article will take you through 7 tips to help you host a successful virtual event.
7 Things to Prepare for a Successful Virtual Event
Choose a Customizable Virtual Event Platform
Select a platform that lets you customize every aspect of the event according to your brand and event requirement. There are easy-to-use platforms available that offer over 50 template options, with which you can craft an impressive event within minutes.
Look for a platform that can provide you with tools, widgets, and ample support if you run into any issues. In addition, ensure the platform has excellent uptime, so your event can run smoothly without any interruptions.
Promote Your Event Through the Right Channels
Set clear and precise goals as to why you are hosting the event. Identify your target audience and promote the event on appropriate channels.
For example, you could promote your event on social media. Let the audience know the event’s purpose and provide clear instructions on participation. Start this activity well in advance to generate a buzz around the event.
Prepare a Backstage of Your Speakers
In real-life events, speakers have green rooms, where they can practice or relax before being expected on stage. Choose a virtual event platform that lets you replicate this experience virtually as well.
It allows speakers to compose and prepare themselves before they are to come face-to-face with hundreds or thousands of virtual participants. This can ensure a smooth run of the events.
Encourage Engagement
Any event can get boring and unproductive if only the speakers or hosts talk. This is why you need to make it easier for the participants to provide input without putting them in the spot.
Gamified leaderboards, polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions are good tools to encourage participant engagement. You can also use AI to match attendees who share similar interests.
Use Real-Time Analytics to Optimize Your Event
Platforms come equipped with real-time analytics that you can leverage to control the flow of the event. For example, you can analyze what session or event has the most audience participation. Then, you could introduce new polls or show videos that keep the participants engaged.
Have Support Ready
Even a well-planned event can run into unforeseeable issues. Instead of panicking, you should have backup support ready to handle such situations. For example, when running a premium event, the platform provider should be available on-demand to resolve technical difficulties.
Similarly, having a POC for speakers and guests to help them navigate the event could boost participant satisfaction.
Analyze Post-Event Reports
Once the event is concluded, platforms offer post-event reporting with engagement and event ROI details. These details can provide insights into what worked for you and what you can do better the next time around.
It is important to consider the comfort and convenience of speakers and participants and customize the event for their benefit. Having on-demand support is essential to facilitate the smooth functioning of your event. Use interactive tools to keep your audiences engaged. By taking these tips into consideration when planning your virtual event, you can ensure that it’s developed to impress and create a positive impact on the participants.
For a successful digital event, ensure you choose a virtual event platform that provides you with customizable creation, engagement, management, and analytical capabilities.
