with technology and able to use virtual platforms effectively .
You ’ ll want to look for speakers who are engaging , with the ability to hold an audience ’ s attention online . Lastly , it ’ s helpful to choose speakers who are familiar with your company and your target audience .
A virtual event starter kit
TECHNOLOGY EXPERT JACK GEDDES , BREAKS DOWN PLANNING A VIRTUAL EVENT INTO SIX KEY STEPS
S o , you ’ ve decided to hold a virtual event but you ’ ve never done one before . You ’ re told it ’ s just a video call – what could go wrong ?
The success of any event , virtual or otherwise , hinges on careful planning and execution . While there are many moving parts to consider , here are six essential elements of a successful virtual event :
1 . Your event goals What are you hoping to achieve with this event ? Are you looking to generate leads , build awareness for your brand , or drive sales ? Have a clear understanding of your goals so you can plan how to achieve them .
If you ’ re looking to generate leads , you will need to promote your event heavily and include a call-to-action that encourages sign-ups . If you are looking to build brand awareness , you ’ ll want to focus on creating an engaging event that will leave a lasting impression . By clearly defining your goals from the outset , you ’ ll create a focused and effective virtual event .
2 . The marketing Attracting attendees to your event is key , and that means having a robust marketing strategy . Event marketing is all about generating excitement . Use social media , email , even good old-fashioned word of mouth to get people talking about your event . Make your event listing clear and concise , and include all the important details ( date , time , location , speakers , etc .) up front . Finally , don ’ t forget to follow up afterwards ! Thank your attendees for coming and invite them to join your next event .
3 . The speakers A virtual event is only as good as its speakers . When choosing speakers for a virtual event , there are a few key things to keep in mind . First , it ’ s important to choose speakers who are comfortable
Jack Geddes
“ Use social media , email , even good old-fashioned word of mouth to get people talking about your event ...”
4 . The attendees Managing the logistics of a virtual event can be complex , but it ’ s important to make sure your attendees have everything they need to participate . From technical support to clear instructions , smooth sailing on the day of your event starts with providing attendees with everything they need in advance .
5 . The platform Choose a virtual event platform that is reliable . Your platform should support all the features you need , from live streaming to chat capabilities . The platform should be designed for networking – it should be easy for attendees to connect with each other and exchange contact information .
The platform should also be easy to use . The last thing you want is for attendees to get frustrated with the technology and give up on the event completely . Take time to find a virtual event platform that has all the features you need .
6 . The production : A professional production team can help take your virtual event to the next level . They can assist with everything from branding to directing the flow of the event . However , you don ’ t need a production team these days ; with tools like Streamyard , it is easy to do it yourself .
The planning of any event is a daunting task , let alone trying to plan a virtual one . But , as you ’ ve seen here , the great thing about virtual events is that they can be done on a much smaller scale and with less manpower .
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