Ask the experts
The Confex Webinar Series sees two eventprofs offer advice for running online events
Two event directors reflect on lessons learned by answering questions from a virtual audience .
Hindsight is a wonderful thing . There have been some superb online event experiences , curated for a wide range of communities . But behind the calm exterior , we all know there has been planner teams paddling like mad under the water , up-skilling themselves on steep learning curves .
Although the majority of organisers are now far more experienced in building online experiences and running virtual events , the evolving nature of this digital medium means there is always something still to learn .
BELOW : KIMBERLEY BARNES
On behalf of International Confex , Dr James Morgan , principal lecturer in event design and technology at Westminster University moderated questions from a virtual audience to Laura Shapiro , group event director at CloserStill Media and Kimberley Barnes , event director of Phacilitate at Clarion .
Barnes and Shapiro were two of the first out of the blocks to transfer all of their pre-booked speakers , clients and registered delegates into virtual versions of their in-person events .
This is what they have learned .
I oversee around 40 charity fundraising events each year , organised by events management degree students . This year , the majority will be online . How can I help devise virtual content that creates the buzz and motivation for people to dig deep and donate ?
KIMBERLEY BARNES : “ Our insights inform us that customers engage more with virtual events when the human interaction element is added . Discussion based formats like roundtables , working groups or ‘ face-to-face ’ networking opportunities are the most interactive forms of content and are therefore the most likely to be more motivational .”
How do you make content feel more interactive if you have opted for a pre-record format ?
LAURA SHAPIRO : “ We asked all our pre-recorded speakers to attend their sessions . As they didn ’ t have to speak , we required them to answer questions in the chat window , which worked well and actually increased engagement . We
“ OUR INSIGHTS INFORM US THAT CUSTOMERS ENGAGE MORE WITH VIRTUAL EVENTS WHEN THE HUMAN INTERACTION ELEMENT IS ADDED .”
also had theatre managers in each session asking question in the chat , if needed , but also to prompt more people to join the debate . They would also reveal at the start , whether or not the session was pre-recorded so the audience knew what they were getting .”
How do you create innovative virtual sponsorship , outside of video , logo branding and banners , for a virtual awards ceremony ?
KIMBERLEY BARNES : “ Try delivering sponsored packs to your audience . These could include a couple of beers , snacks , the event programme and some fun gifts . It is not only a way to generate revenue but it would also add to the attendee experience .”
What skill sets do you need within your company to stage online events ? How did you go about resourcing missing skill gaps ?
LAURA SHAPIRO : “ Back in April , when we delivered the first set of