The mainstage is where all of the high-profile action takes place including keynotes, discussion panels and Q&A with executives and other guests. Virtual Event Spaces: One of the things that most struck me when hosting virtual events in 2020 was how intuitive the event areas are in today’s platforms. If your virtual event is live, you will have a green room or holding area where speakers gather prior to going on “stage” live. The lobby is where attendees can hang out and explore agendas, review areas they’d like to attend and decide where they’d like to visit next, and there may even be a person staffing the front desk where guests can get questions answered. There will always be a Q&A area where attendees can go for technical help. The expo or exhibit hall is the place where partners and sponsors showcase their products and services and attendees can interact with company folks. Networking areas allow people to gather and have conversations with video on or off. Breakout sessions usually happen right after keynotes or mainstage presentations just like when we meet in person, and it’s possible to have multiple concurrent sessions running. Reporting and Analytics: You want analytics on who and how many people attend your event, how many watched on-demand, which sessions they attended, what percentage of registered attendees actually participated and so much more. These reports will give you valuable intel for sales and marketing. Performance and Reliability: Selecting a virtual event platform with proven reliability and performance is critical for the experience of the attendee and client. There are many newer virtual platforms popping up, but it takes time to build a reliable record. This is where talking to other folks who have used the platforms you’re considering and reading or watching testimonials will help. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a virtual event platform:ĭevice and Browser Compatibility: Every virtual event I’ve worked on has recommended Google Chrome as the preferred browser. I had the opportunity to use Safari on one event, and it worked seamlessly, but tends not to be recommended. A platform that offers compatibility with multiple browsers and devices will result in less technical issues for attendees and speakers.Ĭonfigurability and Branding: It’s essential that customization of graphics, colors, themes and branding be allowed in your virtual platform of choice for obvious reasons. You want your organization’s look and feel to come through loud and clear as users navigate the platform. Some of the platforms my clients have used include ON24, 6CONNEX, HopIn, Zoom, BrandLive, MeetingPlay, The Engagement Hub, Bizzabo, and I even had an IT client build their own webcasting event platform. One of the first questions that clients I’m speaking to who are producing virtual events ask is: what platform should we use? There are many great options out there today, and sometimes it’s hard to know which one to choose. Since March of 2020, the events industry has pivoted and transformed from live in-person planning and execution to online virtual meetings, conferences, galas, auctions, fundraisers and exhibitions. Many industry experts I’ve spoken to say they’ve been recommending that clients have a virtual component to their in-person events for years, resulting in a hybrid event. When you consider the fact that more people can be reached by adding virtual options that allow content and messaging to be shared, it seems like a no-brainer. In regards to your virtual event emcee and host who will energetically guide viewers through their online digital event journey and be the glue who holds everything together, there are certain checkpoints to reference when selecting who will provide this critical service that will enhance the value you and your audience receive from their time invested. Hosting experience, skills, expertise, virtual studio production quality, consistency, personality, improv ability, and tech savvy are the main points to consider when selecting your virtual emcee.ĬONSIDERATIONS WHEN PLANNING A VIRTUAL EVENT: 1. Having hosted and emceed numerous virtual events throughout the last few years, and more recently in the past several months with the virtual pivot in the events industry, I've learned some best practices which are important to consider when planning a virtual event. These consideration points include your choice of virtual event platform, production value, content, engagement activities, production team, communication strategy and virtual emcee. Taking the time to carefully research, plan and execute on each of these items will help to ensure a successful virtual event.
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