Approach with a “HOW ARE WE GOING TO GROW THROUGH THIS?” attitude. 

At first we were all thinking “when is this going to be over” and now we need to take the attitude of “we are going to grow through this”. Through this uncharted experience we are all learning. We are going to come out better trained, better with customers and having stronger relationships having gone through this together. 

What are the first steps in going virtual or hybrid? There are so many options and things are ever changing, so where do you start in planning? 

Reach out early to a trusted partner to understand what is possible and what isn’t. It doesn’t cost any more money to have the conversation earlier. Everyone wants to dream big but there is value in understanding what is possible with the resources that are available. 

How can organizations capitalize on the opportunity of virtual and hybrid events? What about engaging donors, sponsors, exhibitors, etc.? 

It is exciting that your message and story can now go far beyond the four walls of the room that your event is being held in. Most virtual attendees log on early. Plan messaging and content for this time or use this opportunity for sponsorship. End your event with a strong call to action that goes beyond those in the room. For example, if you are fundraising, plan your content to be able to have legs and live on long past the actual live event. Add the content to your website or social media channel and include a “Donate” button for those who are inspired to give after the event.  

The last thing our audience wants to do is spend more time staring at the screen. What are you seeing in terms of people being willing to attend a virtual event and what are those expectations? 

If presenters feel good and they know they are being presented well, they give a really good presentation and then attendees react to that. There may be some fatigue out there. If you have put a lot of thought into your content and you are offering some conversations as part of the event, people will come and many times stay longer then they intended.

How important is it to put the power of engagement into the audience’s hands (ie, tools like chat, polling, Q & A)? 

People are really excited and engaging on a level that adds to the conversation. The technology integration creates the ability for each attendee to have their own personal experience. You see the personal piece in everything, and this is the personal piece in the virtual event.

Watch Jennifer & Christa's full conversation by clicking the video below: