The unprecedented global pandemic has affected every aspect of daily life, and this includes the events industry. However, event tech allows the industry to adapt to the new normal. Virtual meetings are becoming a popular alternative to cancellations for event planners. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your virtual meeting:
1. Prepare your Attendees
Make sure that your attendees are completely clear on how to access your virtual event and accompanying materials. Many of your attendees will be able to access your virtual meeting software with ease, but others may need more guidance. Send clear instructions with screenshots and examples to brief attendees on the process they can expect on the day. Leave plenty of time before your virtual event for your attendees to familiarise themselves with the process.
2. Brief your Speakers
Ensure your speakers are as familiar with your virtual events platform as your attendees. Virtual meetings present a potentially daunting new aspect for speakers, preparing them accordingly is vital to their peace of mind and the success of your event. It may be beneficial to hold a conference call with all of your speakers to explain the process ‘in person’ and create the opportunity to answer any of their questions.
3. Keep it Short and Sweet
The current global pandemic has impacted every aspect of the events industry, but we can adapt. Your attendee engagement strategy must adapt too. It can be tempting to multitask or switch off completely when attending a virtual meeting. Shorten your sessions in order to keep your attendee’s attention and make sure there are plenty of breaks between sessions. Try and encourage attendees to step away from their screen during breaks to avoid burnout.
4. Audience Engagement
Utilising engagement tech at your event is always a winner for getting attendees involved. However, for a virtual meeting it is vital for bringing attendees together and making them part of the event, even though they are far away. Features such as in-session Q&A and live polling are perfect for boosting engagement and creating a feeling of community in your sessions. Gamification can be used to inject some more fun into your virtual meeting. All of these features and more are available in your CrowdComms event app.