Why do some virtual events succeed while others miss the mark? I keep coming back to the idea that television shows the way for how to build a great online event. People who simply try to recreate the in-person event they are familiar with don’t tap into the right medium for virtual success.
However, an effective virtual event is much more than televised speeches!
In a virtual event, we must realize that people’s attention spans are much shorter than if there were in a convention center or hotel ballroom. This means we need to keep interest by mixing things up, adding elements of surprise, and including the audience as much as possible.
The key is that we need to use the power of the online medium rather than trying to recreate an offline experience.
For example, great virtual events include ways for the audience to interact with one another during the event. Through tools built into virtual event platforms, attendees can chat with one another, live, as a speaker is presenting. After a talk, virtual meeting rooms can be set up where people who share common goals can collaborate based on the information they just learned.
Are you considering your own virtual event? I hope some of these ideas have helped you to think of ways that you can involve speakers to make your event great. As you begin planning, I can help you think through these ideas. Give me a shout and we’ll connect and work together to make your event one that develops fans for your business!
I would also love to speak at your virtual event. My talk “Turing Customers into Fans” can be customized for your audience. I can present from my own home studio. Or for a truly fabulous experience, I have a relationship with a professional studio near my home where we can set up a multi-camera shoot with all the excitement of a network television show.
