5 Critical Considerations Before Pivoting to Virtual
- SET GOALS – Prioritize your event goals. Is networking the main focus or is training? Different virtual platforms offer key features to help achieve these goals. Choose wisely and get creative with solutions.
- DEFINE NEEDS – Survey your needs. Will the content be delivered pre-recorded or live streamed? How many concurrent sessions are happening and how many attendees could be in each session? Will the audience be encouraged to participate with their camera and microphone? What engagement tools do you need (i.e chat, polling, survey, etc.)? Create a list with all your required functionalities before deciding on the conference format, duration, and virtual platform. This will help streamline the research phase of taking your event virtual! Does this step feel overwhelming? Reach out to Right Hand Events to receive our virtual event checklist.
- TIMELINE – Once the technology has been selected, it’s time to create your timeline, outline your roles and responsibilities, and get to work! Don’t underestimate a virtual event. You may not be sourcing venues or booking travel, but there are logistical factors that will be new to the team. Allow yourself at least eight (8) weeks to fully prepare and execute a successful virtual event.
- TRAIN YOUR SPEAKERS – Prepare your speakers for a fully interactive virtual session. How should the room be set-up and where should the camera be placed? How many times should they include an attendee engagement feature (polling, Q&A, etc.)? Speaking on camera is a lot different than being in-person, so provide your speakers with the appropriate material to remove the guesswork and create a level of comfort. Remember that online learning is better in small doses. Check back in soon to receive Right Hand Events speaker checklist!
- INVEST IN TECH – Don’t do this alone, find the right help. Do you need a tech in each session room? How is the delivery going to look simulive between pre-recorded, transitions, and live streaming? Finding a supportive AV partner to test and rehearse delivery on the backend will minimize technology challenges on the event days. Fewer technology challenges create a more interactive environment where the attendees won’t remember that “misconnection” but the seamless learning experience.
