It’s been a few months since everyone postponed or canceled their events and “went virtual”. Let’s be honest, we’re already Zoomed-out and there’s no end in sight. Here are three ways to make your virtual event better than a regular Zoom call …
1. Approach Like a Broadcast – Regardless of the bells and whistles integrated into any platform, content is still king.
- Mental Interest: Storyboarding is more important than ever! Make sure your message is concise and every bit of script is relevant … no one will sit through a 90-minute presentation on their laptop.
- Visual Interest: Use production elements from news and sports broadcasts to retain visual interest. Motion graphics, split screens, and tickers give the viewer more to watch and increase the odds they’ll stick around longer.
- Give Us a Break!: Instead of transitions between presentations, consider a commercial break format. Viewers need to step away at times so give them the opportunity. Scheduling 90-second to 5-minute breaks allows viewers to mentally, and physically, relieve themselves.
Additional Resource: 5 Tips for Conducting a Virtual Meeting by Faith Thomas at Inc.
2. Build Anticipation – Most platforms include automated reminders that registered viewers have an upcoming event. Taking that one step further, consider pre-event deliveries. Options will depend on the type of event and budget but might include registration bags, food/drink deliveries, or a visit from a board member or volunteer.
3. Tiered Experiences – Making virtual events interesting is difficult enough but make sure your VIPs have the best experience possible. In addition to the suggestions for Building Anticipation, you can also offer smaller, intimate in-person events or personalized, curated virtual options. VIP options should be drastically different than those offered to everyone else and will likely have an associated cost (which they’ll gladly pay to be unique if you’re meeting their expectations).
If you’re offering virtual solutions, consider making these suggestions part of your packages. If you’re looking for a production partner, realize their platform (a tool) isn’t going to be what makes your event great … ask about their approach to production, research delivery options, and find out what sort of tiered experiences (services) they already have in place for you.
At Encompass, we have unique backgrounds that situate us perfectly to produce high end and complex offerings. We’ve worked in broadcast television, touring entertainment, live sporting events, and countless convention facilities across the country.
We have technical design experience and a disciplined process in place that allows us to easily scale events and shift from in-person to virtual without angst. There isn’t much that’s beyond our scope and we love the intensity of putting on events!
If you’re a planner working to create an event, seeking help with virtual event technology, or simply want to learn more … we can help! Sign up below to receive our updates (we promise to keep your contact information secure and won’t “overshare”).