The impact of the pandemic is staggering for the events industry with 40% of the global industry furloughing 25% of their of full-time employees, with another 13% suffering from job cuts. It’s a situation that calls for a reinvention in terms of how to do business. That reinvention is ongoing, as evidenced by a recent survey in which 70% of those polled admitted to switching to virtual formats, like webinars (used by 69% of the respondents) and live streams (used by 62%). Remote events will be integral to the new normal, which means industry players must learn the best practices, when organizing. To help, we’ve compiled a few tips and tricks to consider when planning a remote event. Take a look:
1. Define the purpose
Make sure that you set the purpose of your remote event. Defining your purpose means you’ll be able to identify your target audience and focus on them when marketing the event.
2. Leverage technology
A United Nations article on digital technologies notes how innovation is “creating new forms and patterns of work,” as well as causing societal changes everywhere, including the steady normalization of both work from home and remote events. A guide on 30 Tips for Professionals Working from Home details how there are lots of tools, like TeamConnect, that can ensure the success of WFH setups, and by extension, the smooth conduct of remote events. Using the right tech helps in streamlining the various aspects of your event, from sending out invites and getting people in the same virtual space to facilitating after-event assessments.
3. Look for ‘the right time’
Your online attendees will likely be in different time zones. It’s therefore crucial that you research first potential event dates, and make sure there are no similar events that might adversely impact attendance to yours. Similarly, look to schedule your event at the most convenient time in line with time zone variances. If you are located on the East Coast or have audience there, consider starting late afternoon (around 2–4 pm) so that your West Coast audience won’t have to wake up too early.
4. Go after the ‘stars’
Add star power such as a renowned speaker or a famous actor. The blog post ‘How To Plan Virtual Events That Engage Your Audience’ explains that you have a decent chance to get these stars on board, as moving events to the virtual sphere eliminates barriers like the need to pay venue fees and arrange for exorbitant travel arrangements. This was the case with Politico, whose virtual events have been graced by personalities such as U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Nancy Pelosi.
by Allana May
Tech enthusiast. Gamer. Blogger. Music Lover. Always updated with the latest upbeat trends in social media, gadgets, game releases and chic fashion.
