While there are numerous benefits to running in-person events, these days, it is has become increasingly common to run events virtually. There are various advantages and disadvantages to this format, but one great reason to focus on virtual events in the sheer number of attendees you can potentially attract. Because virtual events are conducted entirely online, they are entirely location-independent. This means that you can market the event to a large amount of people outside of either people in the local area or people who have the financial means to travel to an event. With that in mind, here is how to plan for and run a virtual event.
Hosting a Virtual Event
Hosting a virtual event requires the same amount of care and attention to detail that a physical event requires. Not only do virtual events require you to promote to and engage with your audience, but you also need to create a memorable and relatable event experience so that people want to come back for the next event.
The only fundamental difference between physical events and virtual events is the fact that there is no venue. However, a virtual event should not be thought of as a Powerpoint presentation or business meeting. Just because something happens over Zoom does not mean that it has to be focused in that way. Instead, when hosting a virtual event, you should focus on creating impact that extends beyond the computer screen.
Promotion and Event Registration
When promoting a virtual event, the first thing you are going to want to do is set up an event website. An event website your key promotional tool to entice potential attendees to sign up for your virtual event. Your event website should clearly communicate the value of your virtual event and be geared toward a certain target demographic. You will also want to use the event website to show the event schedule, showcase keynote speakers, and to try to convert customers to register to the event.
When it comes to event registration, you want to make sure that you are using a robust tool that integrates directly with your website as opposed to using a third-party service. For example, if your website is hosted on the Wordpress CMS, you want to use a tool that is focuses on Wordpress event registration and is able to be directly installed on to the Wordpress CMS. Doing so will allow you better track users on your event website as well as creating targeted event registration forms, and better collect and s tore attendee information.
Running a virtual event comes with unique challenges. For example, you are just not going to have the same level of interaction that you would with a physical event. However, if you design and host your event creatively then you can work around these limitations and create something that is truly worthwhile for both your company and attendees alike. Doing so will ensure that you build a dedicated audience for future virtual events who will see the impact and value that your virtual events have.
