How to Take In-Person Events Virtual

With the shift to remote-first work becoming a reality for most organizations, many marketing teams are looking for ways to maximize engagement and generate leads previously garnered from in-person events.

Let’s take a look at how digital events have changed—and how you can make the most of yours.

What do events look like now?

The “new normal” has become the, well, “normal".

1. Digital is trending: Just look at the numbers. In 2020, Bizzabo found that 93% of event professionals plan to invest in virtual events.
2. Your reach is extending: One advantage of digital events: connecting with more people. According to Bizzabo, 80% of virtual event organizers reached a wider audience.
3. Quality is king: Virtual event organizers should focus on attendee engagement and satisfaction — the two top KPIs used for measuring success.

How do we get started?

Here are 7 best practices to ensure your audience gets the most out of your event.

1. Decide what you are trying to achieve with your event: Outlining your purpose and strategy ensures the entire team is working toward the same goals. And speaking of goals…
2. Define your objectives: What are your priorities — and what would your priorities be if you were holding this event in person?
3. Determine how you’ll measure success: One size does not fit all when it comes to digital events. Consider the type of event (webinar, conference, trade show, lunch and learn, etc.) and let that guide your KPIs.
4. Think like your audience: Attendees want to learn and network. By structuring your event to look like these opportunities, participants will be more likely to RSVP — and come back for future events.
5. Get your audience excited: We all experience Zoom fatigue, but providing attendees a clear idea of what to expect and establishing a code of conduct will motivate them to attend and participate. 
6. Create opportunities to engage: Quizzes during presentations, as well as games in between segments, lighten the mood and encourage participation. 
7. Don’t forget to pulse check: Asking participants to fill out a survey either during the event or afterward lets them share feedback, helps you measure success, and provides guidance for future events. 

Ready to brainstorm?

As you start planning your virtual events, here are some formatting examples to get you thinking…

This webinar registration page from NASCO

This webinar series hub from Forter

And this Ceros presentation template