From virtual entertainment to sponsorships, learn how you can make a digital or hybrid conference just as exciting — or more exciting — than its fully in-person counterpart.
#1) Solidify Your Message With a Keynote
Keynotes are an essential element of conferences. They define the main theme of the event in a moving and inspiring way, often by tying together personal stories with important ideas that are true to the event goals.
Keynotes can be used to set the tone for the event and introduce the purpose, they can be strategically placed throughout the event, or at the end to wrap up certain aspects or ideas. No matter where you choose to place the keynote, this speaker often has a certain level of influence and can draw more attention and attendance.
Keynotes teach, inspire, and entertain attendees, while simultaneously solidifying your message and connecting with your audience. The most exciting part about keynotes in a virtual setting is the ability to obtain wider-reaching connections. Your message can be viewed globally, and shared on all platforms.
#2) Deliver an Experience With the Right Virtual Conference Platform and Event Technology
You might have all the perfect speakers, content, and experiences planned — but do you have the right platform and technology to deliver it? The most important part of a successful virtual event is having the right software.
Choose wisely, because not all platforms are created the same. It must be capable of easily handling your audience size, engagement tools, virtual entertainment, integrations, and more. And don’t forget about security and analytics.
Evaluate your current event tech stack, and research which platforms will support it. On the other hand, if you’re feeling ambitious, find your ideal virtual event platform and update your tech stack to match it.
Can your current software support this year’s biggest events? Check out our Event Technology Guide
#3) Start the Conversation With Breakout Sessions, Round Tables, and Panel Discussions
To combat the idea that virtual elements lack engagement, pack in all the opportunities you can. Include breakout sessions for networking opportunities and Q&As, round tables for specific topic discussion and exploration, and panel discussions to share various perspectives from industry experts and leaders.
In a hybrid setting, users can join in virtually from the physical event with a laptop, tablet, or smartphone if they’re interested, allowing the opportunity to network with all attendees. Add collaborative tools for interaction or brainstorming.
You also can create these breakout spaces for casual conversation and lunch breaks, where attendees can chat and network in a relaxed setting.
#4) Educate With Workshops and Demonstrations
Everybody values a learning opportunity, and workshops and demonstrations lend themselves perfectly to a virtual or hybrid world. Presenters can even bring attendees into their home, office, or workshop by filming demonstrations of their product or idea. They can share their screens for how-tos, and upload other content and graphics.
Use engagement tools such as live chats, polls, or Q&As so presenters can view and respond during the demonstration. Attendees can take quizzes or surveys after the workshops to test their knowledge or share thoughts and feedback.
#5) Build Credibility With Sponsorships
Worried about how to incorporate sponsors into the virtual side of your event? Fortunately, you have plenty of cool options:
- Place sponsors on your virtual platform with banners, graphics, or video ads
- Feature sponsor-provided speakers, keynotes, or workshops
- Encourage sponsors to send swag or gifts to attendees
- Collaborate with sponsors on virtual networking or after-parties with entertainment
- Work together on social media content and promotions
Discover what ideas your sponsors may have, and how they would like to see these ideas executed with your unique goals and specific platform in mind.
#6) Offer Every Opportunity to Network
In-person conferences are known to be huge networking opportunities. Sophisticated virtual event platforms were built with this understanding, so they allow for networking chances at every turn.
Allow your audience to connect on discussion boards based on common interests, and break into small groups or one-on-one chats. Attendees can find each other based on who is nearby, share personal QR codes, and exchange contact details.
Make games and activities natural icebreakers using gamification, encouraging friendly competitions that connect more people and result in points and prizes.
Incorporate an event app as well to offer attendees the opportunity to interact and keep up with event announcements on their smartphones.
Curious about the advantages of using an event app? Learn more about the Event App Features Your Audience is Hungry For
#7) Engage with (Virtual) Entertainment
The key to providing valuable entertainment is knowing your audience. Provide surveys and polls ahead of events to discover what types of entertainment they would like to see to break up or end the day. Understand what kind of content will make people forget they’re at a computer, and become immersed in something fun and engaging.
Consider these types of entertainment:
- Live performers
- Virtual travel opportunities
- Game shows based on live participation
- Photo streams sharing the unique surroundings of attendees at home
Have your team brainstorm the most creative ways to engage your audience in a way that fits your brand and image.
#8) Make it Valuable With VIP Experiences and Curated Digital Swag
Create opportunities for people to get more out of the event, if they choose, with VIP experiences. With a special VIP ticket, what can you offer to attendees that takes the event up a notch and still expresses your goals and values?
Consider exclusive networking sessions or one-on-ones with experts in the industry, special entertainment opportunities, early access to sessions or VIP-only sessions, vouchers for food or entertainment in the area, and, of course, plenty of gifts and swag.
The best part about swag for virtual events is that you can mail them swag packages filled with branded gifts. These boxes will make great shareable photos for social media.
Want to make your virtual conference a sure success? Read our Virtual Conferences Best Practices.
Choose the Right Platform for Your Virtual and Hybrid Conferences in 2021
Ready to plan the perfect hybrid conference? First, you need a robust hybrid event platform to support your ambitious goals.
SpotMe will help you create that immersive, multi-dimensional experience your attendees are craving.
Ready to put SpotMe to the test? We’d love for you to dig in and see the possibilities for yourself. Contact us today to request a demo and learn more.
