Virtual event planning has risen to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey reveals that 55% of organisers plan to invest more in virtual events. 

Additionally, research predicts that the virtual event market will reach a staggering $504.76 billion by 2028. Hence, virtual events offer safety and the ability to accommodate larger audiences.

Virtual event management can be a challenge for your team. Audience engagement remains the biggest hurdle for organisers when it comes to virtual events. 

If you want to capitalise on this growing trend, you must distinguish your events to stand out from the crowd. 

Strategies to Engage Your Virtual Event Audiences

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To help you in enhancing your membership events and programs to elevate attendees’ experiences, we’ve compiled virtual event engagement strategies. 

Tips for Planning the Virtual Event 

Effective virtual event planning is the backbone of a successful online gathering. Here’s how to get started and make your event stand out:

1. Defining Objectives and Goals

Before diving into any event planning, define clear objectives and goals for your virtual event. Ask yourself: What do you want to achieve? 

Is it brand awareness, lead generation, or networking opportunities? Having a well-defined purpose will help shape your event’s structure and content.

2. Understanding Your Target Audience

Knowing your audience is crucial for customising your event to meet their needs and expectations. 

You can conduct market research and surveys to gain insights into their preferences, pain points, and interests. 

The more you understand your audience, the better you can engage them during the event.

3. Selecting the Right Virtual Event Platform

You can choose the right virtual event platform for your event. 

Look for features like live streaming, interactive chat, and easy registration processes. A user-friendly and reliable platform will ensure a seamless experience for your attendees.

Some popular platforms include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and more. The choice of the virtual event platform depends on your specific requirements for the event, the number of attendees, the desired features, and the budget.

4. Crafting Engaging Content

Content is king, even in virtual events. Curate content that is informative, relevant, and compelling. 

Use a mix of presentations, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and interactive elements to keep attendees engaged throughout the event.

For example, let’s say you are hosting a virtual marketing conference, and one of the sessions is about the latest trends in social media marketing. After the presentation, you can invite attendees to participate in a live Q&A session with the speaker.

During the Q&A, attendees can submit their questions through the virtual event platform’s interactive chat feature. The speaker will then address these questions in real time, providing valuable answers and additional information.

5. Promoting Your Virtual Event

Effective marketing is essential for driving attendance to your virtual event. 

Maximise social media, email marketing, and influencers to spread the word. Highlight the value proposition of your event to get potential attendees.

For example, use the power of social media platforms to create a buzz around your virtual event. Share engaging posts, teasers, and countdowns to build anticipation.

Further, you can also craft personalised and compelling email newsletter invitations to attract potential attendees to your virtual event.

Tips for Managing Virtual Events 

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Once the planning phase is complete, it’s time to execute your virtual event flawlessly. Here are essential strategies for managing your virtual event with finesse:

6. Rehearsing and Testing

Practice makes perfect! Conduct thorough rehearsals with all hosts and ensure they are comfortable with the virtual event platform. 

Test all technical aspects, including audio, video, and internet connections, to avoid any last-minute glitches.

7. Networking Opportunities

Networking is a key reason why attendees join virtual events. 

Embrace meaningful connections by offering virtual networking lounges, breakout rooms, and icebreaker activities. You can make attendees engage with each other.

For example, you can make an industry-specific breakout room:

During certain sessions, the event platform offered industry-specific breakout rooms where attendees could join discussions tailored to their niche. This allowed professionals from the same industry to network, share experiences, and address sector-specific topics.

8. Live Polls and Surveys

Incorporate live polls and surveys throughout your virtual event to gather real-time feedback from attendees. 

This engagement tactic not only keeps participants involved but also provides valuable insights for future improvements.

For example, during keynote sessions and panel discussions, live polls were conducted to gauge attendees’ opinions on specific topics or to gather instant feedback on the content being presented. Attendees could vote and see the poll results in real time, adding an interactive element to the sessions.

9. Virtual Event Gamification

Add an element of fun and competition to your virtual event through gamification. Reward attendees for participating in activities, visiting exhibitor booths, or completing challenges. 

Gamification enhances engagement and encourages active involvement.

For example, award attendees with virtual badges and achievements for completing specific tasks or reaching milestones during the event. Attendees can earn a “Networking Guru” badge for connecting with a certain number of other participants or an “Insightful Thinker” badge for actively participating in Q&A sessions.

10. On-Demand Content Access

Make your event content available on-demand for a limited period after the event concludes. This allows attendees to catch up on sessions they missed and extends the lifespan of your virtual event.

For example, a virtual conference provided attendees with a secure login to access all recorded presentations, allowing them to review key insights and refer back to valuable information at their convenience.

Wrapping Up

Virtual events have become a prominent and growing trend, offering safety and wider audience reach. To make your virtual event stand out, consider understanding your audience, selecting the right platform, crafting engaging content, and promoting effectively.Looking for a platform for managing your virtual events? Membership.ninja can help! Discover how our features can elevate your virtual event experience here.