Virtual events have become a part of daily life and here at Ziggy and Violet we understand the importance of making sure these virtual events are engaging, exciting, memorable and fun! To make sure events run smoothly we work with the best suppliers and latest tech and platforms. Check out our top tips and contact us for more information and to plan your event together!
10 ideas for hosting an engaging event online
1. Make it relevant
To earn people’s attention, make sure the content you’re delivering is useful for your customers. What do attendees want from a virtual event? What will they spend money on? And what will make them want to turn on their video chat after a long day of remote work? When you start planning your online event, make sure it’s worthwhile for your audience.
2. Pick the perfect platform
The platform you use to stream your event will rely entirely on what you’re providing. If you’re hosting a webinar and want to moderate attendee participation, Zoom might be a good option. Looking to livestream a film? Vimeo offers password protected streams, so you can ensure only ticket holders can attend. We also have a unique platform for conferences and award shows which can host over 500 people! Plus, why not incorporate XR for an even more unique experience.
3. Use precise marketing tactics
Marketing an online event is different than an in-person event. Data shows that boosting marketing one week before an event sells 47% more paid tickets than starting marketing a month early. Plus, using social media, it’s easier than ever to promote virtual happenings.
4. Keep your attendees safe
During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual events are always a safer option than in-person events. But virtual safety is important, too. Utilising your platform’s highest security options will ensure your guests’ personal information is not at risk.
Make your event password-protected, set participation guidelines for your attendees, and be sure to have personnel on hand to moderate chats and attendee interaction during the event.
5. Invite special guests
With so many people working in front of their screens all day, your event needs something that will drive sales and get attendees excited to show up. Consider inviting an expert in an aligning field, joining up with an influencer your attendees would love, or even hosting a celebrity for a performance or Q&A. Booking big-name talent for online events is easier than ever, no matter where you’re located.
6. Price it right
Online events often have fewer overhead costs than traditional events, but that doesn’t mean you should undervalue the experience you’re providing.
7. Be inclusive
Making your event diverse and inclusive doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re hiring speakers, find experts of different genders, races, and backgrounds. Add subtitles to a film, or employ an ASL translator for a live stream concert.
No matter what you do to increase the inclusivity of your event, add all of this information to your event listing so your guests feel welcome from the start.
8. Integrate your in-person experiences
If your organisation has started operating in person and your municipality deems it safe and legal, you might consider hosting small in-person events, bookended by virtual events in the same theme. Alternatively, hybrid online/offline events are a great way to engage your local customers while interacting with new audiences. Think about live streaming a live fashion show or film screening, or creating a virtual follow-up to an in-person workshop.
9. Incorporate add-on items and fun merchandise
In-person add-ons, like participatory packages shipped to attendees doors, are proven to help your bottom line and drive ticket sales. Consider adding a box of perfectly paired snacks to your wine tasting tickets, or send out some fun household decorations in themed colours to virtual partygoers. Integrating an in-person experience helps participants feel like they’re part of the action while adding value to your event.
10. Ask for feedback
Getting feedback from attendees is like getting free business advice from the people who matter most: Your customers. Take advantage of your guests’ fresh points-of-view and send out a survey shortly after your event ends. Your attendees’ authentic feedback will help you make your next event even better.
Contact us & let’s create the most exciting virtual events together!
