How to Make Virtual Events Feel Special
Recently, a leadership conference I could have attended was canceled and turned into a virtual event. Stuff happened outside of the event leader’s control that made it so the event couldn’t happen live.
I was so impressed with how fast the conference pivoted and switched the entire event over to a virtual event.
They were able to increase the capacity for the event now that it was virtual, which drove up excitement for the event.
They stayed strong in their communication efforts with their guests, in fact, they probably increased their communications.
They created success from a situation that could have turned into a huge failure.
A quick perspective switch and thinking outside of the box made it possible.
It got me thinking… there will be times when a virtual event just makes sense. You’ll know when that’s the case. Your gut will tell you.
If that’s the case, what do you do to make it feel special and unique, and successful in the eyes of your guests?
Here are three big ideas for you:
1. Send your guests something tangible. Yes, this costs money and time, but I promise you, it’ll be worth it. Could you send SWAG or a printed and bound workbook, or a journal and a pen? The ideas are endless.
2. Keep engagement up by engaging in the chat, creating a pop-up Facebook group, keeping your energy high, and giving away prizes for great questions.
3. Get guests verbalizing the outcomes you want them to have: ask them if they’re having fun, ask them if they are meeting great people in the Facebook group, and ask them if they’re learning X, Y, Z.
Make it an outstanding day.
