Virtual Event Planning for Businesses: Hosting events is essential for businesses that want to grow. Through events, you can achieve and raise brand awareness. In addition to that, you can convert customers much more easily. In fact, 68% of B2Bs swear by the conversion benefits of event hosting.
You can approach hosting events in a variety of ways. You can utilize social media live features or you can use platforms that will allow you to communicate your brand’s message effectively. Another option for successful business events is field marketing. However, with the pandemic, online events emerged and it looks as if they are here to stay.
Businesses that host virtual events always try to stay one step ahead of the competition and look for creative ways to improve their reach. If you are looking to join in on the trend of virtual events, consider implementing the tips we share with you below for your event planning phase.
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What Are Virtual Events?
Virtual events are events that are hosted online. An online event can be used by a business to answer questions or to promote a new product. Furthermore, the benefits of virtual events are numerous. Business owners don’t have to rent a venue and they can engage with their audience in real-time from the comfort of their homes.
Select the Right Platform
The platform is what will allow your event to flow seamlessly. As soon as businesses look to host an event, they instantly head for uncreative video conferencing tools. These tools don’t allow for the participants to engage properly as soon as the number of participants increases.
On the other hand, the best virtual event platforms offer separate keynote spaces, workshops, and even private meeting booths. If you want to host a meeting on a large scale, look for a virtual event platform that is easy to use and also affordable. To check whether a platform is worth your while, check the online reviews.
If you are planning a large-scale event, consider using virtual event platforms rather than video conferencing tools. The added features of virtual event platforms will allow you to communicate your message and engage with your customers.
Plan the Format
Just like regular conferences, you will also have to plan the format of your virtual event. Your event can be about discussing a certain topic or it can look more like a workshop. That being said, this is where your creativity gets to shine.
Most of the businesses that host events don’t pay attention to what works for the participants. Even though webinars are extremely popular, businesses tend to not utilize them correctly.
For example, if a webinar event is pre-recorded you leave no space for interaction between you as a business and your potential customers. On the other hand, if you get creative and opt for a one-time experience, live webinars will offer insight into your operation and provide significant value to your customers.
Plan the Time
With virtual events, it’s hard to schedule a time that is suitable for all of your customers. However, with virtual events, at least you won’t have to worry about booking a venue and you can always record your event so that no one misses it.
When planning to schedule a live event, think of whether the morning hours or evening hours fit your business better. You can also take to social media and let the viewers decide on the time.
Market Your Event
Attendance is what decides whether the event was a success or a failure. To make sure that you set your event up for success, inform all your fans on social media. You can share the platform and tease the topics that will be covered so that your fans come prepared.
If you are feeling extra creative, think of a hashtag that will mark the whole event journey. In addition to that, if you have the means to create merchandise that will add value to your event, don’t think twice to do so. The profit from the sold merchandise can be used to grow your business or to contribute to a worthy cause.
To Sum Up
Virtual events offer great value to your customers while also enabling you to spread the word about your brand. Picking the right platform is crucial to conveying the essence of your message. In addition to that, don’t forget to plan the format of your virtual event and also be sure to take it to social media to market it.