As most event marketers know, simulating the engagement of in-person events is challenging. The synergy created by everyone in the same room, networking opportunities, and face-to-face meetings are difficult to replicate with a virtual event. It can also be challenging to create the emotional connection and buy-in among attendees that can happen in-person, and sitting in front of a computer just isn’t the same, no matter how good your online meeting tools are. This lack of connection can be just one reason why many people don’t attend virtual events.
So it’s understandable if you’re worried that invitees will not attend your virtual event – even if they’ve registered. But it is possible to create a virtual event that can achieve the same goals as a physical one and there are things you can do to make your event a must-attend. Keep reading for our tips on making your virtual event effective and engaging.
1. Connect to your audience before the event
In the days or weeks leading up to your event, you should make an effort to connect with your audience. You can do this in various ways, such as sharing related content or running activities, like giveaways or surveys. These activities will get your audience excited for the event, create brand engagement opportunities, and build an emotional connection that can motivate them to attend the event you worked so hard to prepare.
2. Build connections among your audience
You can set up group activities to facilitate socialization and familiarity among your attendees, stoke excitement, and create connections. These activities can be in the form of icebreakers where attendees get to know each other better or group breakout sessions to facilitate more intimate and germane conversations. With these types of activities, you can make people much more comfortable with one another, while energizing and motivating your audience to attend and stay throughout the entire event.
3. Find an engaging moderator
A moderator can make or break your event. A good host will ensure that the audience remains engaged at all times and keeps things interesting and exciting. On the other hand, a bad host could potentially bore people, causing them to leave or tune out. So it’s important to take the time to find an excellent moderator who can energize and entertain your attendees throughout the event.
4. Deliver valuable content
No matter how slick an event looks or how engaging the moderator is, you still have to provide valuable content to your audience. Do your homework beforehand to understand what challenges your audience faces and how your business can help address them. This will also demonstrate the value-add of your business and create a positive connection in attendees’ minds. Remember, the event is not about what you want, but what the audience wants. Be sure to deliver useful information, insights, or resources to ensure your attendees will stick around for the event and come back for more.
Conclusion
Employing the tips above may sound like extra work, but you’ve already worked hard to create a great event so it’s worth going the extra mile to ensure you have a full house. Creating an engaging, interesting, and valuable event will help you achieve your event marketing goals, build an engaged audience, and keep attendees coming to future events.
InGo specializes in event growth software and can help skyrocket your event attendance through audience engagement and advocate marketing. Check out how we can help you grow your online events.
