The growth of virtual and hybrid events presents unique opportunities for associations to connect with broader audiences. But you must consider how it changes event dynamics to ensure they’re as successful as possible.
One of the big elements event planners will need to manage is how they’ll keep attendees engaged. Fortunately, with the right strategies and tools like an event management software for associations, you can host virtual events that are highly engaging and impactful.
How Do I Make My Virtual Events More Engaging?
To increase audience engagement at virtual events, keep them interactive, use several types of activities, and encourage real-time participation. Using digital tools like an event management system (EMS) can help since it’ll allow you to manage everything in one place. IIt’ll allow you to easily stream the event while adding exciting activities into the virtual space.
Here are a few ideas using event technology:
Use Live Polls And Q&As
Even if a presentation topic is interesting, it can start to grow stale when attendees are sitting and listening quietly for an extended period of time. Adding options to interact with the speaker can help, such as using live polls and Q&As.
You can use tools like Cadmium's event management system (EMS), Eventscribe, to set up an event app that allows speakers to add live polls or have attendees ask questions in real time. Those elements give attendees a say and help build better attendee engagement with each speaker.
Incorporate Videos And Live Demos
Another way to add excitement and variation to presentations is to go beyond PowerPoint slides or simply listening to a speaker talk.
Adding multimedia aspects like videos and live demos can help. For example, a marketing association hosting a conference about using customer relationship management (CRM) software could cut to quick videos or live demos of the software to visually show attendees how they can implement the tips while using it.
Encourage Connections Through Breakout Sessions Or Discussion Groups
Networking is essential to many in-person conferences, but it can sometimes feel like it’s missing in virtual settings.
Using software that helps you assign attendees to small groups where they can talk amongst themselves and discuss ideas in a separate channel is a good solution. That way, everyone has an opportunity to talk while meeting and connecting with others in attendance. Breakout rooms are particularly useful for these purposes.
Gamify Sessions
Adding game-like elements often leads to fun and interactive engagement activities. For example, you could add a contest where small groups complete a project using skills they just learned, with a special reward for the highest-scoring group. Or, you could host a virtual scavenger hunt that allows attendees to work together while gathering clues.
Gamification is a great tactic to encourage attendees and boost motivation.
What Are Some Virtual Event Ideas?
Now that you know how event technology can make a difference, here are some extra virtual event ideas that can provide creative engagement opportunities:
Host Virtual Networking Lounges Or Speed Networking Sessions
A great way to encourage networking is to make it a primary part of your virtual event. You can assign quick breakout sessions for small groups or one-on-one interactions with questions to facilitate discussion. Speed networking can help since it keeps it fast-paced and interesting while preventing too many lulls in discussion.
Offer Live Workshops, Roundtables, Or Skill-Building Sessions
You can add many great guest engagement activities to workshops, roundtables, or skill-building sessions. It’s a great way to get conference attendees working on projects and talking amongst the group.
Whether you want to gamify it with a contest, add breakout sessions, or include live demos, you have many possibilities to keep workshops interesting while teaching new skills. These interactive sessions often generate great feedback.
Include Entertainment Segments
You can break up more serious discussions with some entertainment in the middle of the conference. Some unique ideas are adding a virtual concert or comedy set that gets attendees laughing and enjoying themselves, while adding something to remember after they leave.
Organize Wellness Activities
Wellness activities like virtual yoga or meditation give guests an opportunity to move or relax. Attending online conferences can feel nerve-wracking for some, so it can be a great opportunity for first-time attendees to show up and participate in something calming.
What Are Best Practices For Keeping A Virtual Audience Engaged?
Here are some best practices to remember while implementing these ideas:
- Generate interest before and during the event: Use compelling messaging to build excitement early.
- Keep the event varied and fast-paced: You don’t want the event or any activity to feel like it’s dragging on too long or getting repetitive, so make sure to vary opportunities for engagement and event flow to keep it fresh.
- Empower moderators or hosts to facilitate interaction: Your event hosts, moderators, or speakers should feel empowered to add engagement opportunities into the event, whether starting a quick impromptu poll or creating a breakout session for discussion.
- Personalize content and invitations: The conference should feel relevant and personalized to your guests from when they receive invitations to when they’re completing activities at the event. Researching your audience, their needs, and industry trends can help.
- Use real-time feedback tools: You can use tools in an EMS like Eventscribe to gather real-time feedback about how the event is going. For example, you could use session scanning to track virtual audience engagement or even send a quick survey during the middle of the event to get feedback on how things are going for your attendees.
Latest Event Trends
When you look at event trends, a common thing you’ll see is that more attendees are seeking immersive experiences. Planning and optimizing for virtual engagement is a great way to ensure success now and as we continue evolving in the future of events.
You can start by trying some of the ideas in this article. Try to pick options that align best with your event’s theme and purpose, and track engagement data to see what your audience responds best to. You can also review feedback to improve future events.
If you’re looking for the right tools to make your virtual events more engaging, our Eventscribe EMS can help.
How Cadmium’s Eventscribe Helps With Virtual Event Engagement
Eventscribe is an all-in-one EMS with tools to help you transform engagement at any type of event (virtual, hybrid, or in-person). You can use it to implement the ideas discussed in this article, such as:
- Live polls and Q&As on an event app
- Coordinating breakout sessions and small group activities
- Gamifying with scavenger hunts
- Incorporating live videos and demos
- And more
In addition, Eventscribe offers tools for all your event planning needs, from registration to speaker management to data tracking and analytics.
Click here to learn more about how Eventscribe can help you plan more engaging and effective events.
