Virtual Events and Why You Should (or Shouldnt) Run One Nick - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Virtual Events and Why You Should (or Shouldnt) Run One Nick Giallourakis Agenda Who Is Nick Giallourakis Why Are You Here and What Happened?! Making the Move (or not) to a Virtual Event Tips on Structure/Schedule and Promoting
Nick Giallourakis
Research Fund
A Global Pandemic, that’s what happened!
Is this the right move or not?
Michael Nelson, a longtime expert in the format and former CEO of the virtual event platform 6Connex and former Executive at ON24 had this to say on Virtual Events: “Brands kept approaching a virtual event as a physical event, rather than a digital one. The big mistake was people trying to do this one-to-
events.”*
*https://www.foliomag.com/time-for-virtual-events/
Multi-sponsored One-Day Events Editorially driven events with sponsorship levels to sell and drive revenue. These could also be a spin-off or tie into an existing in-person event or conference. Single-sponsored events Sponsor driven, with collaboration to develop content. 24/7 Virtual Hubs Open year round with webinars, resources, etc. for either multiple sponsors or
Fundraising Events Looking to raise money for a nonprofit or cause. Trying to replace a walk, run, gala, etc.
“This is such low-hanging fruit that I almost didn’t include it as a strategy. Asking your customers or potential readers seems like such a simple thing to do, but sadly it’s rarely done.”
Founder, Content Marketing Institute
format? (PLEASE ASK THIS!!!!)
engaging?
virtual event? Talk to YOUR Audience
Listen to Your Audience!
Review what times and days the audience prefers Only focus on topics the content wants Think about yourself – how would you want to interact? Is this during or after the Social Distancing? What is realistic? Be Focused!
Main Areas of a Virtual Event Structure
Main Lobby Webinar Schedule Exhibit Hall Other Areas
Forums Networking Lounge or Communication Center Resource Center
Webinar Schedule
Be Focused on Topics Tracks are Helpful but avoid having too many 30min to 45 mins of content w/Q&A Keep 15min breaks in- between sessions
Webinar Schedule
Move important and sponsored sessions to the front of the day People will trickle off as the day goes on Be mindful of people’s time Do not expect people to stay logged in all day 2-Day Events – Caution!
So…who wants to party?
Listen to your data Strategies vary by market Get the word out sooner then later to avoid list fatigue Focus most promotions closer to the launch date Work with speakers, partners and sponsors to help promote For Free events expect 30%-40% of registrants to attend live
We like their money and want to keep it ☺
Be Upfront and Honest Set the Expectations Go above and Beyond Reporting
Move a sponsored webinar to front of schedule Do not have overlapping webinars Have the Q&A session in their booth Promote gamification for participating in Q&A
Keeping a Sponsor Happy - Exhibit Hall
SIMILAR CONCEPTS AS AN IN-PERSON EVENT MAKE SURE TO LEAVE TIME IN-BETWEEN SESSIONS FOR PEOPLE TO VISIT GAMIFICATION HELPS JUST LIKE IN-PERSON EVENTS HIGH PAYING BOOTHS MORE VISIBLE ONLY 3-5 ITEMS PER BOOTH HAVE Q&A IN BOOTH
Too many options…HELP!
Reporting is what sets vendors apart There are several vendors All have the design capabilities – simply is best Do they offer day of support? Expect Issues! Is there a self-service option? Webinar set up – Live or Pre-recorded Gamification is encouraged for engagement
Attendee Engagement Score Tracking the “audience journey” Who downloaded what items? Sponsor Access to their own areas
Let's make some money!
pre & post event.
bag”
engagements
bag”
engagements
website
and engagements
and engagements
Platinum Package - $20,000 Gold Package - $14,900 Silver Package - $8,900 Bronze Package - $3,900
But before we jump to the Q&A…
To support The Steven G. AYA Cancer Research Fund please visit: https://give.classy.org/SGAYA2020
nick@elephantsandtea.com