Online Corporate Events in 2020
The sudden unexpected shutdown due to Covid-19 has halted in-person events for the near future. Event planners are quickly shifting the delivery mechanism from face-to-face to online, virtual media.
In-person events will not resume until late fall of this year at the earliest, and many potential attendees will have strong hesitations about attending and traveling into 2021. All events will have to assess their goals and be delivered in the most effective channels, in-person, virtually, or a combination of both.
Here are a few things to consider when making the leap to online events.
Benefits of Virtual Conferences and Events
Video use among consumers is rising — we are simply escalating the jump into more integrated media used in events. Cisco’s Visual Networking Index (VNI) Forecast predicts that by 2022, 82% of all internet traffic will be video. Here are some benefits of shifting temporarily to online events for businesses.
Hosting an online conference is significantly less expensive, with lower overhead costs (travel, hotel, lights/decor, etc.)
Event vendors would be streamlined to include a reputable AV company, an event management team, graphics, and communications specialists, and a tech lead. The teams you pick to manage these events will make or break your success and effectiveness.
You can capitalize on advertising through your online event and partner with companies and individuals that may have been unattainable for an in-person event. Reach out to see if your ideal guest speakers would partner with you for your event or if a sponsor is interested in the data you'll be mining through registration and surveys for your demographic.
Post-event video content can be made available for attendees who missed sessions or saved for future training and continuing education for attendees and staff alike.
Challenges with Online Events
While video conferencing and streamed keynotes can simulate some of the event experiences, there are still unique issues to plan for in each online corporate event.
Personal Connection. Nothing can replace the energy of being together in a learning or conference environment. However, you can work with your event management team to bring in some elements that make the attendee feel more connected with the others, including virtual networking, conference rooms, or one-on-one virtual meeting times during an expo.
Distractions. There are limited distractions when you’re on location, but being on a device brings immediate access to emails, tempting web pop-ups, and current workspace distractions. If you create an in-stream system to encourage sustained engagement, you’ll have a better chance to retain viewers. Viewers should be asked to touch the keyboard every 3-4 minutes! Also, events usually lasting 8 hours can be spread out over a few days and with shorter elements. This will help attendees stay engaged until the end.
Tech. While we live in a world ruled by digital connection, some of your employees may not be comfortable with technology. Either consider an immensely user-friendly platform and send instructions in advance or set up one-on-one training, so your employees are equipped to participate.
You have many potential options to connect people through media. You can effectively engage with your potential clients or your current staff, bringing some training, expos, or activities to your base.
Types of Online Events
Here is a list of potential online events your company may consider over the next few months.
Full conferences. Hosted from a live stage, the in-person speakers (minus the audience) are streamed live.
Webinars. Live and short (30 minutes to 1 hour) with attendee engagement (mobile app capabilities, web chat with a live host, surveys/polls, live engagement with Q&A, etc.).
Virtual expos. Delivered through a website experience or full app to engage potential buyers.
Pre-recorded training. The length of the recording will vary, depending on the content.
Daily meetings. Consider using WebEx, Zoom, or another service that fits your company.
While we may not have expected a pandemic to affect our businesses, we don’t have to let it create havoc in our communications and events. Let us know below what online events you have planned or any other ideas your company is considering!
