Conferences and summits are some terms that are extensively popular in the corporate world. Earlier hosted physically, these conferences and summits are now being hosted virtually and gaining extreme popularity in the same. It is because of the fact that a few years back going virtually was the only choice that the organizers had since physical interactions were limited to zero. However, things have gone back to being normal, but since virtual has become the new normal. It is due to the unlimited advantages and benefits that online conferences come with that the organizers have now chosen to stick to this format only.
Talking of virtual conferences, many organizations and professionals have already cracked the code of hosting perfect and seamless online conferences. However, there are still many who are trying to find ways to host online conferences seamlessly. Well, this blog is for all those organizers. In this blog, we will take you through the best of the strategies and tips that one should take care of while hosting conferences on online conference platforms. So, without wasting further time, let’s jump straight into the blog and see what it has in store for everyone.
- Change of Mindset
The first and most important thing that needs to be addressed right here is that a change in the slightest of mindsets can have a vast impact on the overall success of the conference. Hence, the first thing you need to do if you are planning to host an online conference is change your mindset. You need to know that hosting a virtual conference is not only about bringing several people together on a single internet conferencing software and calling it a conference. Just as a physical conference is different from a seminar, similarly a virtual conference is also different from what you call a webinar. Therefore, to host a virtual conference, you need to have a strategy that is different from what you will do to host a webinar. The tools that you require for a webinar are different from a conference. Learning this difference and keeping it in mind while planning the conference will help you deliver a smooth and seamless experience.
- Curate Easily Shareable Content
The next thing you should keep in mind is those who have invested in your conference are going to be your biggest supporters and promoters. Hence, you should always create content that will enable your audience to promote your event in one way or another. Therefore, while you are promoting your conference, make sure to use such language and images that will enable the audience and those people to share them with their audience seamlessly. Though it is not advisable to always rely on audiences and those stakeholders to promote your conferences. It will merely be an add-on that will help you get additional perks and benefits.
- Make Conference Interactive
Moving onto the next tip that one should consider while planning and hosting your conference is focusing on making the conference interactive. When we talk about virtual conferences, there have been many cases where people have found online conferences and events to be less interactive and immersive. However, there are several internet conferencing software and services that offer users networking opportunities and tools that let the organizers boost interactivity among the attendees. Hence, if you are planning to host a conference, ensure that you choose one of these platforms. It will enable you to infuse a sense of interactivity among the attendees. Also, it will bridge the gap between the real and the physical world.
- Stream the Conference Live
While we know how advantageous it can get to use online conference platforms to host the conference. There are several platforms that come with tools and features that have simply made our lives a lot better and better. With Internet conferencing software, the organizers can record the conference in advance and stream it later as per the schedule. This feature alone can make things seamless for the organizers. However, as an organizer, if you’re planning to use this feature, ensure that you do it within a limit. There are several advantages of hosting a conference via an internet conferencing software, but overusing those features might also cause harm to your brand image also. As an organizer, you should also know how advantageous it is to stream your event live. Live streaming of an event boosts audience engagement of the event as well as the brand. So, if you are planning to pre-record the conference, ensure you host the keynote sessions or the discussions live. It will have a positive impact on the overall success of your conference.
- Provide Attendees with Support
The next and probably the most important and impactful tip you should consider while planning your virtual conference is providing the attendees with customer support. Showing support to your attendees will depict your professionalism and how eager you are to support them. This one particular factor can also help you set your conference apart from your competitors. Though attending a conference on an online conference platform isn’t challenging, there will still be some people who will be attending a virtual conference for the first time with yours. Hence, there will be times when they will need some technical support and assistance; not being there in times of need might create a negative impression on the minds of your attendees. To refrain from situations like these, you should always offer some sort of support to all your attendees right from the start.
Final Word
Planning and hosting an online conference isn’t rocket science, all it demands is a well-planned strategy and an efficient online conference platform. By having both factors on your side, you can deliver the conferences of your dreams. Also, when it comes to choosing an internet conferencing software for your conference, you should always go with the one that enables you to execute your ideas seamlessly and efficiently. There are several platforms available in the market one can choose from. However, the first thing you need to consider while making a choice is being clear about what you need for your conference.
