What are some of the ways to make more engaging and interactive virtual events? We all recall the time when online happenings were unusual. Over the past few years, we've embraced and improved virtual events out of necessity. There may be fewer virtual events on your schedule now that many people are eager to attend hybrid and in-person events again.
But this does not imply that virtual events are no longer possible. Our understanding of what is feasible online has transformed as a result of the invention of virtual events. Virtual events will probably become more prevalent in our culture as technology and media platforms continue to advance.
Ways to make more engaging and interactive virtual events
Given this, it seems sensible to reconsider how we conceptualize virtual events and how we may continue to interest prospective attendees. Here are five suggestions for boosting participation at your upcoming virtual event.
1. Combine games and giveaways
Quizzes and challenges are examples of gamification tactics that may enhance the interactivity and fun of an event. This tactic is certain to keep your attendees interested and involved when combined with a prize. Whatever strategy you use, make sure the reward is within your means and aligns with your brand's objectives.
Additionally, make sure your audience will find some value in the gift. Consider giving out products, company swag, gift cards, free courses, or one-on-one meetings. Giving away a membership is another great tactic if you have restricted items.
2. Use surveys
A wonderful approach to make your event participatory is through polls. You may utilize a poll to break the ice when your event begins and to learn more about the participants and where they are joining from. Ask questions about the guests' interests in the program or their demographics before the event begins.
You could see greater activity with a poll in the initial few minutes because clicking on a poll is easier than commenting in conversation. In virtual courses, polls may be used to track attendance and make sure students are still paying attention. Before the call closes, consider doing a brief exit poll to gauge how helpful, enjoyable, or interesting the event was.
3. Leave time for Q&A
Make sure they know that there will be opportunities for questions throughout the program because some people will only stay to ask them. A moderator can also answer questions in the background through chat while an open Q&A is ongoing during the virtual event. Or, to change up who is speaking and interacting, sprinkle Q&A throughout event breaks.
4. Engage with Chat
Live chat is the tried-and-true method for simulating in-person interaction during virtual events. If engagement is your goal, take into account platforms like Zoom and Meet that prominently showcase the chat window since live chat interfaces differ based on your platform.
By using the proximity chat function, you may now utilize chat in new ways. Instead of being pushed into a breakout room or on a teleconference with every participant, proximity conversations employ avatars running over a map to discuss subjects. Like in real life, the visual aspect of being able to see who is there and speaking to whom makes networking much easier for attendees.
5. Connect Post-Event
At the conclusion of your event, make sure you've given participants the chance to network. Participants can connect by adding each other to email lists or online social networks, or by exchanging information in the conversation.
Verify that your follow-up email includes options for participants to stay in contact, such as a newsletter, social media, or signing up for the next event, if you want to engage with them. With the help of a marketing tool like Promoter, you can automatically contact participants with useful information on you and your upcoming events.
Final thought
The most effective virtual event systems come with engagement tools to keep your audience interested before, during, and after the event. Encourage participants to speak out and express their opinions with in-event polls to prevent participation at your event from plummeting. The fact that your event is virtual will be easier to overcome if you can find methods to make it personal.
Including other components like video, music, and more. Possess Interesting Content. Purchase the Proper Equipment for the Virtual Events. Employ a Motivated Presenter. Encourage participation both before and after the event. By allowing questions before, during, and after the event, you can help your virtual audience learn more about the subjects and presenters.
Try Events Calendar: Calendars, Ticketing, and Tools
Virtual events have evolved from the boring conference calls they once were. You can encourage contact and genuine participation from participants' homes thanks to the advent of interesting new technical elements.
Making virtual events entertaining, educational, and pleasant is ultimately the key to raising engagement levels. The Events Calendar makes it simple to create and maintain an events calendar on your WordPress website. This plugin offers industry-leading capabilities supported by our top-tier team of engineers and designers, whether your events are physical or virtual.
You will get all the tools, integrations, and plugins required to operate a virtual event campaign, from sign-up to post-emails, with the Events Calendar's Virtual Events Bundle. Are you eager to witness how new your upcoming virtual event might appear? To determine if these technologies are a good fit for your planned virtual events in the new year, try them out in our demo.