Unburden Your Presenters
Imagine two identical presentations. In one, the presenter focuses solely on sharing his/her message in the most compelling and impactful way. In the other, the presenter tries to moderate, answer inbound questions, monitor his/her video and sound, and advance the presentation, all while delivering his/her message. Thoughtful preparation allows speakers to focus on messaging and delivery by providing a support team to moderate, manage AV, and quarterback live interaction during the session. Preparation might also include coaching to help maintain energy and pace, focusing on smaller and more easily digestible amounts of content, and creating a fun learning experience. Pre-production rehearsals, advanced audio and lighting tests, and tutorials on what to expect throughout their presentation are just a few more ways to prepare presenters to maximize effective messaging. If you know of an engaging presenter who can deliver a compelling, multi-slide presentation while seamlessly answering live and virtual audience questions and working their own sound and video, stop reading this and hire them at once. If you haven’t met one of these unicorns, don’t worry. You can still make virtual meeting magic by reducing your presenter’s responsibilities and allowing him/her to do what they do best: communicate.
Customize to Connect
Customized experiences keep your attendees engaged, focused, and collaborating. Networking behind a computer screen is indeed possible and ensures attendees walk away more knowledgeable and connected than before. Touchpoints like customized advance mailers for early bird registrants can be used to entice and engage attendees in a targeted way throughout the event. Select breakouts and interactive workshops facilitate smaller, collaborative groups. Virtual lobbies and lounges provide quiet space for further focused interaction. Social media walls build digital bonds while simultaneously growing your engagement. Leverage customization to enhance attendees’ digital experience. During this time of relative isolation, you can still empower attendees to feel engaged, important, and connected, which is important because we all get by with a little help from our friends.
Go for the Gold
Sponsorship opportunities can be used to partially or fully offset the investment required for the above. They also help build a strong coalition of partners. Using live show tools like a walk-in loop, music, on-screen videos, a moderator, and an emcee are great ways to incorporate sponsorship into your virtual event. Commercials and live introductions serve as premium ways for sponsors to showcase themselves. Maximize ROI by creating sponsorship opportunities that will help support your event and create long-term value for all stakeholders. A thorough sponsorship prospectus, detailing what is available for both cash and in-kind donations, will increase your revenue and drive your sponsor participation rate.
