Successful Virtual Event Planning

Video streaming lets you host virtual events without worrying about where people are. These events can be standalone or part of a live event, and are great for reaching wider audiences.

Here's how to start your first virtual event:

1. Know Your Audience: Understand their interests and tech skills. Ask questions to learn what topics they like, how they use social media, and what offers they prefer. Use surveys or forums to gather this info.
2. Decide the Event Type: Virtual events can vary, like seminars or workshops. Aim for a unique experience. If possible, hire a design firm for an attractive look and user-friendly navigation.
3. Pick a Streaming Service: Choose from options like Periscope, Facebook Livestream, or YouTube Live. Try them out with a free trial to get comfortable with their features.
4. Select a Host: Choose a confident speaker, either a professional or a staff member. They should speak clearly, manage social media questions, introduce speakers, and handle unexpected situations. Consider having two hosts for a dynamic interaction.
5. Promote Your Event: Use social media for marketing. Beyond posts and tweets, show behind-the-scenes on Instagram or Snapchat, share speaker bios, and give livestream tutorials. Use a hashtag and promote through email newsletters.
6. Choose a Venue: Even though it's virtual, pick a suitable location. Avoid cramped spaces; a stage with good audio/visual equipment is ideal. The background should look professional.
7. Set a Time and Date: Pick a convenient time, considering your audience's location and other events like sports games or popular TV shows. You can ask your audience for suggestions. Remember, you can upload the event video later for those who can't attend live.

For virtual events, keep things simple and engaging. Practice beforehand, and ensure there's a theme connecting all parts of the event. Use live video and social media to create a sense of connection.