The need for social distancing is increasing, but our human need for relationships remains. As humans, we thrive off interaction, engagement and community.
Events, conferences and festivals all over the world are canceled because of the COVID-19 outbreak, but the show must go on! Now is the time to take things virtual.
There are plenty of ways to adapt. Industries must adjust programming temporarily until a return to normal. Here’s a rundown of some of our favorite examples of online events:
– Broadway, closed for further notice, is streaming productions straight to your TV. Now you can enjoy the best seat in the house!
– On March 16th, Coldplay’s Chris Martin performed music for anyone wanting to tune in via his Instagram live stream.
– Always wanted to learn something new? 450 Ivy League courses are now available for free.
It’s clear – moving your event online is essential right now. Doing so can help reclaim lost funds, keep customer engagement and even expand your reach beyond the original registrants.
Here are some tips to develop your online content:
WORK WITH A/V AND WEB-STREAMING PROFESSIONALS.
Red Fan Communications works hand-in-hand with video professionals like Castleview to produce video content. It’s essential to have a team behind you to manage the online broadcast and audio feeds.
MAKE YOUR ONLINE EVENT INTERACTIVE.
Moving your event online doesn’t have to take away from regular networking. Foster these connections remotely.
Plan to have an open chat available during the event to allow attendees to ask questions with speakers. Weave in technology throughout that can help add connections like polls, voting, and commentary to encourage participation.
In 2018, Wistia, a video marketing platform, hosted their first ever virtual event, well-named, CouchCon. Ensuring networking opportunities for participants, they created dedicated Slack channels where attendees could join, meet their peers and share resources.
RECORD THE EVENT AND CONTINUE TO PROMOTE THE CONTENT.
Record your online event and create long-lasting content. Segmenting clips and taking top quotes from the event can be a promotion for your next online event.
For example, Gainsight, a customer success software company, hosts an annual event, PulseCheck, and offers the recorded version for free to new email subscribers and online visitors. Providing free content is a great way to nurture your leads.
SEND GIFTS AND SWAG AS DIRECT MAIL.
Already have heaps of event-related material? Consider sending it to attendees to thank them for attending and supporting your business in these challenging times. Mail services are continuing despite the coronavirus.
If not, consider sending a self-care gift to attendees. Corporate gift seller, Gifts for the Good Life, put together several kits tailored for tele-conferencing, including items like blue light blocking glasses, screen cleaner and a custom brew, “brain food”.
Sales and marketing should not completely stop. Someone still needs you and your product. How are you maintaining your connection to stakeholders? We want to hear and share your ideas!
Start a conversation with us
