Designing and producing virtual events has become a necessity — often in short order. We’re fortunate that many of the services we have always provided to our clients are still the foundation for a successful virtual experience. Whether it’s sourcing the right technological solution, understanding how to maximize guest experience from afar, or bringing strategically creative ideas to suit your brand, moving these experiences to virtual certainly has its nuances, but is solidly within our wheelhouse. Sequence would like to be a resource to you.
Click here to set up a free 30 minute virtual event consultation with us today!
Here are five ways we are currently working with clients to support their virtual event needs:
1. Technology Sourcing.
Selecting a technology platform to support your event can be similar to sourcing the right venue. Like event spaces, there are an abundance of digital solutions available, but it is far from one-size-fits-all. The platform(s) will be the foundation for your event, and so it’s critical to ensure your objectives align with the software’s strengths. From attendee / speaker / sponsor engagement priorities, to metrics, to branding, to content, synching up with the right solution is a key step in setting your virtual event up for success.
2. Pricing Models.
Similar to live events, pricing tickets and sponsorships for virtual is an inexact science. The biggest misconception we’re currently seeing though is that virtual = cheap (or free). You may not be able to charge live event pricing for virtual experiences, but if you’re creating an event that’s delivering value attendees and sponsors should — and will — pay.
3. Production Value.
Just as you would invest time and resources in ensuring high production value for your live event, you should be doing the same for your virtual program. Speakers may be presenting from home but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be coached, trained on the software, and rehearsed with. Drop kits can be delivered to speakers’ homes to enhance audio-visual and wifi. Graphic design services can create scenic backdrops and cohesive collateral. For high caliber keynotes, pre-recorded video can reduce margin for error and doesn’t preclude those speakers from taking live Q&A. Given the fact that you may not have your audience’s undivided attention, content needs to be even more compelling. The production component is nuanced, but necessary.
4. Sponsor Integration.
There’s no getting around the fact that certain sponsorship deliverables are exclusive to live events. However that doesn’t mean that the return from a virtual event is insignificant to sponsors. Between increased media and branding opportunities, as well as access to greater analytics, sponsors may well walk away with better exposure than they anticipated — and the ROI to prove it.
5. Embracing Engagement.
Virtual attendee engagement may not be easy, but that’s also what makes it critical. From pre-event welcome gifts to curated marketing content, to creative “on-site” icebreakers, networking and content interaction, there are always ways to make your virtual event feel special and on-brand. As virtual events become more commonplace (which they will), expectations for a unique experience will also continue to rise. Embracing attendee engagement and thinking outside the box is the clearest way to get there.
Sequence is immersed and enthusiastic about all things virtual! We would love to be a resource to you. To schedule a free 30-minute consultation, please click here.