Your Second-Chance Virtual Conference: Don’t Blow It!
By Christina McKenna
“After last year’s train smash, I honestly didn’t think we’d ever put our audience through this again.”
Our exasperated client had just heard the news that her company would be holding its annual conference virtually, rather than in-person, for the second straight year.
It’s a common scenario. More companies than not are returning to virtual conferences, as the global pandemic drags on and they tally the savings from shifting their annual customer gatherings, leadership meetings, and product showcases to digital platforms.
But this year they’re facing one big difference. Audiences will no longer settle for slop.
Virtual attendees who were inclined to cut organizations some slack last year, have grown weary of technical mishaps, mind-numbing content, and mediocre presenters. Anticipating that organizations learned a thing or two over the last year, they’re now expecting world-class virtual events.
If your organization is planning on hosting a virtual program, here are four tips to help ensure you don’t let your audience down.
Choose your presenters carefully. Just as you scrutinize your session topics, be sure to scrutinize those who will carry the message. Sure, you want presenters who know their stuff. But be sure they’re also willing to put in the work to prepare compelling content and practicing a smooth delivery. Your presenters are your brand.
Require all presenters to turn on their cameras and show their faces. Virtual programs deprive us of so many of the physical connections on which business was built, like handshakes and casual conversations. So be sure your presenters leverage two of the few remaining opportunities to physically connect with their audience: eye contact and smiling. This starts with turning on the camera.
Skip the digital backgrounds. Digital backgrounds are distracting, inauthentic, and undermine the credibility of your presenters. Rather than opting for a generic digital background or even splurging on a custom one, have presenters invest 30 minutes in establishing a professional looking, well-lit background or solicit professional help to be sure all presenters look and sound their best.
If the event isn’t live, ditch the laptop. Pre-taped sessions can be recorded on any device. So there is no need to be tethered to the laptop, the desk, or even the office. Consider using a phone or a video camera to record remarks in a more interesting setting, like a product showroom, on a stage, or on a set. If it’s important, consider hiring professionals who can mic, light, and capture video that will inspire the audience and help showcase your ideas.
Remember, when it comes to conferences and company meetings, your audience is processing more than just the information on the slides. They’re evaluating every aspect of the program–especially your speakers. So, this year, think carefully about who you’re putting in the starting lineup and then set a high bar–just as your audience will.
Need more help? We’re doing virtual consultations for organizations of all sizes and speakers at all levels to help them shine, even when the audience is nowhere in sight. Let us know if we can be of help to your organization by emailing us at info@bluestoneexec.com or calling 248.514.7085. Find out more about Bluestone Executive Communications at bluestoneexec.com.