6 Common Virtual Event Mistakes to Avoid

With most of the major live events of 2020 are getting canceled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual events are set to become the new normal. So, the event planners are now adapting quickly to the new job roles to host virtual events. Also, it’s important for them to understand the strategies and implement new ideas to make their virtual events engaging and successful. 

However, creating an engaging online conference or live streaming event is not going to be a herculean task. It’s easy if you learn how to avoid the common mistakes that most of the event management companies did in the past. Here’s some of them;

1. Avoid too much content

Unlike in-person events, the chances of distraction are going to be high when you host a virtual event. For instance, your remote attendees might get an email or text message while during your webinar. Also, some might switch to Facebook if your content is not engaging. 

When it comes to virtual events, content plays a pivotal role. However, you can’t overload your PowerPoint presentation with too much content. You have to deliver informative yet engaging content for your audience. Also, ensure that your digital content has a healthy balance of text, images, videos, and other attendee engagement activities. 

2. Wrong speakers

When you’re hosting a webinar or any online meeting, you have to make your online audience stay until your event ends. Thus, it’s important for you to choose the right speaker who can keep your audience engaged. Besides, you must pick a speaker profile with the experience of presenting a virtual event in the past. For instance, a good speaker who can deliver content at live events might not feel comfortable in front of the webcam. Also, don’t forget to check on their subject expertise. 

3. Neglecting Rehearsals

Be it a live stream or webinar, you must do the actual rehearsal before the event day to avoid any technical issues during the event. But, you have to rehearse your presentation from the room where you’ve planned to host the event. Also, ensure that you test-run it from the computer that you’re going to present. If you’re using a camera to record your presentation, check if you are able to connect it with your computer. 

By doing these things, you can identify and fix the real issues like low internet speed, noise disturbances, etc. 

4. Wrong sponsors

If you want to monetize your virtual events, sponsorship is certainly one of the best ways to generate revenue. On the other hand, there are plenty of opportunities for sponsors to showcase their brand on online events like webinars and live stream events. 

However, the event sponsors have to be meticulous about choosing the right sponsor for your virtual event. As engaging your attendees is vital to make your virtual event successful, it’s important that you limit the distractions. Thus, you have to choose sponsors relevant to the industry or topic of your event. 

5. Not choosing the right virtual meeting platform

It’s the most common mistake that most event planners make. It’s important that you compare different virtual platform providers and pick the one which fits your event needs. As virtual events are new to many event organizers like you, it’s good to prefer an all-in-one event management software that integrates with the video service providers. It will help you to manage registrations, promotions, and payments in one place. 

6. Forgetting to do a follow-up

According to sources, many event organizers who host virtual events forget to say “Thank you” after the event is over. This is certainly a big mistake that one must avoid. At the very least, you should send a thank you email to express your gratitude. Eventually, this will help you to get a repeated audience for your event again and again. 

Also, you can ask your attendees to participate in the post-event survey to make your virtual events better in the future.