Online events allow people to interact exclusively in the online environment. These events are by their nature inclusive and allow many people to participate at relatively little cost. The format of online events offers a range of benefits that can be particularly advantageous in certain situations. It offers greater accessibility and reach, allowing people from anywhere in the world to attend without the need for travel, and thus reducing event costs and carbon footprint.
There are many things to consider before choosing to host an online event.
Check out some of the steps & checklists for event organizers.
Target group:
- Is the target group comfortable joining online events?
- How many trainees/trainers will participate?
Goal of event:
- What is the goal of your event?
Example of event goals compatible with online event formats:
- Boosting sales.
- Equal & inclusive opportunity to join event.
- Creating connections between Practice Enterprises.
- Training digital skills.
- Increasing community engagement
- Spreading awareness of the Practice Enterprise concept
- What is the maximum number of attendees?
- Is the platform easy to access?
- Does it offer the functionality needed? This could be breakout rooms, chat function, polls etc.
- Is the target group familiar with the platform?
Not all events are ideal for taking place online. The event type should depend on the goal of the event. Online events might train both digital and non-digital skills, depending on the type of event.
- Intensive Trading Event – to boost international trade and practice language and business flows.
- Sales Pitch Competition – practice presentation skills, can be adapted to target group, done live or as a recorded video to lower anxiety.
- Online Sales Meetings – setting up sales meetings between Practice Enterprises to practice skills in planning, communication and negotiation.
- Online Trade fair – practices presentation, negotiation and networking skills.
- Social Media Competition – practices various digital skills and affinity with social media platforms.
- Webinars / Training Seminars – refresh knowledge or teach something new.
- Good internet connection.
- Video equipment phone, camera, computer.
- If two-way communication – conference speaker or headset/earbuds for sound.
- Extra computer may be necessary.
- Background logo, physical or blurred.
When arranging any form of event, it is important to consider how you can involve others both in your own organization and outside. Various tasks which stakeholders and other staff from your organization might be able to help with:
- Advertising and communication.
- Judging competitions.
- Providing feedback to attendees.
- Key-note speaker.
- Event sponsors.
- Support and moderation during the event.
- Low cost to set up and participate.
- Accessibility, it is possible to join regardless of finances, disabilities, geographical location or other reasons.
- Flexibility
- Technical difficulties.
- Lack of personal interaction.
- Distractions such as phone, doorbell, getting coffee etc.
- Limited engagement – by keeping the event focused, breaking up sections and using interactive tools you can increase engagement.
- Technical problems – always test your technology before the event. If possible, have a fully charged backup device.
- If organizing a bigger event with multiple presenters, do a tech test with each of them to test connectivity and ensure their equipment works.
- Attendees unable to connect, you cannot help with their equipment, but you can set up support via chat or phone for people unable to connect.
- Plan, like for any other event formats, it is important to know what is next.
- Test technology, so it does not cause a bad event experience.
- Ensure shifts during the event. Make use of polls, QA and other interactive features to encourage engagement.
- Keep it focused.