5 Essential Tips for Nonprofits Running Virtual Events in 2021
There are numerous ways that organizations and nonprofits can run successful virtual events in 2021. Events are now physical, completely virtual, hybrid, or on-demand. Physical being with a small audience and following all health and safety guidelines, completely virtual tailored to a full online audience, hybrid tailored to both an in-person and online audience, and on-demand content being pre-recorded and allowed for access at any time.
So how can we make events engaging for every audience member?
1. Have an Agenda
An agenda is important to any event, but especially to one that is welcoming a virtual audience. Virtual attendees can follow the agenda so they know what to expect and so they sign in to event activities at the appropriate time.
2. Answer Questions
Monitoring the chat window is a must. By actively answering questions in the chat window, the virtual viewer will feel involved. It may also be useful to run a Q and A session at some point during the event, allowing specific time for participants to ask questions.
3. Have Breakout Sessions
This is a great tool for facilitating discussion, while also allowing guests to network, much like they would if the event was in-person.
4. Allow Attendees to Make their Schedule
Allowing attendees to build their own schedule during the event with their own virtual dashboard gives them the choice to participate in what interests them. For example: allowing your audience to choose a branded breakout room, workshop, or presentation they would like to attend. They can then sign in to the appropriate session at the appropriate time.
5. What About a Gala or Luncheon Event?
For gala or luncheon-type events, contacting a keynote speaker to open up the event is engaging for both a virtual and live audience. Sending out a party box with drinks and snacks is a nice way to include the virtual attendee during an event. Having a live demonstration of how to create your own classic cocktail or snack where guests can follow along from home is engaging. A contest or raffle is also a great way to appeal to the audience.
In conclusion, it is essential for organizations and nonprofits to adapt events for the online audience. Running an engaging event will create a satisfying experience, and will have your community anticipating what your organization is going to do next.
Written by Olivia Cambalik, Event Planning and Marketing Intern