With the rise of virtual events, it’s become more important than ever for organizers to engage both their online and in-person attendees. But how can you make sure everyone feels included and invested in the event? Here are some strategies for engaging attendees both online and in-person.
Use Interactive Tools
Interactive tools are a great way to engage both online and in-person attendees. These can include live polls, Q&A sessions, and gamification features. For example, you could use a live polling tool to get feedback from attendees or run a quiz that participants can answer using their smartphones. Not only do these tools encourage engagement, but they also make attendees feel like they’re part of the event.
Provide Opportunities for Networking
Networking is an important aspect of any event, and it’s even more important when attendees are virtual. Providing opportunities for attendees to network can help them feel more connected to the event and other participants. This can include virtual breakout rooms or chat rooms, where attendees can connect with others who share their interests or goals.
For in-person events, you can also provide opportunities for attendees to network. This can include having a designated networking area or organizing a social event after the main event has finished.
Encourage Social Media Engagement
Social media is a powerful tool for engaging attendees, both online and in-person. Encourage attendees to use event-specific hashtags when they post on social media and share their posts on the event’s official social media channels. This can help attendees feel like they’re part of a larger community, and also helps to promote the event to a wider audience.
Use Visual Aids
Visual aids are a great way to keep attendees engaged, especially when they’re participating virtually. This can include slideshows, videos, and infographics. Using visual aids can help to break up long presentations and can also make complex information easier to understand.
For in-person events, you can also use visual aids to engage attendees. This can include interactive displays, exhibits, or live demonstrations.
Offer Incentives
Offering incentives can be a great way to encourage attendees to engage with the event. This can include raffles, giveaways, or discounts on future events. For virtual events, you could offer exclusive content or access to a virtual VIP area for attendees who engage the most.
Provide Clear Instructions
One of the biggest barriers to engagement is confusion or uncertainty. Make sure to provide clear instructions to attendees about how they can engage with the event, whether they’re attending in-person or virtually. This can include information about how to use interactive tools, how to access networking opportunities, and how to engage on social media.
Tailor The Event to the Audience
Finally, one of the most important strategies for engaging attendees is to tailor the event to the audience. Consider the demographics of your attendees, their interests and goals, and the type of event you’re organizing. For example, if you’re organizing a tech conference, your attendees might be more interested in interactive demonstrations or hands-on workshops.
By tailoring the event to the audience, you can ensure that attendees feel like the event is relevant to them and their interests. This can help to increase engagement and make the event more successful overall.
Engaging Both Online and In-Person Attendees will Improve Virtual Events
By using interactive tools, providing opportunities for networking, encouraging social media engagement, using visual aids, offering incentives, providing clear instructions, and tailoring the event to the audience, organizers can create a more engaging and rewarding experience for all attendees.
