The pandemic has changed the way we do events, but not all companies have adapted yet. Microsoft tried to do it, but it was only okay for their effort. Apple’s first virtual event, however, proved that you can still hold a successful event, even if it’s online.

Virtual EventThere’s a lot you can learn by watching it, and it makes you think that virtual events aren’t so bad, after all.

It proves that you can still push through with your planned events. You’ll have to change some things to cater to an online audience, though. But, you might also have to think of new events you can do online.

If you’re pressed for ideas, keep on reading to see how you can still connect with your audience in these times.

1. Host a Product Launch

A virtual product launch is a great way to reach a global audience with low overhead costs. It will also allow you to get measurable insights about the attendees.

You can do pretty much everything in the same way, except that your audience will be behind the camera. You’ll have to take that into account when preparing speeches and your presentation.

Remember that your audience can leave at any time. They’re in their homes with so many distractions, so you have to keep them invested in your product launch.

You can hold interactive quizzes, games, or such, to keep things interesting. You can also interact with the audience via the comment section.

Choose a nice location, too, somewhere that doesn’t look too boring. Ditch the white wall with maybe one painting and go outdoors, for instance.

2. Create a Virtual Fundraiser

Fundraisers don’t stop because of lockdowns and restrictions. Like almost everything else, you can now take it online.

You can do so by holding a virtual concert; for instance, singers and bands can meet via video conferencing apps and perform for the audience. You can have the audience buy tickets to gain entry to the show.

An online auction is a great way to raise funds, too. Some smaller events do well in auctioning via Facebook Live or such. If this won’t work for you, try an online auction platform instead. You can then announce the winners in a live video.

3. Invite Your Clients to a Virtual Open House

The real estate industry has long discovered the use of online tools to make it easier for clients to see the house without physically visiting the location. With virtual open houses, they can see the house, get a feel of the layout, and such in the comfort of their homes.

If you’re in this industry, you can hold a virtual open house event in two ways. One is by use of virtual reality.

With VR, potential buyers can tour the house as if they were there. It provides a unique view of each room, and people can dictate where they want to go.

However, you’ll have to use special tools to make this possible.

Another way you can do a virtual house tour is to bring a camera with you and walk through the house with it. You can have someone else film you, or you can operate the camera yourself.

You then tour the house while providing more details about the house. Do as you would with a client, but remember your client is the camera.

In this method, you only need a camera or a smartphone at the least. You can make the experience better, though, by getting a mic and a gimbal to provide stable shots.

If you’re live, you also need an internet connection. With a live virtual event, you can interact with the viewers and answer any questions. You can then take the live video, edit it, and reupload it to your social media networks for people who hadn’t participated in the event.

4. Hold Live Q&A Sessions

The best way to hold a Q&A session is to do it live. This way, your company can have a live interaction with the audience.

Most platforms where you can go live will have a comment section. You can have the speaker or a staff monitor it for the questions.

You can invite anyone to the Q&A. It can be you, a figurehead in the company, an expert in your industry, or even an influencer.

Make sure to announce the virtual event beforehand to have as many attendees as possible.

However, you can also collect questions beforehand and then answer them in a video. For example, you can get questions from your followers on Twitter, Facebook, or even Discord. You then pick the questions you want to answer and make a video for uploading.

5. Invite Speakers to Your Virtual Event

You can still hold conferences online by inviting several speakers to talk about a theme. Invite marketers, for example, environment activists, CEOs, influencers, and others related to your niche. The goal is to have the attendees learn more about your industry.

You can either hold it live or upload each one as a series on your social media channel. Even if you opt for the first one, you can repurpose the content into something you can upload later.

The only thing this will lack is socialization, though. People usually use this opportunity to socialize and network with their peers. They can even talk to the hosts after the event.

What you can do as a host is to provide a virtual space for such interactions. Create channels in Slack, for instance, where people can participate and talk about the topics presented in the seminar. You can make it a virtual networking event.

It can, at least, provide a semblance of a community during the times that people lack interaction.

Don’t Let the Pandemic Stop You From Hosting

With all the online tools at our disposal, you can’t let the pandemic stop you from hosting events. Whether you’re planning to host conferences, virtual run events, and such, you can make it successful.

A virtual event is still a great way to connect with your audience and reach your goals. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to contact us.