The pandemic forced us to take meetings virtual. Along the way, many discovered the great value to be had in the format. Around 65 percent of event planners intend to continue to use a hybrid format going forward, making at least some part of every event virtual.
A virtual event gives attendees flexibility when they can't travel, but it does open up some new challenges for event professionals. One of those revolves around how to incorporate live streaming into the mix when hosting virtual events.
Let's take a look at how live streaming fits into today's virtual event ideas.
Plan for Streaming Your Virtual Event
One of the best virtual event benefits is the ability to mix and match event elements to create a custom experience for everyone. This starts at the planning stage as you determine what content should be streamed and when.
Start by thinking about your goals for your streaming feed. Do you want to simply broadcast the event or create different journeys for your two audiences? You should also consider what you can do with streaming that would add value for your sponsors.
A dedicated team can deal with the live streaming and remote aspects to take that work off of your on-site team. They should coordinate with each other to ensure all the pieces fit together smoothly and work as expected.
Pick Your Virtual Event Platform
Once you have your plan in place, it's important to pick a platform that allows you to meet your objectives. It needs to allow your remote team to stay connected with your onsite team and to organize your content the way you see fit.
In most cases, this means having the ability to offer multiple sessions at the same time. Your virtual attendees can then choose the track they want to follow. Live streaming can create a unique experience with options like behind-the-scenes videos and live interviews.
Look for features that help you collect data about the virtual attendees, compatibility with any device or browser, and networking options. AI-based closed captioning makes your live stream accessible to all so people don't have to wait for recorded on-demand sessions to follow along.
Set High Production Standards
When you plan a virtual event, production values become increasingly important for the virtual portion. Bad connections and bad microphones contribute to frustration for attendees. They're also increasingly bored with standard talking head sessions.
More event planners would increase the use of technology if they had a budget increase for planning. This could help improve production by letting you use multiple camera angles and upgrade equipment to higher quality.
At a minimum, you should aim for smooth handling of technical issues, which are a given at least 30 percent of the time.
Need Help Producing Your Event?
Virtual events can deliver your message and event to a larger audience than normal. A live streaming piece helps connect the virtual attendees so they feel like they're really a part of what's going on. Excellent planning and production ensure the streaming piece meets the same standards as the rest of your event.
Looking for help with video and streaming production for your virtual event? Book a meeting to learn how our online workspace can help you create a great virtual experience for your speakers and audience.