The way we’re hosting events is changing.
For every event that is cancelled, there is a long list of suppliers that is affected. The revenue events generate from attendees, reaches beyond the event. Those attending spend in nearby shops, restaurants, hotels and on transport, before during and after the event.
When restricted on how we can socialise, we’re forced to do things differently. Now more than ever, the internet will be our refuge. We will work remotely. We will host remotely.
How to host remotely?
Video conferencing or hosting webinars will be the new norm for any event we used to meet in person for. If you don’t have the equipment to make great videos, use screencasts or photos. The sound has to be clear though.
YouTube is a popular platform to post such content. Depending on the number of views per day, you may wait a while before you start earning from your YouTube channel. The same goes for Instagram and Facebook Live. Use a different platform, like ClickMeeting, so you can charge a fee and people can attend from anywhere in the world.
Now that the cost of production will be less, the tickets can be cheaper. Also, you can have a different fee for live webinars vs access to the recordings.
How to engage attendees
Even though the speaker won’t see the attendees, the show must go on. The event can still have multiple speakers, a comedian, musicians whatever really. They will be in separate locations. They will need stable internet connection.
Make sure the platform you use can grow with you to support a large audience and has chat features. ClickMeeting works very well for this. The chat function is so the speaker can answer questions at the end of the presentation.
For the ambience, set a dress code or a theme. For example, a virtual dinner party where all the attendees sat at a dinner table to have their meal, a glass of their favourite drink and engaging conversation.
What’s an event without food?
Restaurants that can stay open can host cooking lessons. Deliver a set of ingredients and host a virtual cooking class. Then we eat.
If you can’t partner with a restaurant , the ticket fee for the webinar could include a voucher/promo code for food delivery. Attendees can still eat together.
The same can be done for goodie bags.
