27 Aug Insider Experience: Virtual Event Lessons Learned
Precision just successfully wrapped up The Student & Youth Travel Association’s first virtual Annual Conference, which went live on Monday, August 17th. Our very own Cate Marr had the opportunity to step up and learn what it takes to produce her first virtual conference. Read her experience below:
“For the past several months, I have ‘studied’ the digital event world by participating in webinars, reading articles/blogs and researching how to plan a virtual meeting and event. It wasn’t until I started planning one myself where everything clicked. From platform selection to creating the program show flow, I realized that planning a virtual event isn’t very different from an in person event.
During my planning, I kept a running list of lessons learned. If I could highlight a few, it would be the following:
- You have to trust your AV production team. These are the people who you work with the most and they control the majority of the attendees ‘experience. Go on as many platform demos as possible until you find the right fit.
- Attendees need the opportunity to connect directly. Create these opportunities for engagement through video breakout sessions and chat boxes.
- Pre-recording is key…even if you want a live session, record it before you go live just in case there’s a technical error.
This is my first of many virtual events and I know that each one will bring more lessons and success. My team and I are here and ready to take on the challenge of creating moments in the digital world that compare to those in in-person events.”
Since our event last week, Precision is working on upcoming virtual galas, 5K races, golf tournaments and award ceremonies. We never dreamed of this scope of work, but we are here and making it happen! Share your biggest lesson learned from creating a virtual event.