We are all part of the virtual world now, whether we like it or not. As I like to say, it was cute for bit, but now it's just straight up ugly. But it is our reality and may be for quite some time. As a company who produces and hosts events for clients, we've had to do one thing very very quickly and do it well: PIVOT.
Hosting these virtual conferences, summits, webinars and other events is not as easy and straightforward as you'd think, and that's why many people are reaching out and asking us to help. Back in the beginning of all this, we were looking at more than a handful of events through the end of 2020 that needed to continue somehow, and as a team we dug in deep to the world of virtual.
Some of us looked at a variety of different platforms, we took hour long demos and jumped in on other virtual events just to see what the experience was like. We upgraded our existing subscriptions and are huge fans of the practice event. At one point or another, we've all had multiple computers open to see different perspectives, our friends and family have been added as panelists or attendees, and we've worked through every imaginable scenario to make sure we get it right. So far, it's paid off.
As an attendee and a panelist the experience should be seamless, but from the back end, there is a lot of work that goes into it, and maybe some tiny moments of stress... Before any event, we produce a run of show. This is really really important. As the host and co- host, it's the playbook, the only way to move through the event with skill and it is multi person task in order to do it right.
Additionally, when we are thinking of these events, the sponsors and partners are just as important. The way we think about our sponsor packages is different at every event. What will they want? What can we offer? How do we get them the most exposure? Sponsors expect a level of professionalism and perfection, and they should, they're paying for it.
All of the things; the run of show, the practices, the promotion, the outreach and communication between the panelists so everyone understand their role.. it's not rocket science, but it is a lot of work .
