The 3 Secrets To A Virtual Event They'll Actually Want To Show Up For

You may be thinking that virtual events have been canceled. I've heard people saying that this landscape is oversaturated, and people are not showing up. But here's the thing, It's not oversaturated! It's not any more saturated than in-person events were.

There will always be events, whether they're in-person, hybrid, or virtual. Your job is to sort out the best way to ensure that your team, your community, your client, and your audience (whoever that may be) actually shows up to your event.

Below, I share the 3 secrets to ensuring that your audience shows up for your event.

Secret #1: Tell ‘em What They Want (what they really really want)

People don't need to know everything you think they need to know about a particular topic or content you’ll be discussing in your virtual event. That's why I always ask organizers to cross things out or focus on the things that their audience wants to hear and what makes them excited to be there.

Whether that event is something they're required to attend or something they have chosen to be a part of, you need to speak in their language - from your marketing materials to the day of the event. Know what makes them tick or get excited. Whether the attendees are your employees, existing clients, or team members, don't simply give out information because you have to. Put out content that moves THEM forward.

Secret #2: K.I.S.S. It!

You need to K.I.S.S. what you're giving to them. What I mean by that is Keep It Short & Sweet! 

Look, your event doesn't have to be 12 hours long to be really valuable. Please don't do that to the people. 

Give the event to them in bite-sized pieces. Give the relevant information without the fluff. 

Secret #3: Meet Them In The Middle

Everything doesn't have to be on camera. I love Zoom as much as the next person. Nobody can tell me different because I know the absolute WONDERS of Zoom. 

That being said, everybody doesn't want to be on camera all the time.

So, what I'm suggesting for you is that maybe not every meeting needs to be on Zoom…or Teams…or Google Meet. 

Ask yourself, "Do we really need a meeting for that?" Perhaps instead of a meeting, you could turn it into a memo or an email. Mix it up in 2022! Be on camera for special things… like an actual event. 

Don't abuse your camera privileges.

Make sure that what you’re calling an event really IS an event. When you're asking people to be on camera, make sure there’s a reason for them to be on camera. And when you're calling on-camera meetings, there's a reason for that meeting to happen on camera.

Bonus Secret: Keep Them On Their Toes

Yes, you have a plan. Yes, event format is crucial and key. 

However, there can be surprises within the agenda and format so that your audience is not three steps ahead of you. You are three steps ahead of them! 

And no, it doesn’t have to be a dance break or a game. 

Get creative! What other ways can you bring the element of surprise and delight into your events?

So there you have it. Three secrets to a virtual event that will get people to show up. 

By 

• letting participants hear what they want,

• keeping things short and sweet, and 

• meeting them in the middle.

You can create an engaging and worthwhile experience for your audience that will keep them coming back for more! 

​If you’re looking for more help in organizing a great virtual event, feel free to reach out to us at beyondvirtualevents.com. We’d be happy to chat with you about your specific needs and help you create a unique virtual event that ROCKS!