We’re smack dab in the middle of virtual event season! Our industry has plenty of educational opportunities coming up that you can take advantage of from the comfort of your couch.

The pandemic has forced changes in just about all events, as we discussed in our upcoming industry events blog. So, this is the perfect time to explore how to get the most out of the virtually formatted events.

Tips to Maximize a Virtual Event

Virtual events can be seen as a challenge because they flip the normal pattern for an event. While there are certainly challenges surrounding a virtual event, it also has its perks (staying in pajamas and watching from your couch!). Let’s break down tips to maximize your event experience.

Determine Your Goals

To make the most out of any event, you should know exactly what you’re looking to get out of it. What are the aspects of your business that you’re looking to improve? Identify a few areas of improvement before the event begins. Then, you can align your goals with the educational content of the event and be most proactive during those sessions.

Familiarize Yourself With The Technology Ahead of Time

This one is extremely important and often overlooked. It’s not wise to assume that it’ll be easy to just log into the technology on the day of the event and everything will be easy to use.

There are dozens of different platforms that event organizers can use, and no 2 platforms are the same. To be best prepared for the event, make sure to check out the technology ahead of time and familiarize yourself with how to use it and where everything is located.

Block Off The Time

It’s easy to get distracted during a virtual event. This is one of the biggest challenges of a virtual event: instead of being physically present and engaged, it’s very easy to get distracted by anything going on in your home/office.

If you want to truly get the most out of the event, block off the presentation times on your calendar and make sure to get all obligations/work done ahead of time. Yes, this includes checking email, social media, etc. The event organizers work hard to create content that is educational and informative throughout the event. You made the commitment to attend, now make sure you’re actually engaged!

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Network and Engage

We know you’ve heard this one before. Network, network, network! But HOW do you actually get the most out of networking?

There are several ways to network at a virtual event. It’s a good idea to start networking even before the event begins. You can do this by messaging other attendees directly or organizing chat rooms or virtual meetups, depending on the event platform. Just remember, other attendees are there for the same reasons as you: to network and learn! Don’t be afraid to reach out!

If you have the opportunity, make sure to also connect with the experts and speakers at the event. They will likely share their contact information and are more than happy to speak with you about your business or a variety of other topics. These are some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry, so make sure to take advantage of their presence!

Lastly, if there are partners or sponsors of the event, reach out to them to see what they have to offer. They likely have many resources, products, and services readily available to help you.

Engage On Social Media

A lot of events have specific hashtags or social media groups to further keep you engaged with the event. Social media is a helpful and powerful tool that can keep you up to date on information, and see what others are talking about during the event.

For better or worse, virtual events are a part of our lives and our industry now. By following this guide and being well prepared, you can make the most of the virtual events from the comfort of your own home!