Event management is a complex endeavor. Whether it’s industry conferences, fan conventions, or internal company events, those responsible have to plan everything – at times months in advance.
One could have a notable line-up of breakout sessions, sponsors, and speakers and a registration page live on the website, but all of that sometimes may not be enough to drive attendance. This is where the role of an event management system comes into play.
In this blog post, we have laid out a few tips to help folks promote their virtual event and make it a grand success.
1. Focus On Email Marketing
Email marketing is a remarkable way of driving registrations for virtual events. According to Markletic, about 76% of marketers rely on email campaigns to highlight various aspects of the event such as:
- breakout sessions
- speakers and topics
- session titles
- short breaks
Emails are key to reach potential attendees. Apart from that, email marketing allows planners to keep in touch with people who have already registered for the event.
2. Request Speakers For Self-Promotion
Our experience tells us that keynote speakers usually indulge in self-promotion without having to remind them. However, if it’s not happening for some reason, a gentle nudge to speakers for cross-promotion is always helpful.
Organizers can promote their virtual event by providing the information to keynote speakers needed for advertisement. Organizers can easily send important updates and messages to speakers simultaneously on the Sched.
3. Create On-Demand Content
Once the event is over, many attendees may need recordings or a review of important discussions that took place during the event. If the organizers are offering on-demand content, it should be mentioned on the event mobile app.
In view of a scheduling conflict, some attendees may not be able to attend the event. Such people may register on the condition that they receive on-demand content after the event.
Event managers can leverage the social media accounts of companies to announce virtual events. These days, there is no dearth of platforms where promotion can take place. One can publicize the events on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Marketers can even create personalized hashtags that are particularly beneficial on Instagram and Twitter.
Besides, organizers can share video clips and pictures during and after the event is over.
5. Create An Eye-Catching Event Page
Imagination is the only limit when it comes to creating an attractive event site. With a suitable event management platform, one can incorporate photos of performers, workshop leaders, and keynote speakers.
You should ensure that it has professional pictures, enticing descriptions, and other details to drive registrations.
The event page should also have:
- Sign-up links
- Sponsor information
- Speaker bios
- An agenda
- Date and time of the event
With Sched, organizers can manage in-person, hybrid, and virtual events, all in a centralized event management system. Attendees can bookmark their most-awaited sessions and browse the schedule on the platform!
6. Understand Customer Motivations
Data is a valuable asset for every company. It allows the organizers to determine any shift in demand of customers. What worked last time may or may not work this time. For instance, if potential attendees were hesitant to attend in-person events, they may be up for participating in virtual events.
An ideal event management platform offers valuable insights to event planners for understanding the behavior and makeup of the target audience. This is an incredible strategy for attracting new groups and increasing registrations.
7. Boost Engagement With Interactive Sessions
With work from home arrangements, participants spend a lot of their time with their laptops and computers. A virtual event shouldn’t feel like another business meeting, it is important to make it more interactive and engaging.
Organizers can leverage Q&A or happy hour sessions to boost engagement. Active involvement of attendees is essential. It can only be achieved if they get the opportunity to connect and exchange ideas.
8. Offer A Limited-Time Incentive
This tip is particularly beneficial for an event that’s still months away. Even if the attendees have expressed their interest, they may need reminders over time. To increase registrations, organizers can create urgent moments such as limited-time offers, flashback pricing, contests, and program-related incentives.
For instance, the winner of a contest can be awarded a meeting with a well-known keynote speaker or free access to the company’s newsletter. This strategy can be used when the deadline for registration is near, and planners need to increase registrations and heighten engagement.
To Sum Up
By following the aforementioned best practices, organizers can make the most out of their event management software. These strategies will help planners increase the number of attendees in the virtual events. People can expect virtual events to continue. Now is the best time to re-purpose strategy and bring your events into the virtual world.