11 votes

Have you attended any virtual conferences? Tell me about the things that worked well.

This could be anything, from presentation tips, to efficiently-managed breakout rooms, to finding ways to engage participants. How did it make a difference?

I’m writing an article about how companies can run better online events, so thinking “ideas worth stealing.” Give me details!

It’d be easy to focus on the things that don’t work — they are legion — but I’m aiming to capture the good stuff that we all wish everyone would adopt. So leave out the disappointments, and just tell me about the things you enjoyed.

If you’ve run a virtual event I’m interested in your opinions too, but keep in mind that this is meant to be tips-and-tricks worth sharing.

5 comments

  1. [2]
    mz0
    Link
    consistent signup experience with calendar integration or .ics export is a must for each event / session. google slides > miro in terms of ease of use. most participants can’t multitask...
    • consistent signup experience with calendar integration or .ics export is a must for each event / session.
    • google slides > miro in terms of ease of use.
    • most participants can’t multitask efficiently, meaning you need close coordination of fussy things like breakout rooms or multitasking from your co-host.
    • zoom > teams > meet.
    • zoom meetings > webinars (i prefer meetings where all participants have the option to be visible as opposed to webinars which can be very “stage-like”).
    • chat backchannels work really well.
    • hosts and facilitators benefit from using multiple monitors.
    • ice-breakers and and eye-openers really help. avoid being 100% cerebral.
    • offer multiple methods for following, like a youtube livestream.
    • set expectations for participants: how will they engage? will they see each other? will they be working on their own?
    6 votes
    1. asteroid
      Link Parent
      Give me an example of an ice breaker and eye-opener? I don't want to get too prescriptive in this. To put it another way: What's the coolest thing you've seen done in/by an online conference?

      Give me an example of an ice breaker and eye-opener?

      I don't want to get too prescriptive in this. To put it another way: What's the coolest thing you've seen done in/by an online conference?

      2 votes
  2. rosco
    Link
    To riff on what mz0 is saying: Breakout rooms gave some level of normalcy to the event. It let me connect with small groups of people and have some actual engaging discussion. Seconded on close...

    To riff on what mz0 is saying:

    • Breakout rooms gave some level of normalcy to the event. It let me connect with small groups of people and have some actual engaging discussion.
    • Seconded on close coordination. I would sometimes be unsure of where to go next if there wasn't suitable UI or guidance.
    • Engaging activities. I think the most successful networking I did was during a conferenced themed "pub quiz". It removed the air of professionalism you usually get at after part events in person.
    6 votes
  3. [2]
    asteroid
    Link
    ...and here's the result. Thank you all so much for the input. You made a difference. https://applied.economist.com/articles/lessons-from-the-year-of-online-events

    ...and here's the result. Thank you all so much for the input. You made a difference. https://applied.economist.com/articles/lessons-from-the-year-of-online-events

    4 votes
    1. mz0
      Link Parent
      kudos! sorry i missed your follow-up question. excellent piece :-)

      kudos! sorry i missed your follow-up question. excellent piece :-)

      2 votes