How to Plan your Events Budget in 2023 | An Expert Event Guide

Virtual Event Tip-Improve Networking & Engagement

Virtual events are becoming increasingly popular due to the convenience and cost-effectiveness they offer. They offer a ton of features to boost brand experiences for every brand type, but most importantly, virtual event platforms offer a great deal of benefits at economical prices. However, there are a few setbacks in the execution of virtual events and one of the biggest challenges of virtual events is to facilitate networking and engagement among attendees during the event. It is important for event organizers to ensure that attendees have opportunities to connect with each other, establish new relationships, and build a sense of community during the event. Here are some tips on how to facilitate networking and engagement among attendees during virtual events:

1. Provide opportunities for attendees to network before the event

Networking is a key aspect of any event, and virtual events are no exception. One of the best ways to facilitate networking before the event is to create an online platform where attendees can connect with each other. This can be in the form of a social media group, discussion forums, or even an online event platform. By giving attendees the opportunity to connect before the event, they will already have established relationships and be more likely to engage during the event. This will help to create a sense of community and make the event more enjoyable and memorable for attendees.

2. Create an interactive event platform

The virtual event platform is the cornerstone of your virtual event and it is essential that it is designed to facilitate networking and engagement. A good virtual event platform should have features such as chat rooms, break-out rooms, video conferencing, and live polls. This will give attendees the opportunity to interact with each other, engage in discussions, and participate in interactive activities during the event. It is important to ensure that the virtual event platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, as this will increase the likelihood of attendees using it and engaging with each other.

3. Encourage attendees to introduce themselves

One of the best ways to facilitate networking is to encourage attendees to introduce themselves. This can be done by having an open discussion or a Q&A session where attendees can share their backgrounds, interests, and goals. This will help attendees get to know each other, build relationships, and create a sense of community. It is also a good idea to encourage attendees to share their LinkedIn profiles or other professional profiles, as this will help to extend the reach of the event and provide attendees with opportunities to continue their connections long after the event has ended.

4. Provide networking activities and icebreakers

Providing attendees with opportunities to network and engage in activities is key to a successful virtual event. Consider hosting virtual happy hours, game nights, or other fun activities that will encourage attendees to interact with each other. Icebreakers such as virtual trivia, scavenger hunts, or speed networking can also be effective in facilitating engagement. These activities will provide attendees with a fun and interactive way to connect with each other and create a sense of community.

5. Use gamification elements

Gamification elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards can help to increase engagement and participation among attendees. These elements provide a fun and interactive way for attendees to connect and compete with each other, which can increase motivation and create a sense of community. Attendees can earn points for participating in networking activities, interacting with each other, or answering trivia questions, for example. This will help to keep attendees engaged and motivated throughout the event.

6. Encourage attendees to use the chat function

A chat function is a valuable tool for attendees to connect and engage with each other during virtual events. Encourage attendees to use the chat function to ask questions, share insights, and engage in discussions. This will help to create a lively and interactive atmosphere, making the event more engaging and memorable for attendees. It is also a good idea to have moderators available to the monitor.

7. Provide opportunities for one-on-one interactions

In addition to group activities, it’s also important to provide attendees with opportunities for one-on-one interactions. Virtual networking rooms, or break-out rooms, can be created for attendees to connect with each other in a more private setting. This can be especially useful for attendees who are seeking specific connections or want to have more in-depth discussions. Additionally, you can also create virtual “meet the expert” sessions where attendees can have the opportunity to have one-on-one discussions with industry experts.

8. Leverage technology to enhance the virtual experience

Technology has made it possible to create a truly immersive virtual experience. Take advantage of tools such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and 360-degree video to enhance the virtual event experience. These tools can be used to create interactive exhibits, virtual tours, and engaging activities that will make the event more memorable for attendees.

9. Foster a sense of community through social media

Social media is a powerful tool for event organizers to facilitate engagement and networking among attendees. Encourage attendees to share their experiences, ask questions, and connect with each other using the event’s social media hashtags. You can also create social media groups or discussion forums for attendees to connect before and after the event. These platforms will provide attendees with a way to continue their connections and build a sense of community even after the event has ended.

10. Offer virtual gift-giving opportunities

Virtual gift-giving can be a fun and unique way for attendees to connect and engage with each other. Consider offering virtual gift options such as digital certificates, e-gift cards, or virtual swag bags. Attendees can send virtual gifts to each other as a way of showing appreciation and creating connections. This can be especially effective during the event and can help to foster a sense of community among attendees.

11. Provide follow-up opportunities

Finally, it’s important to provide attendees with follow-up opportunities to continue their connections and build relationships after the event has ended. Consider offering virtual after-parties, follow-up webinars, or even in-person events for attendees to continue their connections. This will help to extend the reach of the event and ensure that attendees are able to continue their connections long after the event has ended.
By far it is evident that despite the challenges, Virtual events can be an effective way to connect and engage attendees. However, it’s important for event organizers to think carefully about how to facilitate networking and engagement during these events. Here a stable and comprehensive virtual event platform can be of great help. Virtual event platforms like ibentos are thoroughly designed to understand the needs of the brands as well as of the attendees and to build a bridge between them, that shall result in better results at lesser cost. By providing opportunities for attendees to connect before and after the event, creating an interactive virtual environment, encouraging attendees to introduce themselves, providing networking activities, leveraging technology, fostering a sense of community through social media, offering virtual gift-giving opportunities, and providing follow-up opportunities, ibentos virtual event platform utilises the best resources and can ensure that your virtual event is a success.
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