Virtual corporate events have gained traction in recent times following the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike physical events, online events are not restricted by geographic boundaries or audience size. In addition, these are relatively inexpensive; companies can host a global audience without renting physical space.

Corporates can host different online events depending on what they want to achieve. They can host invite-only webinars or online conferences where attendees pay to get access. Corporates can also host live streams that are publicly available or informal events like ask me anything or live-tweeting sessions on social media.   

But hosting an online corporate event is not easy. Corporates must find ways to deal with challenges like thoroughly engaging attendees during virtual events. If you have plans to host virtual events for teams or corporate audiences, here are six aspects that can make them successful:  

1. Right Technology  

The success of an online corporate event largely depends on the technology you use. While numerous tech options are available, they can fall into two categories. You can utilize live streaming technologies and webinar technologies.   

Webinar technologies include Skype, Zoom, Adobe Connect, and Microsoft Teams. They provide a wide range of features, including screen sharing, live Q&A, polling, and host sharing. You can use webinar technologies to host small corporate events where you need to make presentations or hold meetings that aren’t too formal.   

Live streaming technologies are ideal for large audiences. Corporations can customize their presentation mix using graphics, videos, and multiple cameras with these technologies. They also allow users to pre-record elements of their presentation to add consistency and professionalism to their message. Live streaming makes audiences interact through polling options, comments, and live Q&A.   

2. Engagement

The other aspect that makes virtual meetings successful is audience engagement. Unlike physical events where attendees would be present throughout, the people who attend virtual events are less likely to stay glued to their screens all day.

Instead, they’re likely to be checking in and out occasionally as they do other things. You need to engage your audience throughout the event to keep this from happening. You can tell stories, present creative slides, ask your audience questions, among others. 

When running a virtual corporate event, ensure that you stick to the stipulated time. Doing so energizes attendees and builds anticipation among them.

3. Event Time and Agenda

Another thing that makes virtual corporate events successful is the time and schedule. When planning an online event, you need to consider the number of expected attendees and their time zones. Consider the holiday schedules of attendees as these vary from country to country.  

It enables you to identify a time that’s convenient for the attendees. Further, prepare a clear schedule showing event sessions, speakers, and how long the sessions run. Add relevant links to the agenda to enable participants to plan.   

4. Networking Opportunities

A significant reason most people attend corporate events is the opportunity they provide for people to network. To succeed in hosting online corporate events, you need to find a way to bring this networking experience to your online audience.   

An easy way is to encourage event attendees to utilize the live chat feature present on most online event platforms to know who’s present and reach out to them directly. Also, you can group attendees based on their interests or needs.

5. Breakout Sessions

Creating space for event participants to focus on specific topics in smaller groups during virtual events is the other factor that can make virtual events successful. The breakout sessions feature allows event organizers to set up virtual breakout rooms that make attendees discuss topics of interest. Since online gatherings aren’t constrained by space or time scales, participants can attend different sessions.   

6. Value For Event Sponsors   

The value that organizers of virtual corporate events offer sponsors can affect the success of those events. Event sponsors benefit from visibility in physical events as their brands get featured in physical spaces prominently.  

Companies can offer sponsors value in virtual events by designing sponsor branding content. Further, companies can invite sponsors to participate in panel sessions or host breakout sessions during virtual events. Event hosts can also share important metrics like data on attendees and downloads with sponsors.  

Final Thoughts

Virtual corporate events have become common in recent years, allowing companies to reach wider audiences more cost-effectively. However, pulling off a successful online corporate event isn’t easy. If you’re organizing an online event for your corporation, integrating the six aspects discussed above can significantly boost your success.