4 easy ways to increase active participation at your virtual events
As events rapidly make the switch to a virtual setting, it can be challenging to translate the dynamic, participatory aspect of an in-person event to a virtual conference or webinar.
Fear not! Today I’m sharing four easy ways to maximize interactivity at your virtual events:
1. Chat: while this may seem obvious, effective chatbox function usage is a fantastic way to actively engage attendees. A great chatbox facilitator will:
Pose questions to attendees throughout the event that can be answered in the chat
Foster dynamic conversation in response to what the facilitator is sharing in “real time”
Actively solicit questions from attendees for the facilitator to answer during Q&A
2. Break-out groups: this is an under-utilized feature (zoom instructions here) that has HUGE potential to make an impact. When the time is right, break attendees into smaller groups (with a facilitator if needed) to reflect on content shared or discuss how to apply the content to their own work. This provides the opportunity for meaningful connections between attendees, plus the chance to thoughtfully digest content and potentially make a game plan for how to connect content to their work.
3. Polls: this is perhaps the most under-utilized feature I’ve seen in virtual events. Polls are an easy way to ensure that attendees feel like active participants (especially when you have a large group and break-outs aren’t as feasible). Comb through your content and choose a few places where it makes sense to incorporate a poll. You do need to create polls in advance (here’s zoom instructions), but it’s super easy and creates cohesion, especially when you share poll findings with attendees.
4. Raise hand: if you want to do a “live” Q&A (i.e. not through the chatbox), this is the way to do it. At pre-determined times, encourage folks to raise their virtual hand (in zoom, go to “participants” and they’ll see option to “raise hands.” This is also where you’ll see who is raising their hand; they will come to the top of your participant list)
Pro tip: while we’re on the topic of virtual events, I cannot emphasize enough the value of having two team members actively serve as event hosts: one to facilitate program content and a second to (wo)man the chatbox, handle polls, etc. This takes stress off of the facilitator to “do it all” and enables the second person to focus on ensuring the best possible attendee experience.
What other virtual engagement techniques have you seen work especially well? What about something that did NOT work well?
If your team might benefit from outside support on applying these best practices to an upcoming virtual event you’re planning, I’d love to connect. Please reach out and we can discuss further.