Adding a live stream can help your in-person event be seen by people worldwide and is an effective and impactful way to reach a wider audience and grow client participation. Live streaming lets you interact with your audience in real-time, increasing engagement and brand loyalty. In addition, the ability to ask questions and provide feedback makes your audience feel like they are part of the in-person event without being present. As a result, more and more companies are live-streaming events, meetings, fundraisers, galas, and more.
Reasons to Introduce Live Streaming
1. Increase attendance from outside your community or workplace.
Streaming allows you to reach an audience from anywhere in the world. It will enable you to connect with people around the globe in real-time as long as they have access to WiFi or cellular data service, which is pretty much everyone these days! It also benefits people in the area who are interested in the event but cannot attend. Furthermore, the cost of attending an event can be pretty high; those who cannot afford to attend will have the option to be there virtually without paying for additional expenses such as transportation, lodging, and other costs.
2. Give people who cannot attend an opportunity to be involved.
Your customers and clients want to be involved in the conversation. People love being able to participate and have their voices heard. Live streaming allows them to have that opportunity while keeping them engaged with other viewers through chat, comments, and posts. You can also get feedback from viewers during or after your event! For example, you can use live streaming platforms like YouTube Live or Facebook Live so that viewers can ask questions or leave comments during or after your event. This will give you valuable feedback on how well things went.
3. Increase brand awareness.
From a marketing standpoint, streaming on social media is an excellent option for companies looking to raise brand awareness. Live streams drive traffic to your website or social media platforms. Live videos have higher views than pre-recorded videos because social media algorithms are trying to encourage engagement with live content. It allows you to engage with your audience, boosting your social profile and increasing sales. Streaming also showcases your brand’s personality and will enable people to get to know your company better without committing to attending an in-person event. Lastly, your organizer or presenter has greater control over presenting your message, so you can ensure your brand voice is front and center.
Best Practice for Live Streams
Streaming is an excellent addition to your next event. But how do you go about the process of preparation and execution? Running an event is already a big task; planning and researching different streaming platforms beforehand is the most crucial aspect. By following these practical tips, you’ll be ready to start streaming successfully.
1. Plan Ahead.
Preparing a concise schedule will make streaming easier on your side. For example, will there be a panel discussion? A live performance? Or a Q&A session? Or maybe an interview?
Additionally, Planning your set design and preparing your AV team for when and where they should be during your event will ensure it’s successful. Of course, as with any event, unexpected things can cause delays or other issues. However, everything should run smoothly if you’ve planned for these situations by having a backup plan beforehand (like a backup camera or microphone).
2. Choose the right platforms.
Many platforms are available for live streaming, so finding the right one for your audience is essential. Facebook Live and YouTube Live are popular choices because they allow users to share videos directly from their phones without downloading apps or plugins. However, streaming on multiple sites is a better way to optimize your number of viewers. Platforms like Switchboard Live, StreamYard, OBS Studio, and more allow you to stream simultaneously without using multiple cameras or audio equipment.
3. Prepare your setup.
Prepare all necessary materials and equipment ahead of time. For instance, if you’re using slideshows, have them ready beforehand so that you don’t need to worry about them while you’re broadcasting. You can also consider having an AV team take care of this part while focusing on the content itself. Set up multiple cameras so that nothing gets missed on camera or audio. These extra cameras also give you options for editing footage after the event has finished and provide additional angles for viewers who want more than one perspective of the event.
4. Record the Event.
You’ll want to ensure that the event can be recorded in some way so that if something goes wrong with the stream itself, there will be something recorded for posterity’s sake. This isn’t just about avoiding technical issues—it’s also about creating a more authentic experience for those participating in real-time and viewers watching later on YouTube or wherever else they choose to watch from their homes or offices!
As you can see, there are many reasons why live streaming could improve your events and make them more engaging. In addition to providing a unique perspective on your events, live streaming helps your audience feel like they are part of the experience. Event organizers can enhance brand loyalty and increase participation in future events by implementing a successful live stream. Keep these benefits in mind when planning for future events, and consider how you can use live streaming to take your next event to the next level!