Social distancing has us all in a tailspin figuring out how to adapt to the new normal while propelling our businesses forward. Advances in technology mean that maintaining social distance doesn’t need to halt our entire world in its tracks. In fact, for many of our clients, the pandemic is a springboard for innovation, and their businesses are on an upward trajectory, due in part to video conferencing, webcasting, and online meeting platforms.
So if you’re asking, “how do we plan our event around the Coronavirus pandemic?” LEMG has you covered.
As the technology related to online meetings continues to grow, platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Facebook Live (among a plethora of other options) are effective and popular ways to plan and host events, disseminate information, and connect with others outside of our four-legged friends.
Here’s our top advice on planning events around the restrictions imposed by reactions to COVID19.
How to Plan Impactful Meetings Using Video Conferencing
By now, most companies are learning the ropes of video conferencing. After all, everyone must be on the same page when it comes to understanding the division of tasks and labor to maintain productivity. Sometimes, this can be done via email or using a productivity calendar. However, there’s no substitute for meeting face to face.
As we’ve all seen by now, video conferencing allows engaging and productive meetings; however, with online sessions more prevalent now than ever, it’s even more important to have a solid plan in place. Our top advice for productive online meetings that stay focused and on task includes:
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Creating an agenda with a prioritized list of topics
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Requesting all attendees come prepared to discuss their areas
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Listing all action items and assigning clear expectations for completion
Although we miss regular meetings, employing these practices will also improve in-person meetings when we return to our new normal. Additionally, you can adapt newfound online meeting planning skills when you need to bring in outside participants who can’t physically join you.
Plan Seminars, Conferences and Training Sessions via Webcast
The pandemic is changing every aspect of live events. However, the word “change” is critical. With the advent of web casting platforms that allow you to broadcast live over the internet, we can push many events online.
Although we’re not meeting face-to-face in large groups these days, your seminar, conference, or some other large-scale group like church or theatre can still take place online. A virtual experience using a webinar platform to educate or present to your customers, clients, or employees may not be exactly the same, but they can be highly effective. Consider a webinar if you’re planning an event along the lines of:
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Launching your new product and highlighting its benefits
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A seminar, training, or panel of speakers
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Employee training sessions
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School in-service training
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Any event where only 2-4 speakers or panelists will be presenting at a time
Webinar platforms allow audience participation by virtually raising hands, using polling features, or sending in questions via chat functions. They’re ideal for events with a goal of sharing information with larger groups of people. While there’s some overlap with online meetings, webinars have a distinctly different, more educational flavor, which is often accompanied by slide decks or screen sharing, but not all the time.
To make the most of your webinar, one of the best practices you’ll want to employ involves assigning a team member to keep an eye on the chat, raised hands, and q&a areas, while chatting out answers to some of the more straightforward questions.
Host Fundraisers, Celebrations, or Theatre Groups Using Live Broadcasts
When planning live events, you invest valuable time, money, and resources to make it happen.. Large groups may not be physically coming together right now, but your event can continue. While the engagement may not be the same with an online, per se, your event can still be successful. Moreover, by converting your event to an online platform, you can ultimately reach a wider audience.
Webinars and live web casts are very similar in many ways. Both offer a way to broadcast a message or presentation to large groups of people, and in fact, there is considerable crossover between the platforms. Whereas webinars typically require advance registration, live broadcasts are typically viewable by large groups of people in real-time.
So whether you’re hosting a reunion, fundraiser, celebration of some kind, or performance, live broadcasts are a reliable way to keep the event going while minimizing the in-person component. LEMG can help you manage all the moving pieces.
LEMG offers studio webcasts right from their Charlotte and Winston-Salem locations, as well as broadcasts from your location.
Keep this in mind: Once in-person events are possible again, adding live webcasting to your physical events is a great way to reach a broader audience.
We Can Help You Plan and Prepare for Your Event
While COVID-19 has us practicing social distancing, event planners can continue to plan, prepare, and engage in social events, no matter how big or small, by using online platforms.
Our team knows the ins and outs of webcasting, so leave the technical guesswork up to us while you focus on the business side of things. Whether you need help with determining which online platform to use, guidance on the best equipment options, or advice on how to use your archived recordings to grow your business or improve your reach, we are here to assist you.
Find out how we can help you with our Webcasting Services.
We are ready to help you level up audio and video now, and at your in-person events once the social distancing requirements begin to loosen.