Strategies for Hosting an Engaging Virtual Event

My step-by-step process for pulling off an online event like a pro

Lights… Camera…. Start video? 

Live events sure look a whole lot different these days than they used to, wouldn’t you say? 

When I first started my entrepreneurial journey 13 years ago, in-person events were really the only way to get your community together in one place at the same time. Today, we have countless options available to connect with our audiences Live, and most of them don’t even require us to leave the house.

Don’t get me wrong, in-person events are great, and are still an excellent option depending on what your goals are -- but there are also many things to consider, which I’ll talk about in this episode. 

What I really want to share with you is how you can pull off a live, virtual event like a pro -- because let me tell you, I have found immense value in connecting with my students in this way -- and not just monetarily. 

But just like a Live in-person event, a Live virtual event takes a good amount of planning and preparation -- and there’s also a lot going on behind the scenes when the camera is rolling that you might not even be aware of.

The good news is, I’ve got my virtual events running like a well-oiled machine, and in this episode, I’m sharing my top tips on how to host one that will blow your customer’s socks off. You’ll learn: 

• The pros and cons of live in-person events and Live virtual events
• How far in advance you should start planning your event
• What to consider when planning your content, and how to create a theme
• How to determine whether you should sell at your event, or simply nurture
• The technology I use to pull my Live virtual events off without a hitch
• Where you can host your virtual event if you don’t want to host at home

Alright, friend. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to rock your virtual stage.

Here’s a glance at this episode...

• [06:15] Let’s talk about Live virtual events versus in-person events. Virtual events have a huge ROI. They have a larger outreach and attendance rate. They are more accessible and lower cost for attendees. More people equals more sales. It's also more cost-effective and great for introverts.
• [11:56] Six key decisions include: When are you having it? What is your theme? How long will it be? Will you be selling? What platform will you use? Where will you host it?
• [12:19] When will you host your event? Get those dates on the calendar. It takes time to plan, organize, and fill up the event.
• [13:50] What will your theme be? Choosing the theme comes down to who's your audience, whether it's a bonus and the season of the event.
• [17:00] Will you be selling or is this a bonus event to nurture your audience or a mix of both? Selling from stage can be seamless, but you have to plan for it.
• [18:48] What platform will you host on? We are using Vimeo for our virtual live events. You always need a backup plan when it comes to using technology. 
• [20:38] Where will you host your virtual event? If you have the space and availability to host it at home, it will save a lot of time and stress. You could also rent an Airbnb or event space.
• [35:36] I challenge you to host a virtual live event this year. It has immense value and strengthens your relationship with your audience. Start working through the six key decisions.

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