I think it's really those moments where the technology fades away and it becomes all about the experience, all about the engagement. I've really done this effectively if people forget that they're actually using technology because they're so engaged with what they're doing. There'll also be a lot of hybrid-type events where some people are going to be there in person and some people will be joining remotely. Those are probably the most difficult ones to coordinate.
Tim Stringer: Technically Simple
Tim Stringer is a coach, consultant, and trainer and the founder of Technically Simple. He provides productivity, technology and workflow coaching, consulting and training to people and organizations, large and small, all over the planet.
His technology specializations include Asana, Daylite, OmniFocus, and Trello. He supports many people in productivity though his website LearnOmniFocus.com -- and also through the Holistic Productivity approach that he developed after coming face-to-face with cancer back in 2008. Tim consults to leaders and organizations on how to use Zoom effectively and recently launched a new course: Leading Effective Zoom Events.
In this conversation, Tim and I overview some of the common mistakes of online events, how online can produce even better results than in-person, and ways to engage people quickly. Plus, we review some of the key technology that will support your organization’s outreach efforts.
Key Points
It’s often a mistake to assume that you’ll be able to lead online events with the same planning and design for in-person events.
Opening a meeting early and using the five-minute rule to begin with icebreakers, breakouts, polls, or reactions will help engage people in the event quickly.
For events with many people or higher visibility for your organization, have a dedicated technology co-pilot so that hosts and speakers can stay focused on being present.
Virtual lounges (with a dedicated host), spotlight and multi-spotlight, practice sessions, and preassigned breakouts can all help the technology disappear and the human connections to take center stage.
Some organizations are discovering they are more successful with online events than past in-person ones. Many have had such a positive experience that they plan to continue leveraging virtual events after the pandemic.
Resources Mentioned
Leading Effective Zoom Events by Tim Stringer
Recommended Practices for Engaging Online Events (PDF download)
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How to Run an Online Meeting, with Bonni Stachowiak (episode 472)
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