3. Make sure the technology works

If there’s a technology glitch, a presenter has microphone issues or an awkward moment where they can’t display their slides, your audience will leave. Test, rehearse, send out instructions, test again – make sure everything runs smoothly.

4. Use push notifications

If appropriate for your event, consider using an app. You can send your audience reminders about their next session, prompts to watch the recording of the roundtable discussion they missed, or let them know there’s lots going on in the chatroom they joined. No app? You can also use email and/or text messaging to nudge people to join in.

5. Create amazing offline experiences

Send something in the post that your attendees will be pleased to receive (for example, a food and/or drinks delivery) and invite them to unbox their gift with other audience members at a special online event. It’ll put them in a good mood, encourage loyalty and help them connect with others.

6. Book entertaining hosts 

You know your content has to be slick; so do your speakers. If your event is going to keep virtual audiences engaged, you’ll need well-rehearsed, experienced presenters with plenty of personality – and they’ll need to understand what your virtual attendees need from them.

7. Allow in-person and virtual audiences to ‘mingle’

Hold coffee breaks and/or breakout sessions in online chatrooms where your virtual and in-person attendees can mix, giving them the chance to engage, discuss the event and network – just as they would if they were all there in person.

8. Involve your virtual audience 

Virtual attendees can begin to feel like passive observers, at which point they’re easily distracted. Help them participate by involving them in live polls, question and answer sessions and exclusive behind-the-scenes events. Allow the results of live polls to help shape the event agenda so your audience feels included and empowered.

9. Make it entertaining and fun

Games, prize draws and giveaways are great ways to increase audience energy and engagement. For example, you could offer prizes or incentives for attendees who take part in event activities and/or stay until the very end of the event.

If it’s relevant to your audience it’s also a great idea to include some form of entertainment to help lighten the mood, such as live music, a quiz, live games, or wellbeing activities like yoga or a meditation class.

10. Keep the conversation going

Record and share event content and/or allow attendees to continue connecting with each other via the event platform or app in the days, weeks and months after the event has ended – keep that engagement going for as long as you can.

If you have any questions, need further advice or would like some help planning your business events, please contact the Kina Events team on 020 7205 7901 or send us an email.