More than half (60%) of event professionals pivoted an online event to virtual events due to the impact of COVID-19, and more than half (68%) of event professionals are looking for hybrid event technology that supports both in-person and virtual events. The same holds true for company-wide meetings. The world is turning more and more to virtual events and meetings. Even before Covid-19, in-person events proved to be costly and time-consuming. Before social distancing became the norm, small companies would often gather up the employees and sit them down in a room to attend corporate meetings. Arranging a timeslot where all the employees could attend the discussion proved challenging to coordinate even at a small scale, and the technical difficulties associated with getting the presentation up and running were typical. For large companies with offices spread throughout regions globally, getting everyone in one place was virtually impossible.
Tools like webcasting, web conferencing, and webinars are a big part of that. But while many people use those terms interchangeably, they each have a specific meaning and are used for different purposes. In this blog post, we will focus on webcasting, and how webcasting can genuinely be a game-changer for you. Webcasting has proven itself to be a trusted helper during these confusing times, and even before the world decided to turn upside-down.
Webcasting improves corporate communications by allowing everyone to tune in from where they are at the time. Long gone is the need to cram everyone into a stuffy meeting room or arrange expensive flights. Now everyone can simply join the conversation from where it is most convenient for them
Capturing your in-person event with a professional videographer who understands the space, lighting, sound, and broadcasting technology is key to creating enduring content for future viewings. Often, professionals are too busy in the office to find time to travel to, and attend an in-person event. By providing them access to the event when it suits their schedule increases the opportunity for people to learn about what you have to offer.
Using the recording of your webcast, you can create a library of OnDemand events for your members, customers, or prospects to access. We know that video content is the secret ingredient to your content plan. When you host this larger piece of content on your website, you are increasing the website rankings, SEO, and viewings of your site.
Expand the reach of your presentation outside the conference room, which will ultimately increase the ROI of your event. Giving the option of attending online or in-person will ultimately be split evenly. However, with a recording of your event, you are creating a piece of content that will continue to gain views even after its original broadcast.
Allow your members to access continuing education events online when it is convenient for them, rather than requiring them to travel to access your information. All professionals are busy, so when you add seeking CE credits to their schedule, they often wait till the last minute and attend OnDemand events that meet their requirements. With today's technology, you can embed Continuing Education checkpoints throughout the recorded event that meet your accredited bureaus' requirements.
Turn your company or employees into thought-leaders by publishing and promoting the events with them as speakers.
While some professionals prefer to access content online, some people still prefer to attend in-person events for the networking opportunities. Allow your members to choose which option works best for them and their schedules.
For more info on this topic, you might find this blog helpful: Evaluating Webcast Solutions - What Matters Most.
People are often interested in meeting the speaker in person, or to learn about the latest technologies from event sponsors. If you deliver the presentation both online and in person, you could invite the speaker to participate in a half hour group chat (online) so the virtual attendees receive the full benefit of your event.
You can curate speakers by researching industry experts or by recruiting professionals from your sponsor's organization. Trying to gain sponsors for your webcast? Read our short blog on that here.
After the conference, you can create clips of the presentation to create commercials of YouTube videos. The repurposing opportunities are endless.
When you capture the Keynote of your conference, often you can use it to promote next year's conference, or offer it as an incentive to online viewers to attend the next event.
Whether you are delivering your event online or in-person, its always important to consider how you are creating a professional experience with those people who are not in the room. Merely capturing your event for future viewing ultimately gives you more opportunities to reach your audience.
Topics: Accessibility & Social Impact, Webinars & Webcasts, Webinars: Best Practices, Webinars: Promotion & Planning
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