Scrambling to transition your highly anticipated event to a virtual platform due to Covid-19 restrictions? You’re not alone. Many have had to make compromises this year due to the pandemic, and businesses across the world have rushed to move traditionally in-person events online.
With all the technology at our disposal, it has been relatively easy to move events online, from business meetings to birthday parties. But a year into the pandemic, many are growing weary of staring at their screens. How can you attract attendees and captivate your audience when there are seemingly hundreds of online events to tune into?
Let’s discuss a few ideas to help you stand out in your virtual event and boost your confidence before the big day.
Table of Contents
1. Create A Designated Area
If you don’t already have an office or work-from-home area set up, creating an area that is designated for video calls can be helpful. This should be an uncluttered area of the house near an outlet so you can keep your electronics fully charged during virtual meetings and events. Besides helping you stand out in your event, creating a space for virtual calls can help you better separate your home and work life.
2. Light It Up
One of the worst mistakes you can make in a video call is being a victim of bad lighting. No matter the time of day, you need to make sure you are well-lit and visible during your virtual event. When you’re the host, good lighting is paramount and can make or break the success of your event.
Proper lighting makes you look professional and trustworthy to those tuning in online. Consider buying a ring light for an inexpensive solution to your lighting problems. As an added bonus, most ring lights have a stand for your phone built-in for easy and hands-free video calling or filming.
3. Create A Background
Once you have established a well-lit area in your home designated for video conferencing, assess the background of your shot. Think of it like your attendees have paused a scene in a movie; What will be visible in the frame as they tune in to your virtual event? It’s important to create a background that is neutral, welcoming, and free of distractions.
You want your attendees to focus on your words and ideas, not wondering about that painting behind you. Consider setting up near a blank wall in your home, or hanging a backdrop for the event. If you don’t have any blank walls in the house or room for a home office, perhaps you can set up near a fireplace or other welcoming area in the home (as long as it’s free of clutter!).
4. Make It FUN
Above all, you want your virtual event to be engaging and FUN. Everyone is feeling screen fatigue from the zoom bridal showers, birthday parties, and happy hours we’ve all had to endure this year. Make your virtual event stand out by choosing branded promotional products to give away to attendees!
Promote your brand and engage your audience by sending equipment for the home office like smartphone chargers, mousepads, or pens featuring your logo. This will excite attendees and make your virtual event feel like it’s taking place in person.
5. Find Your Best Angle
Nothing is worse than a video chat where the camera is pointing up the other person’s nose or angled in an unflattering fashion. You have created a pleasing background and adequately lit your space to the best of your ability; bring it home by making sure your camera is filming you looking your best.
As mentioned earlier, a ring light can help stabilize your camera if you’re using a phone. You can also consider buying a computer stand or tripod to create an optimal angle to make you appear professional and polished at your virtual event.
Because you’re unable to make a first impression in-person, factors such as lighting, angles, and surrounding environment become all the more important when you’re hosting a virtual event. Consider using these simple ideas to stand out as a polished host and create a virtual event that is sure to be a smash!
