Are you attending a virtual conference or event this year?
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF A VIRTUAL NETWORKING EVENT
Attending business events is set to look a little different this year, with the current restrictions that are in place. Virtual events make it possible for professionals to network, learn from sector experts and share knowledge and information with others.
However, unlike a face to face event, virtual events take some commitment and motivation to ensure you get the very best out of them. Here’s some ideas on how to get the most out of virtual networking events.
Attitude is everything..
Attending the event with an enthusiastic attitude and high expectations, sets you up to have a more positive experience, so be sure to take advantage of all of the interactive features on offer enabling you to connect with fellow professionals and build your network. It’s also important to treat the virtual conference as you would if you were attending a face to face event. For example, completely clear your diary on the day, put on your out of office to minimise any distractions. Likewise if attending from home, be sure to cut off anything that can offer an interruption and treat the event with the importance as If you were actually attending.
To help get in the right mind-set fully read the agenda beforehand to remind yourself why you signed up to attend in the first place, and set yourself a clear set of key objectives you want to gain from the event. Plan, in advance, which sessions you want to attend and schedule on your calendar which speakers you want to listen to. Note taking is ideal to re-cap on key messages and also to re-lay any information to colleagues unable to attend. When engaging with speakers think about the following :
Q- quotes to share on social media
A- actions to implement
S- for points to tell share with your team
B -for books to buy
This ensures you are implementing any of the key messages you have heard and gives the ommitment to follow up.
Ask away…
Although it’s often considered harder to engage virtually, on-line networking events actually give the attendees the ideal opportunity to ask questions during a session, and be interactive, without disrupting the speaker. Participants at virtual events are actively encouraged to engage with speakers, ask questions and leave comments. Chatting with other attendees is also encouraged – how much you put in will equate how much you take away from the day.
Record and re-play…
Another benefit to the event being virtual is speakers are often recorded, so if you miss a particular session you can re-play it or if there is something you particularly want to share with colleagues you can schedule to watch at a later date. Again this requires commitment on your behalf, scheduling these on your calendar can avoid the need to dismiss or forget them.
Get Tech-ready..
Always familiarise yourself with the event specific software that will be utilised. For tools you haven’t used before make sure you take time to familiarise yourself with them, prior to the event to minimise any tech hiccups on the day. Test all your equipment and computer to ensure everything is working as it should. Check your internet speed and use a headset so the audio quality is clear.
Set yourself a challenge…
The chance to socialise after an event is definitely something that will be missed by most. Setting yourself some challenges and a reward system can bring a little fun to the day that might otherwise be lacking. Look back at the key objectives you set prior to the day and set yourself some positive motivators if you hit them.. a nice glass of wine at the end of the event for example. If you don’t hit them put some pressure on yourself by enforcing some negative consequences, for example a name and shame on your next staff briefing !
Although the “new normal” of virtual events may make us feel a little flat, it is possible with a little motivation, to fully max out on the learning, engagement and networking opportunities. We look forward to interacting with you virtually !
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