With only three months left in 2020, you are probably familiar with a host of online meeting platforms and virtual etiquette standards by now. While many of us remain unable to hold in-person events, technology can help us use our time efficiently and focus on a key message. When it comes to hosting a virtual press conference, there are several unique factors to consider. Check out our team’s tips below to make the most out of your online event!
Your landing page is essentially where you send traffic. Whether it is your homepage or a specialized standalone page for a particular campaign, it will be the first part of your site that a visitor sees and experiences. This is your chance to earn trust, convey value and compel urgency – all before your visitor clicks away and closes the page. To convert visits to real leads, follow these tips and tricks:
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Check your devices
Choosing the right virtual platform can make or break your event, so you should prioritize your technology. You don’t want to waste your attendees’ time or appear unprepared. Therefore, when you’re meeting virtually, it’s even more important to avoid technical difficulties. Be sure to check microphones, cameras, screen-sharing devices, and any other type of equipment you may be utilizing.
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Gather questions effectively
In-person press conferences tend to be easier to follow because the audience can ask real-time questions. That may not be the case virtually. To increase efficiency and comfort, consider requesting questions ahead of time through an email link or other event software. Many programs, such as Zoom, also have chat boxes available to make communication easier and help decrease confusion and interruptions during the conference. Whichever way you choose, the trick is to stick with one clear-cut method of collecting audience questions. After the event, be sure to review those left unanswered.
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Have a story
Having a strong narrative is even more crucial for a virtual conference because you don’t have a captive audience feet away from you. Attendees and media outlets watching from home can easily slip away from a virtual event with nothing stopping them from multitasking if you can’t hold their attention. Keep your guests interested, or they may give in to distractions.
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Keep it simple
Many of us now spend most of our time staring at a screen – whether it’s working from home, taking classes online, or attending virtual events. Many people attending your online conference may be experiencing screen fatigue – especially by the end of the day – and it may be wise to have a short, clear plan for the presentation. To keep your audience engaged, keep the information palatable and offer a recap at the end.
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Send a follow-up
This is important for in-person press conferences but can be even more valuable for virtual events! Within days of your event, send your attendees a follow-up thank you email with a summary of the discussion, pictures, where to find more detailed information and any notable highlights from the conference. Additionally, offering a recording or transcription allows absent event attendees to access your archived content!
Have more questions? Direct Development is here to help plan your press conference.