Virtual events won't stick around after the pandemic. Is this what you thought?
Well, let's review some statistics.
According to vFairs —
What does that tell you?
Virtual events are a vital part of the future of the events industry, and the market size is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 21.4% within the current decade, according to Grand View Research.
As an organization focused on growth, prioritizing networking and cultivating a robust social media presence through virtual events is the need of the hour.
While it may feel intimidating to those new to the process, interacting with others, placed in different locations (sometimes even in different time zones), and holding conversations with an engaged audience can be amazing!
But how can you successfully host a virtual version of a live event that offers networking opportunities, educational sessions, and participant insights — all while keeping your target audience engaged?
There's only one answer — video (and lots of it!).
This blog will explore how you can leverage video for virtual events in 2022 to make the best out of marketing efforts.
A teaser video before the launch of your virtual event can be a great eye-catcher, and you can use it to maximum advantage to attract the curiosity of your target audience and fuel that with compelling visuals and a strong message.
Teaser videos for virtual events act like promotional videos. It should contain the following: program specifics, highlights like speaker and performer lineups (drop names here), event statistics, participant testimonials (if possible), and most importantly, a call-to-action for registration (along with a link to the form).
Many companies choose to pre-record information as webinars, workshops, and masterclasses and deliver them as edited packages, aired during the main event. Why? The primary reason is to avoid technical glitches. Even though recorded videos don't produce the same effect on the audience as live-streamed content, there are the added advantages of avoiding scheduling conflicts (especially if different time zones are involved) and adding introductory graphics.
Video content on social media is encouraged with vigorous intent, and now is the time to leverage video for your virtual events. However, it would help if you were mindful that each social network has distinct video specifications, so before posting, make sure your films comply. Share the video files with the guest speakers and VIPs so they can promote the event on their social media accounts.
Videos created should be generally kept under a minute to work like mini-teasers, build a sense of anticipation amongst those who have signed up, and inspire action amongst those who are yet to register.
Create a scroll-stopping thumbnail that will entice users to click on your video post, including the event's name, a brand logo, and the date.
Your audience has a short attention span — so when you are tempting them to your virtual event with video, it is recommended to add maximum value to the first ten seconds. Be it a job fair, trade show, or corporate conference, use video footage from previous years' events (even if they are not virtual) or ask an intriguing question, highlighting a common pain point.
Hook them right from the start and use video to elicit an emotional response, which may lead to a significant investment (like them signing up for your offer). Fight virtual fatigue with relatable imagery and interstitial clips to retain sizable attention from the participants.
Recap shows how video around virtual events can aid in user retention. Put together clips that capture the event's vibe, position interviews with attendees and speakers as social proof, and base the messaging on a broader target audience to attract more prospects for your next virtual event.
Keep it short enough to promote on social media handles, and include a powerful call-to-action (and a hashtag)!
Leveraging Video Around Your Virtual Events
There is a chance that the virtual setting will limit attendees from practicing good meeting etiquette, especially those vital for natural in-person event behavior. When planning virtual events, organizers can easily make the error of giving guests the technology to connect, i.e., video for virtual events, but failing to provide instructions on how to share content and ideas effectively.
Regardless of the event you are planning; you should make providing material, networking, and engagement with other guests some of your top priorities. That is where the video for your virtual events can turn out to be a great strength — in a situation where some of these objectives are harder to achieve, your content and presentation come first. If you get it wrong, online audiences will rapidly get preoccupied with their social media and email feeds. But if you do it well, you'll increase participation before, during, and after the event, expand your virtual audience, create a library of shareable content, attract sponsorship, and develop additional sources of income.
Make the Best of Virtual Events with Video!
Recently, the video has been the secret sauce to ensuring success for your online events!
It is still unchartered territory for most businesses to interest, motivate, and develop relationships with their audiences. And with the up-and-coming technology, it has become significantly easier to create professional-level videos in no time!
But here's the thing — even if you produce hours of video content to maximize the reach of your virtual event, will attendees watch it? Each participant may be looking for something different but specific.
What if you could provide them with video chapters (presenting a summary of events) that they can navigate and read through, like a book?
Do you think that could help improve the video experience and, in turn, attract more attendees to join?
Well, If Yes, than you should collaborate with Videoken!
VideoKen is a platform to utilize video to boost the KPIs of your virtual events. You should check out VideoKen's AI-powered virtual solutions to help make your virtual events interactive and immersive.
Reach out to experts and take advantage of the video's captivating power to amplify your virtual events' reach.