VIRTUAL EVENTS
Interactive Tools
The success of virtual events depends mostly on the involvement of the participants. In addition to content quality, one of the most effective ways to engage viewers is the use of various interactive elements during the event. Most virtual event platforms are prepared for this with basic Q&A and LIVE POLLING functions. However, many other tools are also available to engage our audience even more.
In our research, we have divided the interactive elements into two parts:
Interactivity using functions of the event platforms
Above are the most widely provided interactivity functions integrated in event platforms by default, therefore their maximum use in engaging participants is highly recommended.
Presentations should ideally be no longer than 12-15 minutes, and include at least one, ideally three live-poll questions. Poll results display after the session as diagrams (this function is also available on most platforms).
Breakout rooms are ideal for working/brainstorming in small groups. Participants are split into groups either randomly by the platform, or based on the host’s priorities. After the available time has elapsed, participants return to the virtual plenary room.
Minor amendments and further creative ideas to utilize above functions even better:
● Content-related quiz instead of a classic poll to engage participant attention. Questions mainly focus on the topic of the presentation less on the opinion of the viewers. Some of the platforms are not able to rate participants therefore this is rather a fun factor than a competition. In case we want to arrange a more complex quiz we need to involve an external platform (see below).
● On virtual platforms the work is much more efficient in smaller groups. This adds an additional interactive element to the session, without any extra IT upgrade. Nevertheless, many external applications can help increase productivity within the breakout rooms (see below).
● During larger events, random allocation of participants into breakout rooms allows teams to mingle and to get to know each other.
Interactivity by involving external applications
These external applications increase engagement beyond the default functions of event platforms.
The challenge is however, that participants have to register for them one by one, stay active and switch between parallel platforms during the virtual event
Furthermore, attendees need very precise instructions in advance how to register and sign in to the external platform so they are well prepared to join, to avoid unmanageable technical issues during the live event, especially with a large number of participants.
More complex and costly alternatives
Some tools are available on certain event platforms or can be developed and added as an extra feature, however these additions are typically very expensive.
Interactivity using functions of the event platforms
Above are the most widely provided interactivity functions integrated in event platforms by default, therefore their maximum use in engaging participants is highly recommended.
Presentations should ideally be no longer than 12-15 minutes, and include at least one, ideally three live-poll questions. Poll results display after the session as diagrams (this function is also available on most platforms).
Breakout rooms are ideal for working/brainstorming in small groups. Participants are split into groups either randomly by the platform, or based on the host’s priorities. After the available time has elapsed, participants return to the virtual plenary room.
Minor amendments and further creative ideas to utilize above functions even better:
● Content-related quiz instead of a classic poll to engage participant attention. Questions mainly focus on the topic of the presentation less on the opinion of the viewers. Some of the platforms are not able to rate participants therefore this is rather a fun factor than a competition. In case we want to arrange a more complex quiz we need to involve an external platform (see below).
● On virtual platforms the work is much more efficient in smaller groups. This adds an additional interactive element to the session, without any extra IT upgrade. Nevertheless, many external applications can help increase productivity within the breakout rooms (see below).
● During larger events, random allocation of participants into breakout rooms allows teams to mingle and to get to know each other.
Interactivity by involving external applications
These external applications increase engagement beyond the default functions of event platforms.
The challenge is however, that participants have to register for them one by one, stay active and switch between parallel platforms during the virtual event
Furthermore, attendees need very precise instructions in advance how to register and sign in to the external platform so they are well prepared to join, to avoid unmanageable technical issues during the live event, especially with a large number of participants.
More complex and costly alternatives
Some tools are available on certain event platforms or can be developed and added as an extra feature, however these additions are typically very expensive.
kraftwerk design & production llc.
all rights reserved. 2020
