Hey, remember conventions? Remember keynote speeches? Remember live summits? Me too. And now it’s all changing.

Our current health crisis has forced you to pivot your business. And now, it is forcing you to pivot you hosting or attending your live event. 

Recently, the decision was made to turn ProfitCon, an annual, three day live event, to a virtual event. Ouch. How do we even do that? 

Is this the new normal? While that’s not completely clear, it sure is the new “right now”. I am no stranger to virtual events, but now, there’s not much of a choice. Here’s what I’ve noticed about it lately:

There are some obvious downsides to live events pivoting to virtual events. When it comes to the cons, you definitely lose the tactile experience. For one, people are more distracted during a virtual event. I can’t see if someone is checking their email, making a sandwich or just not engaged at all. Moreover, it’s the energy alone that I miss. That energy of a live event is just palpable. From the excitement of the audience (or side eye, depends on the audience member) to the adrenaline I have pumping through me before I walk out onto a stage, a live event is much more, well, alive. And, obviously, there is the loss of that human component. When the virtual event ends it ends with a click, and a blank screen. I miss that opportunity to really interact. To shake hands and even break bread with others. 

Hm. Maybe we should be having virtual dinners after these events…

I will counter all of this by saying virtual events have proven to have some pleasant surprises. You know I live for the silver lining! By going virtual the number of events you are able to present increases dramatically. Usually, one live event can take up most of a week. Really! They usually take 2-3 days between travel time and the event itself. Virtual events? You can conduct 2-3 events per day if you want to. (You know, in case your’re as nuts as I am.)

Another huge surprise for me with virtual events? Connection with individuals in the group can be stronger. At a live event, you can hear laughter and applause, which you obviously cannot hear virtually. But, I have been pleasantly surprised that engagement actually increases through virtual events. The ability to type in questions during the event allows you to be much more responsive to individuals as you present. And, for an audience member to walk away with real answers after an event is extremely gratifying. And, there is a greater form of access and quality for the audience themselves. Some virtual events are arranged so you can view everyone on the screen, they are just as visible as you are – so there is much more intimacy, which I did not expect at all. I can work with this!

Do you want to host a live event? Set up your home office or presentation space as a broadcast. While you don’t have to spend an enormous amount of money on your equipment, you do need the right equipment. Here are some tips:

Audio – Above all, quality audio is key. If your audience can’t hear you they’re outta there! Once you have your audio nailed down, it’s time for…

Lighting – Make sure you are lit so your audience can see your face clearly. While back lighting may look cool in a portrait, it will blur your face or make it impossible to see you in a video format. Which brings me to…

Camera – Get one. Again, it doesn’t have to be fancy, but check reviews and make sure it is going to serve your purpose for your plans. 

I know the world is asking a lot of you right now, and this is just another piece of it. The face of our events may be changing – but our connection doesn’t have to. In fact, it can make our connection stronger than ever if we embrace it.

Keep kicking butt, my friends. You’ve got this.

*****