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Overview

The most successful virtual events are a part of a long-term audience acquisition & retention strategy. Learn more before beginning to plan your next virtual event.

Compelling events are about people

Throughout your process of producing a virtual event, it is critical to prioritize the following elements:

  • The clarity of your message
  • The attendee experience
  • Your ongoing engagement strategy

All technology decisions should be made with these key elements in mind. Often the most important thing to invest in is the storytelling skills of your Presenters who will land your core messages.

Ensure your content has a follow-up lifecycle for attendees who want to continue learning, review content offline, or ask questions.

Events are no longer a destination – they fuel connection, ongoing learning and engagement.

Event Design Model

The one thing we can never get back is time. This is the most valuable thing an event attendee shares with you.

The most successful virtual events are a part of a long-term audience acquisition and retention strategy. This is an example framework of an acquisition strategy.

Ensure attendee satisfaction with valuable and engaging content and on-screen talent. Clear calls to action and post-event engagement will ensure the attendees you acquire would return for further events.

Awareness – Potential attendees know about you and your event.

Education – Potential attendees gain knowledge about the purpose of your event.

Intent – Potential attendees form intent to participate in your event.

Conversion – Potential attendees convert via registration.

Engagement – Attendee participation.

Satisfaction – Attendees are satisfied with your event and would recommend it to others.

Accessibility icon

Accessibility

Inclusivity icon

Inclusivity

Technology icon

Technology

Event Model icon

Event Model

Awareness

Core
Message

Education

Engagement
Strategy

Intent &
Conversion

Content
Production

Engagement

Talent &
Tools

Satisfaction

Audience
Profile

Audience Experience

Example: Digital events guiding principles

Event mission: Online content and interactive experiences that foster learning, connection and inspiration

Approach with empathy and inclusion

Adapt to audience needs and feelings, enabling all to feel welcome, present, and able to connect.

Be a digital content platform

Media and user experience optimized for digital consumption.

Communicate core narratives

Deliver learning content, core messaging, authentic brand experience, priority solutions, and engagement opportunities.

Earn audience attention

Help users prioritize content via promotions, schedule reminders, and participation rewards.

Access the experts

Reduce friction. Expand connection opportunities. Get information from the source.

Embrace real time feedback and change

Incorporate real time feedback for content and event experiences. Be willing to quickly change to deliver a better event.

Components of presentation accessibility

Contrast

Example of contrast for presentation accessibility

Shape and color

Example of shape and color for presentation accessibility

Alt text

First example of alt text for presentation accessibility
Second example of alt text for presentation accessibility

Slide layouts

First example of slide layouts for presentation accessibility
Second example of slide layouts for presentation accessibility
Third example of slide layouts for presentation accessibility

Accessible color combinations

Example of accessible color combinations for presentation accessibility

Accessible and inclusive events

Your audience is more diverse than you may think. Design an inclusive event by following our guidance and using our tools.

Accessible events guide

View our guidance for creating accessible events from registration to presentations. These simple but important tips will ensure everyone is included.

Inclusive communication

Create inclusive communications that use text and provide an ability for attendees to request accommodations or ask questions. Learn about making accessible e-mails and consider using Sway for event brochures or agendas provided in advance.

Turn on live captions

Ensure your audience knows they can turn on live captions in live events or PowerPoint Live. For videos provided on demand, create caption files (.vtt) for inclusivity on streaming platforms or utilize the built-in capabilities of Microsoft Stream.

Inclusivity begins in planning

Creating an inclusive event begins with how you plan. Hear feedback from a variety of roles in your organization. Now is the time to address ideas as you reinvent your event for virtual delivery.

Some recommended tasks:

  • Prepare, publish, and enforce an event Code of Conduct (CoC). Use our example to get started.
  • Include a CoC contact for concerns.
  • Include ways for people to provide preferences in the registration form, including preferred pronouns, physical and mental requirements, and any other necessary identifiers. (When in person – dietary needs and allergies.)
  • Engage various stakeholder groups early to get feedback and suggestions. Remember to include those who have not participated in the past.
  • Review your speaker list. Is there an opportunity to bring in additional talent to work with seasoned presenters?
  • Ensure your event team represents diverse perspectives across your organization.
  • Plan for event/session surveys to get feedback from all involved.

Your effort matters

Review our guidance about the simple ways you can be more inclusive of people with disabilities. Beyond virtual events, these items apply to the broader context of our work and professional relationships. The seven (7) ways to be more inclusive of people with disabilities are below. Click through to the link to view short videos explaining each one.

Simple Things Count

Watch the full video from disability rights activist Emily Ladau on seven (7) ways to be more inclusive of people with disabilities.

Watch video

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Virtual Event Playbook: Overview