This session covered a variety of topics, like moving from generic, basic content to conversations that matter, maximizing registration to attendee conversions, captivating attendee attention throughout the event journey and so much more.
Through this blog, we aim to bring you the biggest takeaways from the episode.
Make the most of it and apply these strategies to transform your audience engagement and brand building, and create an unforgettable event experience altogether.
7 key Takeaways From The Event
1. Future of Virtual Events
Speaker Anant Puranik stated that virtual events are becoming more significant due to the growing challenges associated with content authenticity and budget constraints.
This doubt arises amidst the rapid spread of generative AI technologies that can generate large amounts of content, raising concerns about whether the content truly showcases human perspective.
Puranik emphasized the benefits of virtual events in addressing these issues. They eliminate physical limitations, enabling global participation and access to top-tier speakers, which is particularly valuable in an era where ROI is critically measured from both an organizer’s and an attendee’s perspective.
Furthermore, Puranik argues that, despite the long history of virtual events, their potential is far from exhausted.
"To truly harness their power, virtual events must evolve beyond mere content delivery platforms and focus on creating meaningful, interactive experiences,"
For virtual events to maintain their position as a major marketing channel in the future, they will need to continue to evolve.
2. From Events to Engaging Experiences
To convert virtual events from mere gatherings into enjoyable, engaging experiences, marketers need to focus on creating immersive interactions that make remote participants feel more connected and involved.
Anant Puranik highlighted that bringing the depth of in-person events into the virtual world requires careful planning and innovative strategies.
This involves not just driving registrations but also maintaining enthusiasm and participation leading up to and during the event.
By considering attendee experience at every stage – before, during, and after the event – marketers can differentiate their events and enhance overall engagement.
3. Tailoring Content for Engagement
To boost engagement for your event, it’s essential to deliver content that’s relevant and personalized.
Anant Puranik stressed upon the value of leveraging CRM data for this purpose.
“Using data that you have, using all the knowledge, information, intelligence you have about your registrations goes a long way, especially in coming up with informed campaigns.”
Instead of sending out generic emails to everyone, target specific audience segments with tailored content. Also, encourage interaction before the event by crowdsourcing questions and running polls to involve attendees early on.
Puranik also explained how involving speakers in the process by sharing teaser videos and asking for audience input on topics they’re interested in can do wonders for audience engagement.
4. Choosing the Right Event Platform
Selecting the right event platform is all about matching its features to your event goals.
In the discussion, Anant Puranik emphasized that the focus should be on improving the attendee experience, not overwhelming them with too many features. He recommended prioritizing three key aspects: flexibility, integration, and tech support.
Flexibility ensures the platform can adapt to the event’s needs, while good integration capabilities make managing data and processes much smoother.
Puranik also highlighted the importance of responsive tech support – something that can really make a difference during and after the event.
A platform that encourages active participation will also help attendees feel more engaged and involved.
5. Maximizing Post-Event Engagement
Keeping the conversation with attendees going after an event can be a real challenge.
Anant Puranik highlighted that while managing content during the event is crucial, the real work begins afterward. To keep attendees engaged, it’s essential to think beyond just a summary.
Puranik gave suggestions on creating engaging, bite-sized content like infographics, doodles, and short videos that capture key takeaways.
These forms of content are easy to digest and can help maintain interest long after the event has ended.
By continuing to provide valuable insights and updates, you can keep the momentum going and ensure your event’s impact lasts.
6. Emerging Tech Revolutionizing Events
Anant Puranik emphasized upon a few key players like Gen AI, VR, and 3D printing.
Gen AI is already making waves by helping with content creation and personalization, and it’s particularly useful for smaller marketing teams who need a creative boost.
Virtual reality (VR) is now ready to offer even more immersive experiences, especially in hybrid events where it can bridge the gap between in-person and virtual attendees.
As far as 3D printing is concerned, it might soon transform event giveaways by creating personalized, unique items, based on attendee preferences.
The important thing is figuring out how to use these technologies in a way that truly enhances the event experience, rather than just jumping on the latest trend.
7. Effective Virtual Event Formats & Expositions
Puranik pointed out that webinars, though often underestimated, can be highly effective if managed properly.
However, he also stressed that many webinars fail due to inadequate pre-event engagement, and poorly executed email campaigns.
He also highlighted the value of day-long events with multiple tracks, which cater to diverse audiences, and can deliver significant returns despite being demanding to organize.
"Vodcasts, or video podcasts, though underutilized, are an excellent format for quick, impactful content that can lead to deeper engagement."
By focusing on meaningful interactions, tailored content, and innovative formats like vodcasts, event organizers can create impactful experiences that engage audiences and drive lasting results.
To get access to the full content of the event, which is, by the way, super informative and insightful for anyone looking to up their events game, check out the full recording.
