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  • 1.  Tips to facilitate networking at virtual conferences

    Cvent Staff
    Posted 09-14-2022 10:27

    Happy mid-week all! Let's kickstart with our next edition of the Tip of the Week discussion! 

    While virtual conferences offer planners and marketers a way to connect with a broader audience, often leading to higher registration numbers than in-person events as travel and cost are no longer burdens attendees must bear.  

    A successful virtual conference takes cross-functional teams that include planning, marketing, IT, and digital, as well as reimagining content that engages attendees from home.  

    Just because you're not sitting across the table from an attendee or speaking to them at a physical booth doesn't mean you can't leverage your virtual event to make that connection. When planning networking for your virtual conference, there are three different types of connections to consider when building a community experience. 

    • Sales networking with attendees - You've been conducting virtual one-on-one meetings for years, certainly for the past few months as onsite visits aren't practical. Apply those same principles to your virtual event. With appointment scheduling tools, sales can set up meetings with attendees before the event, taking a valuable spot on their agenda early. 
    • Attendees networking with attendees - Your mobile event app will be critical for these connections. Using messaging tools and the event feed, attendees can connect with other attendees. You further encourage networking by scheduling happy hours, breakouts, and one-on-ones. 
    • Sponsors or exhibitors networking with attendees - Exhibitors, other attendees, and even your sales teams can review the registration list for the virtual event and make appointments the old-fashioned way, by sending an email with a Zoom link. You'll likely get more and better engagement if you make it easy and seamless to schedule an appointment from within the virtual experience itself. 

     

    Question for you: 

    • Which method do you use to network with the attendees at a virtual conference? 

     

    As always, feel free to drop in your suggestions in the comment section below! #CventTip


    #Flex-Creating/ManagingEvents
    #ManagingVirtualEvents

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    Megha Jetley
    Assistant Manager
    Cvent Marketing Department
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  • 2.  RE: Tips to facilitate networking at virtual conferences

    User Group Member
    Posted 09-15-2022 09:52
    We unfortunately outside of a chat box for engagement haven't had much open in the way of networking on our events.

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    Rachel
    NJ
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  • 3.  RE: Tips to facilitate networking at virtual conferences

    User Group Member
    Posted 09-21-2022 14:00
    • Which method do you use to network with the attendees at a virtual conference? Chat, videos, virtual booths w/content


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    Rebecca Quinn
    Corporate Events Manager
    Transplace Texas, LPUnited States
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  • 4.  RE: Tips to facilitate networking at virtual conferences

    User Group Member
    Posted 09-15-2022 13:01
    Which method do you use to network with the attendees at a virtual conference? 

    Chat box works great

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    Jonathan stanaj
    Events Manager
    United Federation of TeachersUnited States
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  • 5.  RE: Tips to facilitate networking at virtual conferences

    User Group Member
    Posted 09-16-2022 07:57
    We've used breakout type sessions with panelists where attendees get the chance to interact with subject matter experts in small groups. We give our panelists some ideas or questions ahead of time to get the conversation started and identify a "lead" attendee that we also work with ahead of time to help keep the conversation going. These are promoted as informal networking opportunities.

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    Jennifer Jones
    Senior Specialist
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  • 6.  RE: Tips to facilitate networking at virtual conferences

    Posted 09-16-2022 11:25
    We've hosted special virtual networking events with breakout rooms to give attendees a chance to connect. These events have typically involved a guest speaker or particular topic, with breakout rooms getting together to meet and greet but also share feedback on targeted questions.

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    Bouran Qaddumi
    Sr. Manager, Training
    Church's Chicken
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  • 7.  RE: Tips to facilitate networking at virtual conferences

    User Group Member
    Posted 09-26-2022 16:05
    We typically utilize breakout rooms, and rearrange them a couple times, depending on the session types. Live Q&A is always good too.

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    Olivia Popofski
    Marketing Coordinator
    Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada and AffiliatesCanada
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  • 8.  RE: Tips to facilitate networking at virtual conferences

    User Group Member
    Posted 09-28-2022 14:05
    We include virtual networking breaks, which are just Zoom breakout rooms, with the program speakers. Virtual attendees can share feedback and ask questions beyond the normal chat and Q&A functions. The hottest virtual networking ticket in town are apps like Wonder, Remo and Swapcard!

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    Jacqueline C. Ward, CMP
    Director, Conferences and Special Events, UNC-Chapel Hill
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  • 9.  RE: Tips to facilitate networking at virtual conferences

    User Group Member
    Posted 09-29-2022 09:42
    We don't currently use apps, but it's on our wish list for 2023, and one piece would be our Relationship Manager to chat with attendees and follow up.

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    Beth Vriesen
    Events Registration Admin
    Associated Bank Corporation
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