Tips to build and foster connections at virtual events

Fostering long-term connections is crucial for businesses. Even if enterprises around the globe are adopting virtual event management technologies, it has further emphasized the importance of building and maintaining interpersonal connections. Today a number of online event management platforms provide attendees overall event experience that is as good as in-person events within the comfort of their home. However, many individuals, as well as event organizers, fail to make the most out of it.

So here are the tips to build and foster connections at virtual events that will help you in the long run.

1. Facilitate networking even before the event actually commences

One of the better ways to build a strong community that stays strong is to plan for ‘before’ as well as ‘after’ attendee engagement activities. However, there is indeed an advantage in enabling the participants to interact with each other before the event.

Hosts can initiate pre-event gatherings or informal sessions with the help of experts/speakers on any chosen virtual platform. Such gatherings are great to educate your audience about the event agenda, an overall outline of the event, and what to expect from the event. This all process is done in a casual manner which in turn stimulates conversations and fosters networking opportunities among the participants even before the event commences.

1. Utilize virtual platforms that enable networking

One must befriend technology as they host an online event. As every participant interacts via a virtual medium, the interactions may lack personal touch. One might wonder about how to network at events like these. Thus in order to ensure smooth sailing through these events, select an online event management platform that enables participants to foster networking.

For example, a few advanced platforms allow participants to send messages and connect via video calls with each other during online networking events. Additionally, they can set up chat rooms for after-event discussions.

1. Make the most of social media platforms

Social media platforms are excellent tools to spread the word much faster. Thus you can make the most out of all types of social media platforms and promote your event through every step. Event planners can assign a specific hashtag that is specific to the event and encourage event participants to use the hashtag in all of their online posts.

Additionally, you can create event groups on Facebook and on professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn and invite all the participants to join them. In order to keep the conversations going, consistently share relevant content on all of these groups.

1. Plan for fun activities and games

Common activities and interests are known to boost bonding between individuals. The same applies to professional virtual networking events as well. Despite being hosted virtually, events need not have to cut down on the fun part. Event planners can plan for activities that encourage every participant’s involvement. Moreover, if the virtual event management software permits, assign tasks to a group of individuals to complete. Furthermore, announce lucrative prizes to boost participation. Other enjoyable activities, such as virtual drinks, lunch, supper, or happy hour, are also possible.

1. Provide scope to develop relationships through Sponsorship

Sponsorships are one of the best ways to generate revenues for your business. But they need not be limited to just source of revenue generation. Sponsorships can also provide you with ample opportunities for networking and fostering new connections even via online events.

When an event host/planner provides their sponsor partners enough visibility, in turn, it introduces new businesses to the audience. Attendees may find such products/services useful and motivates event participants to connect with sponsor businesses.

To achieve effortless communication event hosts can take the assistance of virtual event planning tools that enable the audience to interact via chats, video calls, audio calls, etc. Moreover, as an event host, you can simplify contacting procedure by making the sponsor’s contact information easily available to the audience. Along with contact information, it is always beneficial to share links to social media pages, websites, and social media handles, etc. with the event attendees at a virtual networking event.

Conclusion

Modern online event management platforms help you in delivering an exceptional experience and drive value for every stakeholder. When done correctly virtual networking helps you in fostering long-lasting professional connections.