Virtual Events · 5 min read
Planning a Successful Virtual Gathering
Online events work best when they are designed for a screen, not copied from a room.
Attention works differently on a screen. A format that flows in a ballroom can feel endless on a video call.
Shorten and pace it
Aim for shorter sessions with clear transitions, and build in breaks. Variety in format (talk, discussion, activity) keeps people present.
Rehearse the technology
Test the platform, audio and screen sharing with the people who will use them. Decide in advance who handles questions and who handles technical problems.
Invite participation
Give guests something to do: a poll, a prompt, a small group conversation. Participation is what makes a gathering feel like a gathering.
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