While we are becoming more astute at planning and hosting virtual events in today’s world, hosting a virtual event or online seminar can be an overwhelming experience. With all that needs to be organized, planning a virtual event requires focus to be successful.

However, to ensure that everyone gains a positive experience event and that you receive a positive return on your investment of time and money, you’ll need to know how to avoid the most common pitfalls of hosting a virtual event.

Timing Is Everything

The ultimate goal of your virtual event can not be reached if you lose participants along the way. To ensure everyone is engaged and not zoning out, you’ll need to have the timing of your event down to a science. After all, you won’t want your brand or event to be remembered for being boring or lacking in a cause. Consider the average attention span of adults and keep your sessions exciting and brief.

Pro Tip: As a rule of thumb, keep your session segments to around 20-25 minutes long. Statistically, this average time is how long most people stay engaged and connected.

Throw Out Unwanted Pitches

Participants will be turned off if you’re hosting a no-strings-attached event and then pepper it with pitches. People like to know what they are getting into with virtual events, and nothing leaves a bad taste in their mouths more than unwanted sales pitches. When people attend your virtual event, they hope that doing so will add value to their lives. The last thing you want is for your participants to feel negative about your brand, organization, or company.

Pro Tip: Typically, the end of a presentation is the best time for a sales pitch; pick your timing carefully.

Pick A Perfect Platform

Your virtual event is only as successful as the platform it is held. Even the most well-organized event will fall short on the wrong forum. With such a diverse range of services and virtual platforms from which to choose, many event planners fall victim to making the wrong choice and finding out too late. To avoid this pitfall, make a checklist of all of your needs for your virtual event, and then match the platform that suits your event the best.
Pro Tip: Unique virtual event platforms work well with most types of events. Consult with a professional virtual platform provider to ensure you pick the best platform for your virtual event.