Engaged members are loyal, active, and more likely to buy courses, attend events, and promote your brand. So, when it comes to event attendance, engaging your audience can lead to a win-win: they attend, they participate, and they spread the word!

But how do you get that level of engagement? While there are many ways to engage an audience, a strong online presence is one of the most effective. Some might think technology detracts from in-person events, but it’s quite the opposite—it can actually enhance them!

With the right digital strategies, you can build a connected, engaged audience that’s excited to attend your physical events. Let’s explore how:

1. Engage Your Audience Through Interaction

One of the easiest ways to build engagement is by interacting with your audience. Social media provides the perfect platform for this, allowing you to connect with members directly: you can answer questions, solve problems, and build relationships easier than ever before.

The key here is authenticity—skip the corporate jargon and talk to your audience like real people. Join industry discussions, offer insights, and be approachable. An active, genuine online presence can make a big impact!

Beyond social media, consider offering online workshops, webinars, or an open forum where members can connect. The real power of these channels lies in being responsive—quickly address feedback, answer questions, and engage in dialogue. A responsive brand fosters loyalty, which makes users more likely to recommend your association and be more interested in your future events.

After all, high engagement levels make your association’s in-person events feel like a natural extension of your association’s virtual space!

2. Highlight Your Core Values

People are more likely to engage with associations they understand and relate to. Make sure your core values are front and center in everything you do. Be bold in sharing your mission and your stance on important issues in your industry. This doesn’t mean diving into politics, but it does mean consistently aligning your messaging with your values. Authenticity, again, is key here—modern audiences can spot a generic sales pitch a mile away, and they’re drawn to brands that feel genuine and personal.

One way to achieve this is by partnering with influencers or sponsors who share your values. When people see their beliefs reflected in your association, they’re more likely to become loyal participants in your events.

3. Enhance Your Purpose

To keep your audience engaged, offer more than just a product or event—become a hub of valuable information and resources. This could mean providing access to industry news, offering online training or workshops, or creating a space for networking and discussion. The more value you offer, the more invested your audience becomes in your organization.

Then, at your in-person events, make sure to leverage these connections.

Use your partnerships to create unique experiences (such as exclusive trials or presentations) that make your events stand out. When people feel like they’re part of something bigger, they’re more likely to show up and be involved.

4. Give a Behind-the-Scenes Look with Live Streaming

Want to give your audience a taste of your event before they even attend? Live streaming can do just that!

Show off your event in real-time, allowing viewers to experience it virtually and get a sense of what to expect if they attend in person next time. Live streams can also build anticipation–especially if you engage with your online audience during the event.

Don’t stop at just your events, though! You can use live streams to host interviews, discussions, or behind-the-scenes tours. Give your audience an inside look at your organization and the people behind it. These personal touches help build a connection and keep your association top of mind when it’s time to buy tickets to your next event.

5. Leverage Live Engagement Marketing (LEM)

Live Engagement Marketing (LEM) uses technology to create an interactive experience at in-person events. Whether it’s a digital concierge app, a networking platform, or gamified activities, these tools keep attendees engaged and connected. They also provide valuable data on your audience’s behavior and preferences, helping you tailor future events to their needs.

With tools like Near-Field Communication (NFC) devices, attendees can seamlessly interact with event booths and workshops, while you gain insights into their interests. This data can help you improve targeted marketing, advertising, and sponsorships–all of which boost attendance at future events!

Final Thoughts

By integrating these online strategies, you can turn digital engagement into real-world success. From interacting with your audience to live streaming events and using cutting-edge tech, these tactics not only build loyalty but also drive in-person attendance. Embrace the digital tools at your disposal, and watch your events thrive!

References

How To Livestream Your Event & Maximize Social Media. (2017, August 18). Retrieved from Blog website: https://livestream.com/blog/social-media-for-livestreaming-events

LoSasso. (2018, August 8). Tips to maximize engagement while live streaming. Retrieved August 27, 2021, from LoSasso Integrated Marketing website: https://www.losasso.com/blog/social-media/tips-to-maximize-engagement-while-live-streaming/

Odell, P. (2016, November 11). 5 Ways to Maximize Offline Engagement at Your Live Events. Retrieved August 27, 2021, from Chief Marketer website: https://www.chiefmarketer.com/5-ways-to-maximize-offline-engagement-at-your-live-events/

Team, P. E. (2018, July 27). 11 Customer Engagement Strategies for Marketing. Retrieved August 27, 2021, from Chat Blog website: https://www.proprofs.com/c/customer-support/marketing-strategies-for-customer-engagement/

The post How Online Engagement Can Increase Your In-Person Attendance appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

There are a variety of ways live streams can help your association, but increasing the reach and accessibility of your events is one of the best and biggest. In fact, member-based organizations can expand their events in many ways through live streams! In today’s article, we’re going to be highlighting and discussing the major ways that organizations can transform their events through the art of live streaming:

1. Combat Attendance Caps

Since live streams come with a cost, some event planners may question whether it makes sense for their association. The truth is, there is no minimum organization size or attendance number to which live streams are limited! In reality, while bigger events may bring in far larger live stream viewership numbers, smaller associations may actually require live streams more in order to appease their audience.

With live streams, event attendance is no longer confined to venue capacity. Organizations don’t have to upgrade their venue size to accommodate unsecured attendees. If the in-person event sells out, organizations can offer live stream access to last-minute guests. This can be especially useful for workshops that might attract new participants during an event. Rather than scrambling to find an adequate space, organizations can simply live stream the workshop to interested parties!

2. Discover a New Marketing Tool

Events are one of the best ways for associations to market their services and their brand. Getting prospective members to the event, however, can offer up some unique challenges. Thankfully, with live streams, much of the heavy commitment is removed for prospective attendees. Sure, there is often a cost associated with tuning in, but it is usually a fraction of the price of attending in person. Additionally, of those who do watch the live stream, a significant number will attend the same event in person the following year! This fact makes live streams a powerful promotional tool to grow events.

After the live aspect of these streams is gone, the video content can be reused in various ways for advertisements and marketing clips. On social media, video content is marketing gold, as 48% of consumers share brand videos on their social media channels. With so much video content gleaned from a live streamed event, event planners can promote their events better and more effectively than ever!

3. Reduce Travel (and Costs!)

Perhaps the most obvious way that live streams enhance the availability and accessibility of events is by reducing the amount of travel–and travel expenses–required for attendance. It’s largely because of these conveniences that some people fear that live streams may cut into in-person attendance numbers. And, while research indicates that live streams may actually increase in-person attendance for events, digital availability is, admittedly, a highly attractive option.

Yet, no matter how much they may want to attend, people can miss out on  events for any number of reasons. They may not have the money to register. The event may be too far away. They may be sick. They may not be able to get the time off work. They may have other commitments. Live streams may not be able to solve all of these issues, but they certainly provide more options. Aspiring attendees can watch from work or from home, and some live streams even allow for video replay, which removes time constraints as well! Live streams don’t remove in-person attendance; they make events accessible to those who wouldn’t be able to come in the first place!

4. Reach All Kinds

Your event could offer the most useful and beneficial content ever put together, and there would still be a large group of people who would rather not attend. Whether due to social anxiety or do-it-yourself attitudes, in-person events just aren’t attractive to some people. Regardless of why, live streams may offer an enticing alternative. People with physical limitations, for example, can access online events more easily. Introverts can attend without having to drain their social batteries.

For many, the greatest element of an in-person event is the powerful networking potential it offers. Yet, event networking has been dominated by a very specific type of person for a long period of time. Various groups and types of people who don’t fit this mold have been pushed to the sidelines, unable to participate. For these people, live streams provide a refreshingly alternative and more welcoming space.

5. Increase the Scope and Engagement

With the understanding that live streams actually improve attendance numbers–both online and in-person for future events–event planners can grow their events in a variety of ways. In addition to increasing the actual size of events and growing revenue, live streams can lead to extended presentations and workshops. Since engagement with live streams is longer, lengthy videos shouldn’t lead to a decrease in online attendance. With more viewers, event planners can also look to grow the scope and variety of topics discussed at their events.

According to some data, users are more interactive and engaged with live streams than they are with recorded videos. This gives event planners another element to consider when designing their event, as forums and various other outlets for discussion can be incorporated. Many live streamed events even allow viewers to speak with presenters, event exhibitors, and administrators while the event is ongoing. This helps enhance the presence, personality, and availability of an organization in the eyes of consumers–making your event both delightfully engaging and memorable!

You may also like: Boosting Your Revenue Potential with Live Streamed Events

Conclusion

When it comes to events, live streaming is the way to go; you can bypass attendance caps, find new methods of marketing, minimize travel and costs, expand your audience, and increase your event’s engagement. Give it a try next time your association runs an event–you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised!

Sources

The post Filling Seats: How Livestreaming Makes Events Accessible appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

As with most technical fields, live streaming has its own language. For many, understanding these words is half of the battle.

Now, we’ve all experienced it: trying to read a list of technical specs, our eyes slowly glazing over as we desperately try to stay awake. What do all these words mean?

To help you carve through all the technical terms, we’ve compiled a glossary of common live stream language. Let’s get started!

Adaptive Streaming

Adaptive streaming refers to the technology that makes it possible to stream at multiple bitrates, which accommodates a variety of resolutions and bandwidths on the viewer end. This usually results in a smoother video for viewers.

Basically, it lets everyone see the best possible stream for their device, location, and internet quality.

Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio refers to the relationship between an image’s width and height. For streaming, the typical aspect ratio is 16:9.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth refers to the speed at which someone can download or upload information from the internet. This speed is typically measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). At the very least, your available bandwidth should be higher than your desired bitrate when streaming.

Bitrate

Bitrate is the rate at which audio and video data is sent from the streaming source to the network.

Buffering

Buffering is the preloading of memory into a reserved memory area before the content begins to play.

Have you ever tried to watch a video on YouTube, only for it to pause and show you a spinning circle for a minute before you start? Yup, that’s buffering.

Compression

Compression refers to the process of decreasing the size of multimedia to improve streaming efficiency. Currently, the industry compression standard is H.264 (MPEG-4).

Content Delivery Network (CDN)

A CDN is a distribution network of servers and data centers that help distribute data and information more easily than a single server could manage. The goal here is to spread out data delivery between a wide number of servers, which boosts performance.

Dropped Frames

Dropped frames refers to the loss of video frames during a stream’s encoding or compression process. This typically happens when a computer tries to process more data than it can handle efficiently, resulting in lagging, skipping, or out-of-sync video and audio.

Encoding or Transcoding

Encoding (also called transcoding) is the process of converting the recorded content’s raw data into a suitable compressed format for internet transmission.

Firewall

A firewall is a network security system that regulates communications between internal and external networks, restricting unauthorized access and managing and controlling trusted networks. You don’t want to disable these and leave your association (or your stream) unprotected!

Frame Rate

Frame rate is the number of single image frames displayed per second (“FPS” or frames per second). In addition to the viewing experience, frame rate can impact the compression and encoding processes.

Two of the most common frame rates in streaming are 30 FPS and 60 FPS. The higher the frame rate, the more bandwidth it will consume.

H.264

H.264 is also called Advanced Video Coding (AVC) or MPEG-4 and refers to the standard compression format for streaming video over the internet. It was created to give the best video quality for the lowest bandwidth and least amount of lag.

HTTP Dynamic Sstreaming (HDS)

HDS is an adaptive-bitrate streaming technology made by Adobe, which allows stream viewers to play multimedia at their ideal size and quality.

HDS is used less frequently and has less support than…

HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)

HLS is an adaptive-bitrate communications protocol made by Apple, which allows stream viewers to play multimedia at their ideal size and quality. Over time, HLS has become an open standard–not exclusive to Apple (though Apple products will only use HLS).

Between HDS (the above) and HLS, HLS is the more widely used option.

HTML5 Video

HTML5 Video is a common in-browser player for streaming multimedia at a low bandwidth.

IP Camera

IP cameras are cameras that are capable of sending and receiving data directly to and from the internet. These cameras are used primarily for security and streaming purposes.

Keyframe

A keyframe (or intraframe) refers to a video image’s full frame: the start and end points of a transition.

The frames that follow a keyframe are called delta frames and typically only contain information that has changed from the original keyframe.

Latency

Latency essentially means “delay”. It is the length of time that takes place between video capture and live stream display.

“Lag” is slang for latency! So “high latency” means “more lag”.

Mixer

A video mixer is hardware that allows streamers to easily switch between and combine video and audio signals.

Regardless of how many cameras or inputs are used by the mixer, the output is contained within one signal for easy broadcasting.

Packet

A packet is a basic unit of information that travels along a network path.

Transmitted data is broken into packets and transported separately to an endpoint. Once there, the separate packets reassemble into the intended format.

When packets don’t arrive, this is referred to as packet loss; this loss is something you want to minimize.

Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP)

RTMP is an Adobe-developed media streaming protocol used to transfer video over the internet. RTMP refers to the web address that data uses as a path from the stream source to the stream server.

RTMPE, meanwhile, refers to encrypted media streaming system based on this protocol.

Resolution

Resolution comes in a variety of specs, such as 4K, 1080i, 1080p, 720p, 480i, and 480p. These numbers refer to the number of pixels it takes to fill a screen.

In general, the larger the number, the clearer the resolution.

Simulcast

Simulcast refers to the streaming of an event on multiple sources and platforms at the same time.

Stream Key

A stream key is the alphanumeric key used by an encoder to authenticate, identify, and communicate with the streaming server.

Video Artifacting

Video artifacting refers to a type of pixelation/image distortion that occurs during streaming. As opposed to standard pixelation, which impacts the entire frame, video artifacting usually impacts one (or a few) objects in a frame.

It typically indicates a compression issue.

You may also like: Attracting More Sponsors: the Live Stream Appeal

Conclusion

If you managed to make it to the end of the list, congratulations! How many terms did you recognize? If you want, you can bookmark this list to refer back to in the future.

Happy streaming!

Want help demystifying more eLearning technology? Contact Vocalmeet today; we’ll be happy to help you set your association up for success!

The post Live Streaming: a Glossary appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Despite this, organizations are still slow to realize the full potential of the practice. Back in 2016, about 44% of brands were incorporating live streaming. That number has grown steadily since but, for most, there’s still plenty of room to grow.

In general, videos perform much better than other media formats. Videos typically have a greater than 135% organic reach on social media channels compared to pictures. Additionally, viewers watch live videos longer, comment more, and share them more often than they do their pre-recorded counterparts.

However, when it comes to positive brand awareness, the effectiveness of a live stream is more important than just its widespread coverage. Live streams give organizations the power of immediacy. They can showcase sides of the organization that most consumers would never (or could never) otherwise see.

While there are countless ways that live streams can help your organization, today we’ll be exploring some of the best ways they can help promote your association’s brand:

1. Introduce Your Organization

One of the best ways for an organization to build true brand recognition is to give the world a closer look at its inner workings. Modern consumers connect best to organizations that display transparency, honesty, and authenticity.

In order to gain the trust of consumers, organizations need to be human, be responsible, and be available. How better to achieve this than to use live streams to show off your association? Live streams can highlight how your organization operates by bringing viewers behind-the-scenes:

• Showcase your creative process
• Take viewers on a tour
• Create videos that show off your organization’s culture

Some organizations even choose to live stream meetings or interviews with various personnel. This helps to add personality and a face to the company.

You may consider giving your consumers a chance to ask questions of different people. The goal here is to help bridge the gap between the organization and the consumer. Demystify your operations and unveil the processes involved in your work. The more people know and understand, the higher the chance they will connect with you.

These live streams don’t have to be polished pieces of art, either. In fact, many of the most effective live streams are unscripted and rough around the edges, making them come across as more “real” and authentic.

2. Highlight Your Initiatives

As a promotional tool, few mediums can compete with live streams.

Effective live streams remove the middleman and the confusing marketing language, instead providing immediate updates, increased awareness, and news announcements directly from the source.

Associations can use live streams to show-off or tease new and upcoming courses and conferences. Some may offer exclusive sales via discount codes or contests during the stream.

Other associations may use live streams to provide a countdown to an upcoming event or initiative. This can help build excitement and ensure a launch doesn’t go by unnoticed!

Another effective live streaming method is to highlight positive initiatives or charity work done by your organization. In this globally-conscious age, live streams with a social focus can inspire audiences and help them connect with your association’s mission.

No matter how you demonstrate your organization’s value or purpose, it’s important to keep your communications consistent and on-brand. Today’s members are much more willing to support associations when they feel that they’re contributing to a positive effort!

3. Stream Your Events

Improving access to your association’s events is a powerful way to increase brand awareness.

For one, live streaming your events will result in a more widespread reach: your consumers will enjoy more attendance options and, as a result, your attendance will become more diverse. As an organization, live streamed events position your brand as more accommodating and forward thinking.

Furthermore, live streams encourage and allow for real-time interaction with attendees. This high level engagement that live video attracts means that most social media platforms favor live streams in their promotional algorithms, allowing you to promote your brand further and farther. Live streams also allow your organization to better promote your events on social media, even directly linking to the event in posts.

Whether it’s product launches, association introductions, or a large industry forum, it’s important to remember that the best live streams offer audiences something that may not be available in person. This takes your live stream from being an extension of the physical event to something altogether unique and distinct.

Even after the live streams and events are finished, organizations can use the material they recorded in a variety of ways. Some organizations break up the video and use it for promotional purposes, enhancing their brand awareness even further.

Make sure to archive and catalog your content for ease of use!

4. Run Live Training Programs

Brand awareness is important, but how consumers recognize and remember a brand is perhaps the most important of all.

With live streams, organizations can inject more value for consumers in a greater number of ways. One of the most effective uses of this strategy–particularly in terms of brand awareness–is to offer live training programs.

Live training programs can be anything, from individual courses to industry certifications to a series of webinars. Some organizations may offer complex training programs, whereas others may prefer simple how-to videos or live demonstrations. Associations can even live stream customer support and customer onboarding videos!

No matter the content, the purpose is the same: education.

Providing educational content helps position associations as thought leaders in their industries, making them a hub of information and a landing spot for professional (and personal!) development.

The live delivery component of this kind of training makes the learning process more of a personal experience. Students and instructors can connect in real-time, and members feel more seen and heard in their studies. By offering live educational support, organizations can foster feelings of being seen and supported in their members.

5. Partner Up

In this age of information, brands are evaluated in many different ways.

Associations looking to build brand awareness should look into teaming up with brands and sponsors with similar values and goals. Organizations may, for example, align with another brand and participate together in a purposeful initiative. Others may seek out professional live streamers or social media influencers to partner with, which can have a major impact on reach and brand awareness.

It’s important, however, that organizations choose the right brands to partner with; when one organization aligns with another, their messaging should be consistent, or else audiences will be left confused.

Perhaps the most effective form of collaboration via live streams is when organizations work directly with their audience.

Associations that respond to and communicate with their members tend to be the more relatable and memorable brands in the digital landscape. Use live streams to:

• Talk to your audience,
• Gather feedback from members, and
• Use it to improve your services.

While crossover content and impressive guest appearances can have lasting effects, good old-fashioned customer appreciation is often what makes the biggest overall impression on your brand!

You may also like: Making Sure Your Next Event is Your BEST Event

Conclusion

In conclusion, live streaming is becoming an indispensable tool for organizations aiming to boost their brand recognition.

Live streaming’s unique ability to engage, captivate, and provide real-time connections makes it a key component in many a marketing strategy. From introducing an organization to showcasing initiatives, from offering live training programs to forging partnerships, live streaming empowers associations to resonate with members on a deeper level and leave a lasting impression.

As this dynamic medium continues to evolve, one thing is becoming clear: embracing live streaming isn’t just a promotional option–it’s rapidly becoming a necessity!

Sources

The post Boosting Brand Recognition: How Live Streaming Can Help appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

On the association side, sponsors can help offset the cost of events. On the sponsor side, the more attendees an event gathers, the better the opportunity to boost their brand.

Because of this, adding a live stream to an event is an excellent way to improve sponsorship opportunities. While there’s no guarantee you’ll hook your ideal target every time (this is life, after all!), there’s no better way to land a big catch than to increase the value you offer–and boy, do live streams help you offer!

Now, while many of the draws of live streams are the same as in-person events, there are some differences. For instance:

• Live streams present fewer geographical limitations and can offer a more varied audience.
• Live streams can extend a sponsorship past the event date.
• Sponsorship content in a live stream can be presented and viewed in multiple ways.

The reality is, sponsors are interested in pairing up with live streams for a lot of the same reasons that your organization decided to implement them in the first place. Now, it’s just up to you to make sure that it’s your live stream that those sponsors choose!

Let’s take a look at how to accomplish this:

1. Upgrade your Stream

The first step to attracting sponsors is to work on your stream.

If your stream looks amateurish, is hard to access, or features an unstable presentation or connection, your viewership will suffer. Few viewers will tune in and even fewer will stick around! This, of course, presents a major issue for sponsors.

How do you avoid these issues without breaking the bank? Let’s find out!

1. You can develop a professional-looking stream with just a smartphone, some quality lighting (ring lights and light panels, anyone?), and a sturdy tripod. You may consider implementing an external microphone to capture high-quality audio, too.
2. Next, you’ll want to ensure that your connection is strong. Latency issues will drive away viewers more than most other factors–no one likes lag!
3. Finally, by hosting your live stream on a reputable streaming platform, you assure sponsors that viewers will be able to access the stream and receive the necessary support, should they need it.

How about that? It’s as simple as one-two-three!

2. Help Them Be Known

For most sponsors, one of the most important details is visibility. How will viewers know that the event, the organization, or the live stream itself is sponsored?

With the wide variety of streaming platforms and technologies available in this market, streamers can promote their sponsors in a growing number of ways:

• Event planners can have speakers verbally promote the brand.
• Associations can display a sponsor logo in the shot.
• Sponsors can have their own dedicated segments (for instance, introducing sessions or hosting their own informative talks).
• Logos can be added to the event landing page (and even overlaid in the event recording in post!).

With the right live streaming partners and platform, associations can offer different levels of promotion to match the needs of their various sponsors.

3. Integrate, Integrate, Integrate

While some sponsors are content with having their logo posted on a live stream, there are those who would be interested in having more involvement in the organizations and the streams that they sponsor.

Up the ante for sponsors by including them in your event in various ways. For instance, associations can:

• Offer sponsors an exhibitor position.
• Use one of their products as a central component at the event.
• Include links or downloadable information about sponsors to drive engagement from viewers.

Another positive about offering a variety of sponsorship options is that your organization can provide tiered sponsorship levels. This gives sponsors a selection to choose from, enabling them to get the right level of involvement at the right price.

Organizations may even want to offer an a la carte approach to sponsorship packages, allowing sponsors to completely customize their involvement. Display your flexibility and your value all in one go!

4. Present a Thorough Plan

Whether you’re reaching out to individual sponsors or presenting a blanket advertisement to attract a variety of organizations, what you need is a solid event plan.

It’s important to know and communicate your event’s purpose, its main themes, and what your audience demographics look like. Paint as clear a picture as you can in order to increase the quality and the relevance of your sponsors.

When searching for individual sponsors, look for those organizations that share your target audience. This will increase the stakes for them and their involvement. Consider what your values are and what themes you wish to illuminate during the event. Then, look for sponsors that align with these values and themes.

The consistency between association, event, and sponsor not only makes it more appealing for sponsors, but it can improve the overall experience for attendees as well!

5. Extend Your Reach

When it comes to sponsorships, live streamed events may look a little different than traditional events.

For one, the audience may be slightly different. Live streams offer a wider geographical reach than most in-person events, which means you’ll be bringing in additional viewers–some outside of your normal pull. This can provide more incentive for sponsors beyond your event’s specific location.

Not just this–an online setting provides the perfect opportunity to promote online-related brands and products. Because of this, you may even consider hosting additional sponsors; some for in-person events and some for the live stream aspect. Consider this for your tiered package approach (as outlined above!).

Your event’s reach doesn’t end here, however: many organizations choose to reuse their live stream content:

• In some cases, organizations allow users to rewatch the stream for a set period of time.
• Some organizations allow users to purchase viewing rights to the stream as a stand-alone course.
• Further still, some associations repackage their stream content into full training programs or use them in workshops.
• Some will even use snippets of a stream for marketing purposes

Whatever you choose, the results are all the same: the content’s life cycle is extended.

For a sponsor, this can mean extended visibility and higher sponsorship value. Consider some new ways that your organization can reuse your live stream content and you might uncover some new sponsorship opportunities while you’re at it!

You may also like: Making Sure Your Next Event is Your BEST Event

Conclusion

When looking to attract sponsors to your next event, don’t sleep on live streaming and the value it can bring. The relationship between associations and sponsors is bolstered by live streaming’s ability to transcend physical boundaries, extend brand exposure, and engage diverse audiences.

Stand out in the eyes of your potential sponsors: optimize your live stream quality, feature them prominently, integrate their presence, present a comprehensive plan, and maximize your reach. Do this and you’ll create a winning formula that not only enriches your events but also entices sponsors to choose your association’s live stream as its ideal partnership opportunity.

So, set the stage, roll the cameras, and let your live stream shine as a beacon that sponsors can’t resist!

The post Attracting More Sponsors: the Live Stream Appeal appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Events are incredibly important for members as well, as they provide some of the biggest membership benefits available. In fact, many members join associations entirely to gain access to industry events and networking opportunities.

With so much depending on these events, there’s a lot of pressure riding on the people who put them together. Thankfully, we’re here to help! Today we’ll be outlining some of the best strategies to employ when putting together a trade show, conference, or workshop.

Let’s dive in!

1. Collect Feedback

What better way to find out what your members want from events than to ask them? Send out a survey, call or email individual members, and ask questions about ideal events on registration forms. There are countless ways to collect this valuable information, so try multiple for the best results.

Another great source of information is social media. You can try to start a conversation about the best events members have been to, or simply pay attention to any already-in-progress conversations on the topic. There’s plenty of useful information available if you take the time to find it!

At your own event, you’ll want to continue the cycle of feedback. Since attendees tend not to fill out traditional post-event surveys in great numbers, you can try having them provide feedback at the event.

While members wait for a speaker or a workshop to start, ask them to fill out a small questionnaire; make it mobile for maximum effect! You can also open up an online forum for them to talk about their experiences. This won’t just get you feedback–it’ll boost networking, too. That’s a win for everyone!

2. Communicate Well and Often

Long before your event kicks off, you’ll want to make sure that every member is well-informed about what your event will offer:

• Set your dates and destination as early as possible, and be sure to post them in as many places as possible.
• Try offering early bird prices for eager registrants to get the ball rolling.
• As soon as event offerings and the agenda are nailed down, post it for your members to see.

These details will help convince members that they should attend–and help them convince their employers if they need time off work.

In terms of the registration process, ensure that the online registration form is clear and concise. Make it as easily accessible as you can, and make yourself (or your staff) available to answer any questions inquiring minds (potential attendees!) may have.

Use social media to discuss the event and make updates regarding the agenda and speakers. After all, this is likely the first place that attendees will check for information and questions.

3. Apply a Multi-Channel Marketing Strategy

A thorough multi-channel marketing strategy can improve event attendance more than any other element.

With so many events ongoing, however, associations have to think up creative ways to promote their sessions and get their message heard.

Digital marketing is one such way to get your event seen. Use social media and the tools available on each platform to your advantage. For example, Facebook’s targeted ads allow you to hone in on specific groups and demographics; you can even personalize your messages for greater effect!

Associations may also want to employ search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to rank highly on relevant searches. The higher your ranking, the more people will see your event.

Email marketing can also prove effective, especially if the email lists are curated and grouped smartly, with the emails catered to each recipient.

Associations will want to set up an event website (or at least page) to host registration forms, information, and FAQs. Make sure to link back to this page in all of your promotions! Think of it as the information “hub” of your event.

Finally, encourage your event speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors to join the marketing push. This might help get your event seen by eyes that may otherwise miss it!

4. Integrate Great Speakers and Sponsors

When speakers and sponsors are more engaged in an event, they tend to bring more to the table. Therefore, when sourcing speakers, search for the ones that align most closely with your association.

Speakers should have something to gain from your audience and vice versa. Don’t be afraid to take risks when bringing on speakers; while those used to the event circuit may bring more security, newer speakers can bring a fresh message and help make your event unique!

Many associations look for any sponsors they can get for their events, but getting the right sponsors can add great value to your event.

To attract the best sponsors for your organization, ensure that those you approach align with your association’s values. If they do, you have the opportunity to offer a more integrated sponsorship; you can try offering the sponsor a speaker slot or allow them to run a workshop. The more cohesive you make your event, the stronger it will be.

Like speakers, the more sponsors are involved in your event, the more they may bring to the table!

5. Stimulate Networking

As we mentioned above, networking is often thought of as one of the most important elements of any event.

Many people attend events with the hopes of developing their professional network and adding new contacts to their lists. But, all too often, associations leave networking up to the event attendees. Unfortunately, simply putting people in a room together and hoping for the best likely won’t produce the results you (and your members) are looking for!

Instead, try something new and different.

• Try adding in a few games to break the ice.
  • You can find examples online or even make some up yourself! If you do the latter, see how on-theme you can make them.
• Have attendees work in teams.
  • You may want to make the teams up yourself, matching people with others whose interests might align.
• Consider using a mobile app or an online event forum to connect attendees and make conversation a little easier.
  • Some apps even have discovery features that help attendees find their networking match.

A little pizzazz can go a long way!

6. Go Digital

There are so many technology options for events these days–far too many to list or to make use of! Thankfully, there are a few more specific options that can help put your next conference ahead of the competition.

One such piece of technology is a conference app or an accessible conference website. These can allow attendees to easily access event information, such as exhibitor information, maps, calendars, and your forums. Participants can also use it to network, ask questions, and communicate with speakers during presentations.

In general, many associations are now moving toward digital event technology, as it can help accomplish several goals at once.

For one, it’s a greener way of doing things, and incorporating environmental friendliness isn’t just smart and better for the world–it shows that your organization is current and cutting-edge.

Going green with event apps can also help save money during the event and, since most digital conference applications are entirely reusable, they’ll help save money for your next event as well!

7. Justification Letters

A justification letter or package can really help boost event attendance by helping potential attendees convince their employers of your event’s value. Travel and registration costs are often the reason why guests don’t attend your event, so don’t leave your members empty-handed when approaching their managers.

Justification comes in two major steps: registration and recap.

To help improve registration, consider offering your potential registrants a benefit letter for their employer. Highlight the event’s important features, workshops, and networking opportunities. Make it clear what the attendee will get from the event and how it might help them professionally. The more enticing you make it, the more the employer may want to send additional attendees!

The next step is the recap. To ensure that attendees come to your next event, help them show their employers what they gained from this one when they get back. Provide them with a highlights package or a trip report that can help them create an executive summary for their employer–or even act as one by itself!

Remember: the more support you give, the more you’ll get in return.

8. Post-Conference Follow-ups

While the steps above will help with your next event, this step is looking even further ahead: the event after next.

To ensure that the registrants you worked so hard to get keep coming back, you should offer a post-conference follow-up. Reach out to your guests post-conference and keep that connection close. You might even consider providing an attendee-only offer, such as a discount on a training course or early bird access to the next event–whatever helps keep them coming back for more!

You can also share photos, videos, or special moments from your event. While these components can help personalize your follow-up and add more oomph to your thank you, they can also double as marketing or justification package tools, as recipients may share these on social media or with their employers. At the very least, you’ll be able to show potential future attendees how much fun everyone had!

You may also like: Boosting Your Revenue Potential with Live Streamed Events

Conclusion

When it comes to boosting non-dues revenue, orchestrating successful events is crucial for any associations. The careful implementation of strategies can significantly elevate the quality and impact of your event and showcase the value of membership with your organization.

Pave the way for memorable, enriching experiences–follow the above steps and make your next event your best one yet, for both your attendees and your association!

Sources

The post Making Sure Your Next Event is Your BEST Event appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

While online learning has grown immensely in the last couple of decades, it feels like we’ve only just uncovered the tip of the iceberg–especially when it comes to live streaming and how it can reshape the landscape of e-learning!

The more we learn to utilize live streams, the greater the effectiveness online educators will have, and the greater the benefits members around the world will gain from it. While live streamed education is considerably different from traditional learning, it offers a very comparable and, in some cases, even superior learning experience than in-person training.

To highlight the benefits that live online learning can bring an audience (and an association!), we’ve outlined just some of the ways that live streams are currently impacting continuing education:

1. Improved Access

The ability to capture and transmit a lecture to anywhere in the world allows users to obtain training that they would otherwise never be able to see. Live streams enable learners to attend schools and association programs at great distances, giving them a far better chance of finding a program that suits their wants and needs.

Gone are the days of having to find a local program in your desired subject at a time that fits your schedule! With programs running around the world, learners can find programs in their ideal field, style, and time slot. Depending on the type of instruction, learners may even be able to explore programs in different languages by using online translators to follow along.

It isn’t just learners who have improved access, though; online learning increases the pool of teachers and trainers available to schools and organizations of all kinds. For instance, member-based organizations can hire instructors from anywhere in the world, having them live stream their lessons online–no expensive travel required!

2. Innovative Teaching Styles and Material

While live streamed lectures may be the delivery method people typically picture when thinking of the intersection between live streaming and education, the technology is giving rise to a variety of other training methods as well.

In traditional continuing educational programs, live streams enable users to watch lectures, connect with peers, and even participate in session discussions from anywhere in the world. Outside of the traditional education sphere, however, the type of content and teaching styles available is constantly expanding!

For example, viewers can now watch live DIY videos, seeing the unedited process of any number of tasks. Hands-on learning is no longer offline-only, as learners can essentially shadow experienced industry professionals by watching live online demonstrations.

Today, association professionals can become educators simply by setting up a live stream! This training method features few restrictions as well, offering a virtually unlimited geographical reach and class size. Learners enjoy the freedom of finding a streamer whose content gives them what they want, as well as delivery methods that match their individual needs.

3. Modern Metrics for a Customizable Experience

In a face-to-face environment, teachers can easily learn about each individual learner by talking to them directly and getting to know them throughout the lesson or course. Traditional classrooms are often given credit for the personalized experience they provide learners, but you may be surprised to learn that live streams can boast a similar capability!

In fact, modern learning platforms even have the technology to create customizable experiences for learners. Instructors can track user performance, productivity, and usage to determine how their learners learn best. Then, based on this data, they can integrate new techniques into their lessons–or even adapt their training on the fly to better accommodate those watching!

That’s not all, though, because live streams also offer…

4. Interaction and Collaboration

Just like with traditional learning, live stream teachers are able to interact with their viewers–the difference here is that where traditional learning will have in-person conversation, live streams typically make use of the online “chat” function. Some live streams may even allow for voice or video conferencing as well!

One of the commonly cited drawbacks of asynchronous online education is that users can’t interact in real time with instructors or other learners. With live streams, however, interactivity and collaboration is easy and effective. Viewers can talk to each other, comment, and ask questions from anywhere in the world, all in real-time. Through online chats and forums, these discussions can even take place without interrupting the instructor or other viewers!

Similarly, live streams allow learners, training groups, and association members to collaborate from a distance. No matter where they are, people can login to a live stream and discuss a project, have a meeting, or participate in a workshop together. Even in cases where learners or teachers are sick or otherwise incapable of attending a lesson, they can simply log in to the live stream and not miss out on the material discussed that day.

5. Reduced Cost

In general, online continuing education tends to cost less for both administrators and learners. The training typically has lower overhead costs than in-person training, and these savings can be passed on to association members.

Additionally, online training tends to reduce or eliminate physical textbooks and travel, which can lead to considerable savings. Add in the fact that online learners can be more selective in their course and program choices when their search parameters are increased so dramatically, and the price point for education can plummet in many cases–a big win for associations!

Live streams typically function a little differently from formal online training; many live stream programs are nothing more than a simple add-on to an existing setup. For instance, consider a live stream of an already running association event lecture or a demonstration. Even at the most basic level, it’s simple to set up a phone or two to capture the session; then, once an association is established and accustomed to the technology, they can begin to add fancier equipment to their streaming setup.

Additionally, streams typically have fewer barriers to access than traditional online programs–especially when they’re provided for a lower (or no) cost. This means that streamed events can open up to the young, the old, the curious, the immobile, and the socially anxious–and sometimes even transcend language barriers!

6. Added Mobility

While live streams have increased the access and geographical reach of continuing education, the technology has also made education far more mobile. Some studies have found that over 60% of learners used their phones to complete some or all of their online continuing education!

As we become more reliant on smartphone technology, that number will only go up–and mobile learning is one of the fastest growing e-learning markets! And really, it just makes sense:

• Learners can watch their lessons entirely from their phones.
• They can contribute to discussions and even complete their coursework or make notes.
• And not only do smartphones have the technology to play nearly any live stream, but, in many cases, mobile devices are actually the preferred vehicle for live streams because they allow for multitasking and come equipped with a camera, microphone, and text capability.

When it comes to live streaming, smart phones and streams go hand-in-hand!

You may also like: We’re All Watching: Why Video is the Most Engaging Medium

Conclusion

The emergence of live streaming technology has ushered in a new era for the continuing education industry, helping to revolutionize the way we learn online.

As we continue to harness the full potential of live streams, educators are empowered to provide a more effective and engaging learning experience to viewers worldwide. The benefits of live online learning are vast, and they make continuing education more inclusive, dynamic, and efficient–not to mention cost effective!

The future is now, and live learning online is at the forefront of digital education transformation.

References

The post The Future is Now: Live Learning Online appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

As an association, you have to consider how your environmental outlook will be viewed by your industry, your members, and non-members alike. While it, of course, looks good for an association to go green, it’s important to recognize that organizations hold the power to make a difference as they hold positions of power and influence in their respective industries. 

Unfortunately, associations also participate in creating an enormous amount of waste–especially during events! According to MeetGreen, a typical three-day event with 1,000 attendees produces an average of more than 5,500 kg of waste. 

For associations looking to make a difference and develop a green initiative that members can get behind, a green-focused venue is a great opportunity. To help you realize this goal, we’ve outlined several ways that you can green up your next venue–without breaking the bank! 

1. Team Green 

When you start developing your venue and considering everyone who will be involved, you should examine the environmental policies of every person and organization attached to the event. Remember, they’ll be representing your association!

You can:

• Ask them to give some background on any green initiatives or efforts they’re currently running. 
• Review their policies and look for 3rd party sustainability certifications (such as LEED, APEX/ASTM, or Green Leaders).

Remember, every speaker, vendor, and exhibitor should be accounted for. The more effort you put into the research and planning in the beginning, the more cohesive your event and your message will be in the end!

2. A Healthy Venue 

Just as your association has to select its partners carefully, your venue choice can greatly impact your event’s environmental impact. 

Locating an environmentally friendly venue may be easier than you think. In fact, many venues today will readily offer up that information in advance–especially if it’s a point of pride for them. 

You can also research green venue reports, sustainability indexes, and ask for more information from the venue administrators. Among other things, look into their waste reduction and energy efficiency policies before you make a decision.

While the venue itself plays a massive role, the location of your event is also important to the overall initiative. You’ll want to consider, for example, where attendees will stay and dine while there. 

• Are there hotels and restaurants close by? 
• Are they environmentally friendly, or are there greener options available? 

You can also consider setting up a carpool project or providing a shuttle during event hours to cut down on car use and pollution. Every little bit helps!

3. Make it Digital

In most settings, going digital can have a significant impact on green initiatives. Additionally, there are multiple options for going digital–and perhaps just as many benefits! 

Associations may consider developing or using an event app, as well as emailing out presentation notes instead of using paper. Meanwhile, speakers can integrate technology into their presentations as much as possible and/or encourage attendees to connect to the event webpage through their smartphones. 

As for the benefits, incorporating digital options can dramatically cut back on paper and other waste during an event. Cost-wise, digital events can end up saving your association  money in the long term. 

Since event apps and other technology can be used for multiple events, your overall costs can be reduced considerably over time. Adding technology can also add to the experience: event apps are powerful tools for networking and communication, as attendees can chat in a less intimidating environment and even ask questions of speakers, exhibitors, and administrators. Less waste, more value!

4. A Green Theme

Once you’ve established that you’re pushing for a green event, you’ve recruited the best of the best to represent your association, and you’ve found your venue, you can now look at developing a green theme to really make an impression on your guests. 

Discuss your themes with the different speakers and exhibitors. Ask them to incorporate some type of environmental theme into their messaging to develop a more cohesive overall product. 

Just as a rising tide raises all boats, this type of consistency can improve the event’s green goals and improve each individual presentation and product.

5. Food and Drink 

One of the biggest waste producers at any event is the food and drink.

You can cut back on this waste by seeking out recyclable or compostable food and drink containers. Consider meatless menus for less carbon production, bulk condiments for fewer packaging requirements, and organic food options to promote healthier farming and eating practices. 

Another great option to promote sustainability is to buy from local food and drink producers. Buy only what is needed and serve only what will be eaten!

6. Start an Initiative

While cutting back on waste and developing a green theme can go a long way, your association can further enhance its impact by getting everyone involved. 

Leading up to the event, think of ways of generating interest in environmental change. Consider creating a green contest of some sort. Celebrate the winners and their stories during the event. To stir up involvement, offer prizes for winners, such as course or event discounts (or even free admission!). You can extend the initiative after the event as well, encouraging attendees to keep the momentum going. 

If you continue this green initiative, you can even track the event’s results year over year, finding new and better ways to hone your environmental skills. 

You may also like: 5 Benefits to Live Streaming Your Association’s Event

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, adopting eco-friendly practices and implementing green initiatives for events can not only improve the reputation of an association but also create a positive impact on the environment. 

By carefully considering every aspect of the event, from venue selection to waste reduction strategies, associations can pave the way for more sustainable practices within their industries. Engaging all stakeholders–including event partners and attendees!–in the green mission can also amplify your effort and inspire others to follow suit. 

As leaders in their fields, associations can (and should!) embrace sustainability and set an example for members–while maybe even saving some coin in the process!

Sources

The post Make Your Events More Green (Without Spending It!) appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

For those who have yet to master the art of live streaming and develop their own methods, however, the process can seem daunting–and even a little overwhelming. While there is no one way to build a guaranteed-successful live stream, your organization can dramatically improve its odds of triumph by following a set of tried and tested guidelines.

That’s where we come in! Today, we’ve compiled a list of steps that can serve as a helpful roadmap, filled with tips on where to start and what to look out for. Before long, your organization will have high-quality live streams up and running. Your audience will thank you for it!

1. Simplify Your Setup

It can be tempting to go out and get the biggest and best live stream setup available, but unless you really know what you’re doing, it might be better to opt for something more simple at first. The more components your setup has, the more complex your system is, and the greater the room for error.

Remember, a simple setup can still generate an extremely high quality live stream if done right!

In the beginning, your organization should focus on mastering live stream basics. Use only the most crucial tools and components to lower your odds of facing technical errors. With enough experience over time, you’ll build a more informed understanding of what you lack and what you can upgrade in order to improve.

Remember to KISS: Keep it Simple, Silly. Take things one step at a time!

2. Plan, Test, Practice

Long before you take your stream live, you should have a plan drawn up.

Think:

• What parts of the event will be streamed?
• Where will the cameras be positioned?
• Does the lighting look good from every (filmed) angle?
• Does the audio pick up clearly on every camera?
• Who is operating what equipment, and when?

Be sure to check each piece of equipment that you plan to use, and do a rehearsal “test run” before starting up the live stream engines. It’s also wise to try the stream out on multiple devices to see how everything looks and runs before going live.

Finally, it’s not a bad idea to have a backup plan in place should anything go wrong. Even a quality smartphone or two can do in a pinch!

3. Getting Connected

Your internet connection and choice of streaming methods are every bit as important as the technical setup itself.

Assuming you’re using the internet, it’s always best to use a wired connection whenever possible. WiFi is convenient, but if it blips, you could encounter problems. It’s also good practice to set up an isolated connection so that no other users can interrupt your connection.

When deciding on the quality to generate for the stream, you’ll need to know a few things:

• What bandwidth is available to you?
• How many attendees are expected?
• How long is the stream?

Generally, you’ll want a bandwidth that is two times that of the desired stream bitrate.

4. Changing the View

Depending on the technology you have available to you, your live stream could benefit from multiple camera angles and perspectives.

If you have the resources, try setting up different cameras to catch different aspects of the presentation. With a video switcher, you can move between cameras with the click of a button. You can also create presets on the switcher to catch more unique and dynamic shots, including things like:

• Microphone closeups
• Projector screen views
• A Q&A angle
• Even the audience!

The type of switcher you use is completely up to your personal preferences and budget–there’s one to suit every association, so don’t be afraid to look into them.

No matter the tools you choose, presenting a variety of camera angles and perspectives can break up the monotony of a single shot and give the audience a more dynamic experience. This can go a long way in simulating actually being present at the event as well–making viewers feel more engaged and “in the moment”!

5. The Skinny on Encoding

Encoding is the process of turning a recording into a live stream. The technology used to do this varies considerably. Your organization may choose between a free encoder, software, or hardware. Before you choose one method, look into the pros and cons of each and decide on which would be the best fit for your organization and event.

You’ll also need to decide how you want the streams transcoded to your viewers: do it yourself onsite, or have another organization take care of it offsite?

Many streaming services now allow you to submit a single stream at the highest possible bitrate and then permit viewers to choose their preferred quality. As always, consider your audience and what would work best for them.

6. Start Early and End Effectively

One of the best ways to ensure that viewers join the live stream on time is to start the stream before the actual event is set to begin. Open the virtual room ten or fifteen minutes early and let your audience join and get comfortable. You can even chat with participants while you wait!

Additionally, if your stream doesn’t start until the last possible minute, you shouldn’t expect viewers to join early. While some early visitors may wait patiently for a stream to start, a blank screen or a black screen may give them the impression that your live stream is experiencing technical difficulties. Instead, give early visitors a sign that you are on schedule. You could:

• Stream the empty stage
• Stream a graphic indicating the stream will begin soon
• Talk with early joiners (like a pre-show meet and greet!)

Whatever method you choose, letting your audience in early and notifying them of the event start time will ensure that everyone is ready to go when you are.

When it comes time to end the stream, you should avoid the fade-to-black method. The period after a stream ends is a great opportunity to present a call to action, such as encouraging members to sign up for the next event or directing viewers to your organization’s website.

But wait, there’s more! Many stream locations also provide a video replay, which allows viewers to rewatch the stream to catch up on anything they missed–a great way to help your audience to get the most out of your event.

7. Record and Store all Content

While you may not want to live stream everything at your event, if you have the technology and the cameras available, it can be incredibly beneficial to record each session. You never know when something will become useful, and storing the additional video shouldn’t take up too much space. Remember: it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!

After the event, you can look into various ways of repurposing the content or adding the material to other areas. You may want to turn recorded sessions into on-demand webinars for your association (which can help you earn more non-dues revenue!) or cut it into snippets to help market your association and promote future events.

Finally, these recordings can also give your organization plenty of test material to see what works and what doesn’t, helping you improve your future live streams. The more streams you host, the more experience you’ll gain, and the better value you (and your members!) will reap from it.

You may also like: We’re All Watching: Why Video is the Most Engaging Medium

Conclusion

In the end, mastering the art of live streaming requires a little planning, a bit of technical know-how, and a solid commitment to delivering high-quality content to your audience. By following the steps above, hosting lots of informative streams, and improving your approach with every event you throw, you’ll soon be leading engaging and successful live streams that captivate and connect with your audience!

Sources

The post Live Streaming 101 appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Thankfully, advances in the field have made it so that people can better access events of all kinds–from international conferences to simple meetings and workshops–and interact with them from anywhere in the world.

From a business standpoint, live streams allow associations to diversify their offerings and better accommodate their members.

Despite all this, some organizations have yet to adopt live streams for their events. Some may worry about the initial start up costs or the learning curve. Some may wonder if live streaming is really for them.

The truth is, live streaming can make an impact for most associations, and they suit virtually every kind of event. They can bring in new revenue streams and give some of your already established streams a nice boost.

Today, we’ll be looking at some of the ways live streams can benefit your organization!

1. Boost Your Online Attendance

In general, live streams give your would-be event attendees more options when attending.

Research indicates that digital attendance doesn’t cut into physical attendance. In other words, if an attendee can attend an in-person event, they usually will. If anything, live streams typically increase in-person attendance in future years, as approximately one-third of digital attendees will attend the physical event the following year.

Think of it like this: live streams give digital attendees a taste of what you offer. Live streams also provide a useful alternative for those restricted by time, cost, and distance (among other things).

This isn’t all, however; live streams also bring in a new and dedicated audience altogether. Live streams have the ability to bypass geographical restrictions and expand audiences. They can cater to different personality types and those in situations that may limit their physical attendance. Live streams are accessible to anyone with a computer, phone, or tablet!

To find the best live stream attendance pricing, consider the value of the streamed content compared to the in-person event.

2. Offer Online Specials

Once your organization has committed to running live streams, you can develop an entirely new line of product and service offers for your virtual audience. This can include anything from discounted attendance on future live streams to online-only offers, such as access to online workshops and training programs.

You may even decide to offer online specials with your live stream partners, sponsors, and advertisers! Revenue from any resulting conversions can be split in whatever way you and your collaborators see fit.

Another option to consider is offering group specials for larger groups attending your stream. While this can (and should!) be offered for in-person events as well, live streams have the benefit of a much greater reach. After all, people can join the stream without having to commit a great deal of time or energy. This also allows your organization to consider a much larger pool of potentially interested groups!

With the right marketing strategy and discount program, your next live stream may see a big spike in attendance.

3. Increase Your Advertising and Sponsorships

In addition to ticket revenues, sponsorships and advertisements are probably the biggest non-dues revenue generators for live streams.

When broadcast across the digital landscape, events take on a different shape. They may appeal to new sponsors and advertisers now: those who wish to promote a digital product or brand and/or those who wish to reach an online audience. This can open a lot of doors for additional opportunities and revenue streams!

Furthermore, your event sponsors and advertisers get to stretch the shelf life of their investment through the very nature of live streams. After all, if you’re live streaming your event, it only makes sense to keep a recording of the stream!

Consequently, recorded events can be played back at later dates on-demand and used in various ways long after the physical event ended. This means that your sponsors and advertisers get to show up on-screen again and again with every playback!

Additionally, like with an in-person event, live stream planners can offer their sponsors and advertisers different integration opportunities. With a clear understanding of how your event will be displayed live and how it will be used in the future, your organization can offer multi-tiered advertising packages–netting you a number of revenue streams in the process!

4. Gain New Partners and Exhibitors

The addition of an online audience can lead to new partnerships and financial opportunities.

If your organization can demonstrate that live streams have broadened your audience and consumer base or expanded your geographical reach, it’s quite possible that more organizations will see value in working with you and participating in your events. Not only can this lead to increased investment and involvement in the in-person events, but some new partners (for instance, those advertising virtual services) may look to be solely integrated in your live streams!

To make the most of these possible new avenues, it’s important to consider what your live stream audience will see or be interested in that the in-person audience will not. Perhaps you may want to partner with organizations that offer live streaming and other relevant technology.

Consider broadcasting unique interviews or behind-the-scenes looks at specific vendors and exhibitors. Find ways of providing partners with broader exposure, and you’ll attract more in-depth investments in return!

5. Create New (and Repackaged) Material

While the majority of the appeal for a live stream is the accessibility in real-time, your content can still offer a great deal of value after the event ends. And, the more ways your organization can think to reuse this content, the more revenue streams you’ll open with it!

For example, recorded workshops or presentations may be reused as part of a training program. You may develop a workshop series by pairing new content with workshops from past events.

Over time, your cache of recorded content will make for more varied package opportunities, allowing your organization to present offers by theme, speaker, goal–whatever you can think of! Build a solid backlog of content and you’ll be prepared for whatever trends your industry throws at you.

6. Attract Future Attendees

There’s no set way to benefit from live streams or the content they bring. Think outside the box when looking for new avenues of opportunity–especially when it comes to marketing for your next event!

For instance, your organization may decide to rebroadcast one of its previous events.Though the live-ness of the stream has come and gone, those who missed out the first time will get a second chance, and everyone will get the opportunity to see what the hype is about.

For best results, consider making the new broadcast accessible only for a limited period of time, and be sure to monetize it. You can even offer it at a discounted price compared to the original to increase its allure.

A rebroadcast can be an extremely effective promotional tool for upcoming events, giving potential attendees a look at what took place in prior years (and thus, a look at the kind of quality they can expect in the future).

You can even cut segments out and upload them to your association’s social media accounts like commercials!

You may also like: We’re All Watching: Why Video is the Most Engaging Medium

Conclusion

Overall, the live streaming of events can be an incredibly valuable tool for member-based organizations.

By embracing live streams, associations can expand their reach and attract a global audience, increasing online attendance and engagement. Moreover, the ability to offer online specials and better integrate advertising and sponsorships into live streamed events opens up new revenue streams and partnership opportunities. Live streaming also allows organizations to create new content and packages for members, increasing value and helping attract attendees to future events.

Help your association grow and succeed in this ever-evolving digital landscape: consider live streaming your next event!

Sources

The post Boosting Your Revenue Potential with Live Streamed Events appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.