Widening accessibility with virtual networking events | Conference News
Virtual events give access to people who too often get left behind, including those experiencing disabilities, those in remote locations, and introverts. Others don’t go to events - or important parts of events, like keynotes - due to their roles or seniority, even though they can really benefit. Sometimes people just aren’t let past an event’s velvet rope. Be honest: would you have been able to watch the thrilling live test of Virgin Hyperloop, unless it was virtual?
Being locked out of networking opportunities not only put people with accessibility limitations at a professional disadvantage, it amplifies their isolation. Virtual networking benefits from being easy, time-efficient, inexpensive, and above all, safe. It also lets people effortlessly expand their spheres of influence to people all over the world.
Here are a few popular virtual event formats that you can run standalone or to complement live:
Networking webinar - to make your webinar sparkle to stand out in the busy virtual crowd it pays off to invest extra care in designing your theme, agenda, and overall experience - and do build in space and time for networking. Check out our Virtual Events White Paper for more tips.
Breakout sessions - these are ideal for networking, with options such as scheduled discussions, group chat by topics, and private social media groups. Smaller breakout sessions strengthen connections and makes it more likely that conversations will continue after the event.
Teambuilding - online is surprisingly conducive to fun, shared activities like online cooking and cocktail-making classes! To ensure your event goes smoothly, be sure to send detailed notes on how to prepare.
Keynotes or Panel Discussions - Securing a big name will help you drive attendance and engage delegates - and now’s a great time do this as more speakers are available. Make sure your events platform has interactive tools such as Q&A, chat, polling, and hand-raising to encourage participation.
Check out our Virtual Event Resource Kit here for more top tips!
Why not try out BlueJeans for your next event? In addition to immersive video, Q&A, polling, and multi-way idea exchanges, we also offer:
When networking virtually, audio is as important as video. People need to hear each other clearly, but also block out those noisy jackhammers tearing up the road! Theater-class audio by BlueJeans with Dolby Voice silences background noise while maintaining consistent volume across soft and loud talkers.
Stress-free Breakout Rooms
BlueJeans takes the drama out of virtual breakout theatres, by providing easy one-touch management. When sessions start, guests are automatically placed into rooms. Hosts can easily move between sessions. Once breakouts end, attendees have ten seconds to wrap up and return to the main meeting room.
To ensure your next event is as inclusive as it can be, why not click here to try BlueJeans Events free for 14 days - no risk, no credit card required!
CN Meets - BlueJeans: Creating value from virtual and hybrid events
Martin Fullard talks to Paul Scholey, SVP international at BlueJeans by Verizon, about the platform’s rise to prominence over the last 18 months, and how the platform has a clear focus on delivering meaningful, impactful experiences. Scholey’s refreshing take on the event landscape will reassure organisers that they don’t have to walk the path alone, and that a good tech partner will help them identify, and deliver, their business objectives.
For a free 14-day trial, visit www.bluejeans.com/products/events