Infographic: Moving an Event Online

As restrictions and guidance around large-scale gatherings like conferences and trade shows remain in place for the foreseeable future, associations continue to look at how they can best transition events online – either in full or by offering certain elements in a virtual format. Here are nine steps to make sure that the shift to online events goes smoothly, along with a quick reference sheet that details the functionality and limitations of a variety of online content delivery and event software tools.

1. Create a priority order for your events, and identify which elements are the most important to replicate.
2. Start with the No. 1 priority and determine the most appropriate technology to help you achieve that goal first.
3. Establish which components of your previously planned content can be used as is or modified slightly for the new event.
4. Identify how you will engage with your attendees online.
5. Think about opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors to achieve their visibility and lead generation goals.
6. Look for ways to integrate this event and its contents throughout your association’s communications and content delivery platforms – in your magazine, newsletter, social media, website, career center, learning platform, and online community.
7. Identify creative revenue generating opportunities from the online event.
8. Evaluate whether any of your secondary priorities can also be achieved with your new online event, and incorporate those into the event accordingly.
9. Move down the original event’s priority list, and determine if there is an opportunity to meet each objective through some form of digital delivery.

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