I recently had a coaching mentoring session With somebody Who was to host an online conference. We had a really useful discussion around what makes a really good host at a conference. Ensuring great value for the speakers, the audience, the organisers plus the opportunity to present yourself as knowledgeable engaging and practical to an audience of your peers.
The notes below broadly summarise the conversation and are shared tor anyone else who may have a similar requirement.
WHAT DO THE ORGANIZERS WANT AND HOW CAN YOU DELIVER VALUE?
ORGANIZERS WANT:
A smooth, glitch-free event
High engagement from the audience
Positive feedback
A showcase of their brand in a good light
HOW TO DELIVER VALUE:
Test technology beforehand.
Be in sync with the agenda.
Make sure speakers are prepared.
Be an energetic and engaging host.
WHAT DO THE SPEAKERS WANT AND HOW CAN YOU DELIVER VALUE?
SPEAKERS WANT:
A clear understanding of the time allotted to them.
A smooth transition into their speaking slots.
Audience engagement and interaction.
HOW TO DELIVER VALUE:
Clearly communicate the time limits.
Make sure to introduce them effectively.
Facilitate Q&A sessions that engage the audience.
WHAT DOES THE AUDIENCE WANT AND HOW CAN YOU DELIVER VALUE?
AUDIENCE WANTS:
Valuable, informative content.
An engaging experience.
Opportunity for interaction.
HOW TO DELIVER VALUE:
Keep energy levels high.
Facilitate interactive sessions like Q&A.
Make sure the content is delivered smoothly.
TIPS FOR BEING A GREAT HOST
BEFORE THE EVENT - BEING PREPARED AND READY
Tech Check: Run through all the technical aspects at least a day before the event.
Agenda Familiarization: Know the agenda like the back of your hand.
Speaker Briefing: Make sure all speakers know when they're on and what’s expected.
Prep Material: Prepare a script or cue cards to avoid awkward pauses.
DURING THE EVENT - BEING COORDINATED AND BALANCED
Punctuality: Start on time to set the tone.
Energy: Maintain high energy levels to keep the audience engaged.
Transitions: Make sure transitions between different parts of the program are smooth.
Time Management: Keep an eye on the clock.
Audience Engagement: Use polls, Q&A, and encourage chat participation.
AFTER THE EVENT - FOLLOWING UP AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
Thank Yous: Thank all participants—speakers, organizers, and attendees.
Feedback: Send out a feedback form.
Highlights: Share the highlights of the event on social media.
Networking: Use this opportunity to connect with speakers, organizers, and participants.
USING STORIES MORE EFFECTIVELY THAN SIMPLE QUESTIONS
Creating Emotional Investment: Stories can help create an emotional connection.
Enhancing Understanding: Stories can simplify complex topics.
Interactive Storytelling: Use stories as a platform for audience interaction—ask them for their thoughts or to share their own stories.
Story-Question Combo: Use stories to lead into questions for speakers. Instead of just asking, "How did you start your business?", you can share a short story of a struggling entrepreneur and then ask, "How did you overcome initial hurdles in your journey?"
Being a host for an online conference is a balancing act among the needs of the organizers, speakers, and audience. By being prepared, energetic, and empathetic, you can offer an experience that adds value to all involved.
No comments:
Post a Comment