Five Tips for THRIVING at a Virtual Conference

As childcare conference after childcare conference choose to go virtual this fall, it’s important for not just organizers but also attendees to adjust to a new, online event experience. Hugs and handshakes may be banished during this time of socially distanced events, but it’s still possible to make professional connections in a virtual setting. Here are five tips to help you thrive at your next virtual conference:

1.     Publicize your attendance pre-event. Find your event’s page on Facebook and mark yourself as attending! Facebook event pages allow you to see who has RSVP’d and start a discussion with other attendees ahead of the event. You can also advertise your attendance by tagging the hosts, using the event hashtag and sharing your excitement online via LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. The event hosts might even share your post to better connect you with other attendees! Let people know that you’re attending now so that you can start making connections early. 

2.     Have a back-up plan. Technology can fail us at times, so it’s important to have a back-up plan. Multiple devices and multiple options for internet access can mean the difference between a virtual event victory or vanquishment. Whether via wireless or a mobile hotspot, or using a laptop, mobile phone or tablet, have a plan in place for those worst-case scenarios.

3.     Participate in virtual extras. If your event hosts are holding a virtual welcome reception, online icebreaker or other group exercise, get involved! These are great networking tools that help to get you more comfortable with fellow attendees and help in sparking conversation naturally rather than forcing it.

4.     Be active on the live chat. Show that you value your fellow attendees’ opinions and start building trust with new contacts by commenting on the content and actively participating in the live Q&As. But don’t overdo it; you want to limit yourself so as to not hijack the online conversation. You can also utilize private messaging tools (depending on the platform you’re using) for more one-on-one dialogue with attendees or your hosts.

5.     Prioritize the time and be truly present. Make sure you have blocked-off time in your calendar for the duration of the online event. Reduce your notification and email alerts, clear yourself of distractions, and create a comfortable surrounding for yourself with staples like water, coffee and snacks so that you can stay engaged.

Online events certainly have their pros and cons. But, just like with anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. Make the next virtual conference you attend a success by actively participating before, during and after the event. You won’t regret it!