Virtual Event Tip Sheet: Building Your Agenda

Your agenda isn’t just about the timing of topics and speakers. Make your agenda work for you by keeping in mind these tips.

Before you schedule sessions, review your expectations

How much time can you reasonably expect your audience to spend at your event?  How many sessions do you expect them to watch? Do you expect them to visit sponsor booths?  Do you expect attendees to seek out peers or engage with reps or product experts?

Now think about what you want them to do

Attend sessions, ask questions, connect with each other, connect with sponsors?  What actions can attendees take that will help you meet your overall program goals?

You agenda should reflect all of the above, giving attendees the opportunity to engage in different activities throughout the day and making the most of the virtual platform.

1. Keep your content sessions under an hour, ideally closer to 45 minutes.  Be sure to build in time for Q&A..
2. Schedule breaks between sessions, even if it’s only 5 minutes.  Everyone needs a little transition time.
3. During longer breaks, tell attendees what you want them to do, whether that’s network with peers, visit sponsor booths or browse the resource library.
4. Keep the day’s full agenda in the main auditorium listing.  Include a specific time to “visit the exhibit hall” or “join the moderated chat” for example.  Remember to make it easy for attendees by linking directly to the specified room or space.
5. Plan your most critical content for the start of the day, when your attendees are fresh and average attendance is at it’s highest.
6. Encourage attendees to stay longer – or to come back if they’ve left – by closing out your program with a high-value session.

Bonus Tip

Plan your broadcast messages in advance of the live day; use messages liberally to engage attendees and direct them around your virtual environment.

Whether you’re considering your first virtual event program or are an old pro at managing virtual environments, we have tips and best practices to help you create successful programs. Be sure to check back often, or subscribe to our blog!