Over the course of the past year, the world has ‘pivoted’ to holding events online. Pre-Covid, there may have been an element of live streaming or a remote speaker joining for a short time via video conference, however, meeting ‘virtually’ is something we’ve all become accustomed to over the last 14 months.
Virtual events definitely have their pros and cons: you can sport a fetching smart top but have your fleecy pyjama bottoms on with comfy slippers; there’s no risk of getting stuck in traffic at rush hour; and you can connect with colleagues and networks across the world much more easily. However, it can be tricky to stay focused when you’re in front of a screen all day and not able to chat to other delegates over a cup of tea and a tasty treat! So, we’ve pulled together some top tips to help you get the most out of a virtual conference or event and above all, to help you enjoy it:
- Keep distractions to a minimum. It’s all too easy to answer emails and continue to work on tasks in the background, but remember, you would normally be sitting in an auditorium or conference room with the presenter, so try to transport yourself to a virtual auditorium (just visualise the huge Main Auditorium at the Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC)!). Being at home can create many other distractions: popping out to hang up the washing, emptying the dishwasher or running around with the hoover. You wouldn’t be trying to potter about like this at a venue! So try to create a calm and peaceful environment which includes a suitable workstation and screen to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the day. Also, it’s important that colleagues know you’re attending a conference so they can’t call you quickly on ‘Teams’ with a question – make sure you pop it in your diary so everyone knows you’re unavailable.
- Whilst it’s delightful to be comfortable and cosy at home in our loungewear, it’s important to get in the right mindset when joining a virtual conference. Maybe dust off some work clothes as it can really enhance your engagement levels and help encourage you to meet new colleagues and network with your peers. Thinking about what you would like to achieve from the conference might even help you decide how to approach the day - there’s no harm in noting down a few bullet points to keep you focused on the day ahead.
- Remember to take the time to read any instructions that are sent out prior to the conference and arrive at your workstation a few minutes early so you can log on successfully using the correct browser, depending on the virtual platform being used for the event.
- A good virtual event will have plenty scheduled refreshment breaks to avoid online fatigue so make sure you pop to a local bakery or supermarket in advance and pick up plenty tasty treats! Maybe some seasonal fruit for the morning and a chocolate pick me-up for the afternoon? We’re missing our Tunnocks Teacakes at TIC!
- Be kind to yourself! Even though we’ve been holding meetings virtually for a while now, attending large online conferences is still a relatively new experience for us all so don’t be afraid to take the lead and network your way through the day, make new contacts and learn new things.
We hope you find these tips useful! Of course, we’re all looking forward to meeting face-to-face when it is safe to do so and we’re very much hoping it won’t be too much longer now. If you’d like to find out more about how the team can help support you with a virtual or face-to-face event, then please do get in touch!