What makes a virtual roundtable discussion successful?
virtual roundtable discussion
When hosting a virtual roundtable discussion, it is important to know what your goal is. Whether you want to generate new pipeline or position yourself as the go-to expert in your field, there is one thing that all successful discussions have in common: a solid plan for how the event will unfold.
This goal heavily influences every aspect of the event, from who you invite to what topics are discussed. It’s also important to be transparent about this goal with your guests so that they have a clear understanding of what the event will be and how it will benefit them.
A good moderator will set the tone for the entire event and provide a comfortable space for your guest speakers to share their insights. It is also important for them to have a strong background knowledge of the topic in order to answer any questions that may arise during the discussion.
What makes a virtual roundtable discussion successful?
Often times, guests can get carried away during conversations and will talk about things that are not related to the topic at hand. Having a moderator in place who can keep everyone on track and limit their talking time will ensure that the discussion stays relevant to your agenda.
The way in which you deliver your event on the day is another crucial part of a successful virtual roundtable discussion. For example, a few days before the event, send your guest speakers a reminder and copy of the agenda so that they feel prepared for the event. You can even add a small gift such as a Hoppier virtual card to encourage them to attend.
Another thing to remember is that a virtual event can be very intimidating for some attendees, so it is important to make sure that they feel welcome and engaged from the beginning of the discussion. This starts with the introductory portion of the event where you can give your guest speakers a chance to introduce themselves and their background knowledge on the subject matter.
It is also helpful to keep in mind that many of your guests are likely coming from other companies, so they may have different opinions on the topic. It is important for your guest speakers to be able to express their opinions and to share their ideas, but it is equally as important for other attendees to be able to listen and learn from the conversation.
After the event is over, it’s a great idea to follow up with your guest speakers to see what they thought of the event and how they are planning on using the information that they learned from it. Providing this call to action will show your attendees that you care about them and will make them more receptive to scheduling a meeting with you in the future. You can do this through a post-event survey, casual phone calls or by monitoring the event’s hashtag on social media. By following up on your event, you will be able to gather valuable feedback that can help you create an even better event next time.