In 2020, virtual events took over the digital landscape and have since become the new norm.
Events are a great way to build brand awareness and make a profit. Webinars, cooking classes, product launch, Q&A, team building, workshops – the screen is the limit and it’s safe to say, they’re not going anywhere.
To get the scoop on what virtual events look like in 2022, we sat down with Jasmine Baker, Founder of EVNT MGMT; an innovative event agency producing impactful, engagement experiences from the virtual stage to the big stage.
About Jasmine
“As a former culinary and theatre student, events marry my two loves; Food & Theatre. There’s a certain creative expression in live events that has always reminded me of the theatre. The preparation, the planning, the building, the design and the actual “show time”. It’s about bringing a vision to life.
But it was the lack of genuine hospitality in most events I attended that inspired me to launch my business. I believe that every event, regardless of size and scale should feel hospitable. Through this shared vision we were able to work with Festival visionaries like Live Nation, IMG, and Arts & Crafts on some of the biggest Music & Food Festivals this province has ever seen including Field Trip, Taste of Toronto, The Big Feastival, WayHome, Boots & Hearts.”
Let's talk virtual events
What are three tips for running a virtual event?
- Rehearse! Rehearse! Rehearse!
- Hire experienced professionals.
- Plan for technical difficulties.
During the pandemic, EVNT MGMT pivoted its services to focus on virtual events. Walk us through the virtual event services that you offer.
We approach whichever virtual platform we’re using as our venue or stage and then look for ways of elevating the guests’ experience from beginning to end.
Now that in-person events are back in action, how do you think virtual events will evolve?
We are seeing a lot of hybrid events. Events like conferences have been able to extend their reach across the country and the globe. Barriers of geography have been reduced and audiences have grown. For some organizations it makes sense to continue to do both as it yields greater attendance and profit; but not for all. It’s important to know your audience, feedback and costs to make informed decisions. Don’t just do a hybrid because that’s what you’ve done or that’s what your competitor is doing. Do the research, review your data, know your numbers and then decide.
What does the run-of-show for a virtual event usually entail?
The run-of-show is very thorough. We believe we need to know every single detail and step that each of our suppliers will take so that all transitions and hand-offs are seamless. A 20 second delay in a live event is nothing, but in a virtual event it’s a lifetime.
What is your go-to platform for virtual events and why?
We have worked with many platforms but we like working with Zoom for many reasons. It’s compatible with many plug-ins and most users are comfortable with it. The plug-ins allow us to augment or elevate the production while the familiarity for the guest makes it a user friendly experience.
“A 20 second delay in a live event is nothing, but in a virtual event it’s a lifetime.”
One piece of advice that you would offer a client that’s looking to host a virtual event?
While there can be savings with virtual events, it doesn’t always cost less. Maximize on your investment by producing videos and digital assets that help the brand after the event.
For support with your next event, check out EVNT MGMT on Instagram @evnt_mgmt.
In addition to being an expert in all things events, Jasmine shows us country living, food, her twins, and house renos in her down time. Check out her Instagram @Jasminebakerlife.
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