3 Key Pillars to Maximize ROI at Your Next Virtual Event

June 10, 2021

Event professionals worldwide have been learning quickly and transforming in-person to virtual events, over the last year and the industry is evolving fast. One of the key challenges event professionals face now though is releasing profits from virtual events - overcoming the challenge requires a new playbook.

A recent report by EventMB suggests that 40% of event professionals have not been able to generate a profit from virtual events. If you are among the 40% or if maximizing virtual event ROI has been a long-standing goal, here are 3 key pillars to take care of at your next event:

 

1. Attendee Engagement

Engagement for events is like water for the human body. Everybody is aware of its importance, but few are actually consuming enough of it (read executing on it).

Here are some actionable tips towards nurturing audience engagement

  1. Set up channels to discover audience information. 
  2. Understand audience preference towards information consumption.
  3. Identify what motivates them to take action. Is it knowledge of what’s new in the market? Or is it the awareness of what other brands are doing?

Comprehending these areas will help you turn your audience into an engaged audience first, and then into a revenue-generating one. All you need to get this party started is a virtual events platform equipped with tools such as surveys, polls, meetings, virtual booths, networking lounges, and social feed.

 

2. Branded Experience

Branded experiences are important - for brand awareness, top-of-mind recall, and consumer confidence. These branding pillars can be leveraged in 2 ways during virtual events.

  1. Customize the event experience with your brand colors and personality. Do not settle for anything that can be just replicated by other brands easily. Your event is yours, and you should do what it takes to make it your own.
  2. Branded experiences can be extended to sponsors and virtual booths as well. Giving your sponsors their money's worth by enabling them to showcase their brand is likely to result in sustained partnerships and revenue in the long run.

 

3. Data & Insights

Plans without insights are like writing emails without knowing the alphabet - complete gibberish. With deep insights, you can understand your audience better and create experiences personalized to their needs. So next time, be sure to plan your event on a virtual event platform that will provide insights.

Apart from the classics like the number of attendees, some of the many other data points you should track are.

  • Number of messages exchanged
  • Number of lounge meetings done
  • Session with most chats or QnAs
  • Number of business cards dropped
  • CTA clicks / booth

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Audience engagement, branded experiences, and analytics are the dark horses that you need to maximize virtual event ROI. Ready to harness the power of these key pillars with a powerful virtual event platform? Learn how Hubilo is reimagining events.

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Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.