In a four-part workshop entitled “How to do virtual”, Tine Tripari from AutomotiveEvent online presents the milestones on the way to a successful virtual event and, to this end, has taken a closer look at the magnid event platform. The first part started with the aspect of planning and concept and led to the first question: How do I come up with a project plan or to-do list? Part 2 focuses on preparation, part 3 on implementation and part 4 deals with the event follow-up.
In part 1 of the magnid workshop, I reached the first milestone on the road to a successful hybrid event: I defined my target audience, my event purpose, the core message and chose magnid as my partner platform. The next step, and the most difficult obstacle for any newcomer to the digital event world, lies ahead of me: the graphic implementation and the production of the content.
I quickly realize: magnid makes it easy by directing my many questions to well-designed checklists that I merely have to complete. List after list, question after question, just a checkmark behind it and on it goes.
The graphics part, which I dread, starts with the question of the requirements for the location to be chosen. What kind of atmosphere do I want to have, what does my target group identify with, and how do I position my brand? Atmosphere and venue requirements differ depending on the event format, internal or external. I need to keep the user journey and experience in mind at all times. Magnid helps me with that by providing interactive display options, areas for activities, space for product demonstrations and exhibition stands as well as a variety of meeting rooms.
But there is more to think about. For instance, I can now specify how many breakout rooms I need and in which setting my keynote should take place. The integration of sponsors is another important aspect that plays a role in many events. I need to provide them with opportunities to market themselves and engage their target audiences, for example, with video inserts.
The limitless possibilities of the digital world make the atmosphere discussion clear: So what will it be? Science fiction with a wow factor, a relaxed beach feeling for enjoyable internal events, or a contemporary laid-back vibe? For this, magnid provides a variety of solutions: what does my target group identify with, and what does my product relate to? Here, too, the virtual world offers a wide range of possibilities that need to be exploited. One thing is certain: it does not need to be a “typical building”. 
Atmosphere
– Futuristic style for trend-setting exhibitions and trade fairs
– Science Fiction with a wow effect
– Casual beach feel for internal events with a fun factor
– Organic/natural atmosphere that is contemporary
– Choose your atmosphere…
My license already includes four standard architectures. As a result, I can get started straight away, either with what is already here or by customizing it in Photoshop. These can be only details, complete set ups or new templates. They are then uploaded and added to my project via the magnid Venue Designer.
At this point, it is worth noting that magnid organizes and plays out but does not allow for content creation. For the latter, I use other platforms and programs. This also applies to videos that I upload to Vimeo and then embed in magnid via a link. The video then plays on Vimeo, which on the other hand can be beneficial in terms of speed if a large number of people attend an event.
Other documents and applications can also be integrated via links and then offered individually for users in different groups. This can be just as useful for providing information to VIPs or members of the press as it is for meeting the requirements of different groups of participants. For this purpose, Artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities can be used to apply this option automatically and in a self-learning manner.
Other possible uses might then relate to program highlights such as the yoga course or a small gaming offer for stressed congress participants. After that, a survey might be added. Remember that what one person finds boring, the other is eager to know or do.
The identifying factors for my target group and product, such as requirements, atmosphere, style, and design, have been identified, and the next question is: how do I prepare the content? The content and experience structure were carefully considered when creating the show flow. What type of material will I use to communicate with my target market? Which technology and media should I use for this?
The prelude is the establishment of an agenda at the end of which there is a realization: the virtual world can be a blessing, at least regarding limiting event duration, because there is none. Content can be made available on-demand, and I can virtually continue to give content to my users after the event has ended. The “do’s” include limiting sessions to a maximum of one hour, building in breaks, Q&A sessions at the end of each session, and much more.
The target group wants to be reached; magnid offers a variety of formats, including videos, live sessions, discussion rounds and well as the content mediation through online games or interaction with the participants. The spectrum of available technologies is equally broad, ranging from virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to Digital Applause and the Proske Event App, which includes extensive features for use in interactions and for sending push messages, among other things. The topic of which medium to utilize follows the discussion of technologies. Teasers, Walk-through Videos, and professional Recordings – the options are endless.
The wild hunt continues: how can I transmit my live content and what technologies are available? There is a vast selection available to the user, including Webinar-Platforms, Live-Feeds in the studio, Green Screen behind the screens, Green Screen Live Interview, and LED wall. 
Which technologies do I use?
– Making virtual tours & products tangible
– Community Building: Use AR for a virtual background
The event app has multiple benefits:
– Sending push notifications
– Usage for interactions
– A social wall contributes to the sense of community
– And many more features, …
Technology is joined by people and people play a central role, especially when it comes to moderating an event. Good moderation is important. A competent moderator’s know-how includes the ability to make seamless transitions, fill quiet moments, inspire the audience, and multitask. That is the person I need to choose right now. Who do you think could pull it off?
Moderation is one thing – involving the participants is another. With the help of numerous engagement tools, it is possible to involve them in the event.
Here is what I have already learned: A successful virtual event is based on three pillars. The first: engaging content that is influenced by good moderation, different formats, a well-thought-out user journey, and participant interactions. The second: the community, which is shaped by clever use of technology to bridge the gap between the real and virtual worlds, by the creation of Faces videos, and by scheduled sessions of participant interactions. The third pillar is statistics and evaluations – recommended here is the analysis of data from the start to the end of the event, also to evaluate the impact of my event on my previously formulated goal.
Once the content and experience structure have been fine-tuned, the show flow has been created, the means of communicating my content have been determined and the technologies and media have been selected, the next step is the practical implementation of the content.
In the third part of our workshop, we will deal with the construction of the venue, the communication under the aspect “Spread the Word” and finally with the implementation of the live event.
Read also our workshop in German language
