How to Create Effective Livestream Events

An ongoing global pandemic has necessitated a shift in how organizations conduct events, training, and conferences. Many organizations are still working to successfully transition to this model of running remote events, while others are working to make them a more permanent part of their learning and development strategy. Either way, livestream events offer a flexible, engaging way to reach your employees. 

Why livestream?

Livestream events are a great way to engage a large group on a specific topic. They also offer the benefit of recording for later playback for anyone who misses the event or needs a refresher.

In the age of increased (and possibly permanent) remote work, livestream events are becoming a critical part of an organization’s communication strategy. Organizations use livestream formats to successfully:

• Host interesting, thoughtful, branded all-company meetings
• Launch a new product
• Conduct sales earnings and revenue presentations
• Feature motivational guest speakers

A checklist for a successful livestream event

Here’s what to keep in mind when hosting or conducting your next livestream:

• Plan: Livestream events need to be planned like any in-person event would be. Just like you need to arrange a venue and speakers, coordinate schedules, and develop presentations, these elements should be planned carefully for livestream events as well. Even if the venue is the CFO’s living room to discuss quarterly sales projections, the decision should be made thoughtfully, and care should be put into how it’s presented to employees. Itineraries and format should be decided by a group of key stakeholders, not just one or two individuals.
• Practice: All presenters and speakers should be prepared to rehearse their presentations. Even if schedules don’t allow for a dry run through as a group, speakers should be encouraged to practice not just their presentations, but also with their technology, making sure everything from cameras to connections work as expected. All participants should be sent a final itinerary as early in the process as possible. For livestream events that are being broadcast from a venue like a conference hall or stage, camera setup, recording equipment, and lighting should be double-checked to make sure they present well on-screen as opposed to merely in person. 
• Poll: After the event, reach out to employees to see what they liked, what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d like to see in future livestream events. Use this feedback to develop a more robust, effective livestream event program.

Even when social distancing isn’t a priority, livestream events are a useful learning and development tool. Livestream events give learners easy access to authentic, engaging learning experiences. Organizations can livestream immersive, branded training  on whatever device is most comfortable for employees. From supporting corporate communication to rolling out a new product line, live streaming events support a wide range of learning and communication needs.

If you’re looking for a partner in developing livestream event content or want support transitioning from in-person to remote events, get in touch with our team today.