TC: Putting on a Virtual Summit

First let’s start with a definition: A Virtual summit is an online conference which has as its purpose  to grow your online presence and business, and it also helps establish your authority in your field. As a host, your job is to bring together experts for interviews which are broadcasted for a certain period of time online for attendees to watch and learn from.

The following is an abbreviated step by step procedure. (An online search on this topic will yield many suggestions on how to successfully launch your own Virtual Summit.) In my research I found a wide variety of ways to start the process. It does not have to be complicated and it can produce great results.

• Tools: you will need a computer, webcam, a fast internet connection (preferably hardwired – CAT5), microphone, e-mail marketing platform, virtual hosting platform like zoom, a landing page and a payment processor.
• As host, you will need to select and convince guest speakers to join you. Yes, it will benefit them by the additional exposure and additional e-mails for their own data base.
• You can create videos showing your  interviews with your speakers. Make sure you get their information so you can introduce them at the beginning of each video. A 20 minute session for each speaker works well.
• Or go live.  If you decide on this option there are companies that can assist at all pricing levels.
• The next step is the promotion of your summit; the goal is to get as many attendees as possible. Use your own data base, ask your speakers to send  information out to their data base and then spread the word on social media, blogs, newsletters, etc.
• The link to the summit will be via e-mail and I recommend frequent reminders with those who sign up, including the day before the event.
• Once the marketing starts, the actual summit should be held no later than 3 weeks out.
• Make sure that you are set to answer questions at the end of your summit.
• The last, and a very important phase, is the follow up with all your attendees.

I believe that the greatest benefit is the e-mail base that you can acquire and use for promoting your business. You can offer a product or service or membership at the end of your summit. Your guest speakers can have their contact information posted at the end of their presentation or you can share that information at the time of your introduction.

I also see this as an opportunity to build some strategic alliances with your speakers. This is not the shortest or the easiest challenge, but one that can yield awesome results.