TIPS FOR HOSTING VIRTUAL CHAPTER MEETUPS
Virtual meetings and meetups might be new territory for many members so suggest chapters adopt “Rules of Virtual Engagement.” These guidelines help create the right conditions for interaction and community-building, for example:
- Be willing to try unfamiliar technology.
- Be present—turn off distractions, like email.
- Be a conscientious participant—step up if you don’t hear yourself participating, and step back if you hear yourself talking a lot.
- Accept that some things are out of your control.
Provide technical tips or requirements before virtual meetings so no one has to deal with speaker phone echo or listen to someone chewing their food or yelling at their dog. Advise members on the best web-conferencing set up—webcam position, audio preferences, best lighting, etc.
Every virtual event should have a leader, facilitator, or host—someone who can keep the conversation moving, ask people to mute their microphones, and get quiet participants involved in the conversation. It also helps to have someone behind the scenes who can deal with technical issues. Adrian Segar, founder of Conferences That Work, shared advice for supporting a community online during COVID-19 and tips for hosting virtual meetups.
When marketing these events, stress the importance of networking in an uncertain economic climate. It’s a good time for members to deepen and extend professional networks.
Talk to supplier members about sponsorship opportunities. How can they leverage these virtual meetups and meetings to achieve their marketing goals? We’ll share sponsorship ideas in an upcoming post.
