So, you’ve found a platform that ticks all the boxes. But Deslauriers advises requesting a timeline in writing before you sign the contract. “What assets are due when? If you are branding the experience, what is needed both in time and resources, both on their side and yours? For example, fi nding out the back- end team needs two weeks to brand your platform won’t work if your event is only days away,” says Deslauriers, adding, “And yes, this really happened to a planner I know.” THE TAKE-AWAY Here’s a list of common platform features to help you make your wishlist: Breakout rooms Broadcasting Chatbot Chat feature Custom branding Custom virtual exhibitor booths Fundraising Gamifi cation Help desk In-house production team Interactivity Lead retrieval Livestreaming with record and playback Messaging Monetization Multi-streaming Multiple event tracks Networking One-on-one video chats Polls Pre-event website Q&As Real-time analytics Registration Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality Ultimately, dedicating time and energy to the platform search not only benefi ts clients and attendees, it’s also an investment in your skill set, says Norris. “We’re all interconnected in this journey to develop better virtual learning which will ultimately lead to this hybrid world that we’re all careening towards.” In Beaune’s experience in the early days of the pandemic, it was very diffi cult to actually connect with platforms to get answers to her questions. “It’s hard to fi nd somebody to be responsive to your questions and really understand your goals and objectives as an event producer. Platform people are tech people, they’re not event people.” But that’s shifting, she adds. “Platforms are starting to realize, ‘oh, this new audience of event planners is more demanding. They need us to be more knowledgeable on their needs.’” In fact, that was one of the reasons that Creative Twist purchased a license for Remo, the platform they used for their networking event and have launched a virtual event venue called Connect Event Hub. Zandboer says he chose Ineventors, a Canadian company, partially because he immediately received a call from the owner upon a request for a demo. “They started thinking along with us. We could bounce ideas off of them. It wasn’t just a matter of throwing a platform at me and letting me fi gure it out.” You might also leverage your existing relationships with AV companies you used for on-site events, since many have transitioned to virtual events. “Working with partners who will assist you every step of the way, sharing their learnings, good and bad, and investing in the right technology will ensure success,” says Deslauriers. At Zandboer’s event, the platform allowed a table set-up similar to the in-person event, where up to eight people could meet with each DMC and watch presentations. He credits a video that familiarized attendees with the platform prior to the event for increasing engagement and limiting tech frustration. “In general, the DMCs felt it was successful. We got quality attendees, not just quantity, which was the aim. We would use the same platform again.” So, you’ve found a platform that ticks all the boxes. But Deslauriers advises requesting a timeline in writing before you sign the contract. “What assets are due when? If you are branding the experience, what is needed both in time and resources, both on their side and yours? For example, Here’s a list of common platform features to help you make your wishlist: Breakout rooms Broadcasting Chatbot Chat feature Custom branding Custom virtual exhibitor booths Fundraising Gamifi cation Help desk Breakout rooms Broadcasting Chatbot Chat feature Custom branding Custom virtual exhibitor booths Fundraising Gamifi cation Help desk In Beaune’s experience in the early days of the pandemic, it was very diffi cult to actually connect with platforms to get answers PHOTO: CONNECT EVENT HUB GET IT IN WRITING TALK TO SUPPLIERS June 2021 | Ignitemag.ca | 17
