MEETINGS 3.0: HOW THE BEST VIRTUAL KEYNOTE SPEAKERS SEE ONLINE EVENTS EVOLVING

Surveying the best virtual keynote speakers, it’s clear that the shift to online events opened up new opportunities for experimentation that the best online speaking pros see pushing the digital event space forward. As digital attendance and hybrid formats become mainstays, the top presenters anticipate that event organizers will raise production values and further integrate interactive elements to drive engagement.

Specifically, the best virtual keynote speakers foresee broadcast-quality video streams becoming the norm rather than exceptions for top conferences aiming to mirror the excitement of live experiences. Doing so enables thought leaders to maximize theatrical tactics to command viewer attention through multi-dimensional virtual stages. Top performers also suggest that prominent online events will get more creative mixing in pre-recorded packages and even pre-produced “skits” starring speakers to make typically stale presentations more cinematic.

Mind you – the best virtual keynote speakers also note that audiences now demand more opportunities to directly participate, not just passively view. As such, thought leaders are building audiences into their sessions through real-time polls, crowdsourced word clouds and Q&A dialogues. But that’s not all – the best virtual keynote speakers are also now experimenting with gamification by integrating interactive quizzes, live debates and competitive leaderboards. High-tech tools make sessions more fun while allowing expert presenters to incorporate peer perspectives.

Moreover, we’d be remiss if we didn’t observe that the best virtual keynote speakers understand networking and lead generation remains vital to events. Thus many suspect conference platforms will find ways to pair attendees based on interests for spontaneous 1:1 video chats. Post-session, the best virtual keynote speakers say reinforcing takeaways and conversations through detailed analytics reports, personalized video recaps, exclusive digital resources or facilitator-led community forums are other avenues primed for growth.

While uncertain times accelerate virtual event innovation, top online speaking pros are most excited by the expanded access these technologies permit long-term. With robust platforms now proven, the best virtual keynote speakers foresee hybrid formats opening up conferences, workshops and collaborative meetings to more participants by removing geographic and budget constraints. Paired with engaging speaker and attendee experiences, the potential impact of online events is only growing brighter.