If you've ever considered hosting a virtual summit, but thought the idea of a week-long event was both daunting and just too much to possibly be worth the effort, this post is for you.
I've been hosting virtual summits since 2018, and the majority of my events have been 5 days! To think of it, I even had a few where I added a bonus day... yikes!
Those longer events were taxing to say the least... on my energy and the the audience. I'd find myself exhausted by the end, needing a full week just to recover. So after hosting Teach Me How To Summit, in March of 2023... when my amazing co-host and friend, Liz Wilcox, sent me a picture of her lying on the floor in front of her computer after the last session...
I decided I wasn't doing 5-day events anymore!
And after taking some time to think things through, I stood firm on my stance to do shorter events, even if just by 1 day. Because the fact was, we were offering the same information, and since most people don't attend all the sessions, regardless of if they are live or recorded... we don't really need to spread them out so much.
We can offer the same number of sessions (only what is necessary) to cover the topic we've chosen and help the attendees reach their goal, but do it in fewer days.
So let's talk about it.
Shorter Virtual Summits.
As a seasoned virtual summit host, I've now learned firsthand from my own experiences that shorter summits are not only possible but often more effective.
Let's dive into why:
Less is Sometimes More
Remember that 5-day summit I mentioned earlier? It was exhausting! Both for me and my audience. Shorter summits, on the other hand, allow you to focus on a few key topics and make sure you're only including sessions that will help your audience get to their end goal.
This leads to deeper learning and better retention for your attendees.
Ignite Engagement, Accelerate Results
Shorter timeframes can create a sense of urgency and excitement. Your audience is more likely to show up live, actively participate, and immediately implement the strategies they learn.
When you have 1-3 days of targeted topics for inspiration and information, the days following can be reserved for implementation!
Respecting Your Audience's Time
From busy entrepreneurs to work-from-home parents, your audience will appreciate the efficiency of shorter summits. It's much easier to block off a day or two than an entire week.
And of course, if they know ahead of time that there are certain sessions they just can't miss- they can block off times for those specifically to make sure they get to attend.
How to Structure Your Short Virtual Summit
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Day 1: The Hook:
- Welcome Session: Start the day off with an introduction to your attendees that highlights speakers, sponsors, and the schedule.
- Opening Keynote: Kick off with a high-energy keynote speaker who sets the tone and introduces the main theme.
- Core Topic Sessions: Dive into the heart of your summit with not-to-miss presentations from well-known experts on your chosen topic.
- Panel Discussion: Bring together diverse perspectives for lively conversations and audience Q&A.
- Networking Session: Give attendees a chance to connect and discuss what they've learned in a live Q&A or breakout room.
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Day 2: The Deep Dive:
- Welcome Session: Start the day off with a recap of Day 1, key takeaways as well as an overview of today's sessions.
- Core Topic Sessions: Keep going with your core sessions, case studies, and/or workshops that help deliver the concepts outlined.
- Panel Discussion: Bring together diverse perspectives for lively conversations and audience Q&A.
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Day 3: The Call to Action:
- Welcome Session: Start the day off with a recap of Day 1, key takeaways as well as an overview of today's sessions.
- Core Topic Sessions: Keep going with your core sessions, case studies, and/or workshops that help deliver the concepts outlined.
- Panel Discussion: Bring together diverse perspectives for lively conversations and audience Q&A.
- Wrap-Up Session: Summarize key takeaways and celebrate the summit's success.
Shorter Virtual Summits For The Win
I hope if you've made it this far down in the post, you agree that shorter virtual summits offer a more effective and engaging experience for both hosts and attendees.
By focusing on key topics and delivering high-quality content in a condensed timeframe, you can maximize audience engagement and retention. Additionally, shorter summits are more manageable and less stressful for hosts, allowing for a better overall experience.
Consider s shorter summit and feel free to let me know how it goes!
Happy Planning -
