5 TOP WAYS TO MAKE YOUR VIRTUAL EVENTS MORE INCLUSIVE

 Bringing Inclusivity to Virtual Events.




The year 2020 saw the rise of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a rise of online event platform such as conferences, sessions, panel discussions and more held by many associations. Inclusivity has somewhat declined. The world was already struggling to infuse inclusivity in events. The rise in virtual events made it harder. 

However, that must not stop us from striving for inclusive virtual events. To help you create a virtual event that are inclusive, we have put together 5 quality tips and best practices. Keep reading this article to find out what they are:-

#1. Find the right speakers

Your speakers are the faces of your event or webinar and should be as the audience you want to appeal to. Hosting an event that includes a diverse set of outlooks should include women, visible minorities, disable people and so on. Too often I see the same faces presenting at events and typically they say the same things. A diverse panel will present new ideas and provoke more thoughts. Admittedly, it may take more time, but that time and energy will reflect back on the overall experience of attendees. Increasingly, it's great to see that speakers are also demanding event organizers commit to diversity before they will even agree to participate in an event. You can do this too.

#2. Make your virtual event stand out

This has been one of the biggest challenges for virtual events, but luckily there are some ways to make it unique. With a bit of creativity in terms of the content and topics being discussed at the event, you can make it unique from other events happening around the same time. The diverse range of speakers will add uniqueness to your event.

#3. Make accessibility a priority

People attending your event will have different capabilities. While you may not have the same accessibility concerns you do when choosing a physical event venue, a virtual event has its accessibility requirements. Not every one will be able to see or hear presentations and slideshows. Include audio and visual closed captioning to ensure that all audiences can maximize their event experience. If you are attempting to reach a global audience, consider offering real-time translations to your attendees. Your event website should be designed using large font size and high contrast to support those with vision complications. It is also a good idea to consider technological limitations. Not every attendee will have access to a high-speed internet connection. Provide attendees with options like the ability to download content before and after the event, so they aren't using all their bandwidth on that and missing out on the event itself. If you are using a downloadable event app for access, consider providing web browser access to minimize issues. 

#4. Use of inclusive language

The use of language is very critical when it comes to speaking at a physical event. However, a limited audience would there. On the other hand, the use of language becomes extremely critical when it comes to speaking at a virtual event. Millions are hearing you globally. That is why it is advised to be very careful in your use of language. It can create a positive impact as well. You must ask your presenters and speakers to be inclusive in their language. Make sure that the language in use is not homophobic, sexist, transphobic or racist. The words you use matter. A single mistake can leave the reputation of the event shattered. Check if there are any disrespectful remarks or terms in usage or being spoken. Keep strict check on this. The language here does not only denote the speeches or presentations. Inclusion must reflect your language on your registration forms, marketing, social media, or attendee code of conduct. You must take a comprehensive approach to this.

#5. Ask for feedback

An essential aspect of inclusivity is to include everyone in your planning. This will also help you figure out what worked in your event and what you need to now focus more on. All in all, it will definitely help you build a more inclusive virtual event. Have your creative events agency include an interactive and short feedback form for all attendees at the end of the event.

Conclusion...

Finally, we would like to say that thinking you are inclusive and demonstrating are two different things. Make sure you preach it through your virtual events.  Embed inclusion in your vision and mission behind your virtual event. make it your culture, instill it as an innate quality. In this way, it would come evident in your actions, events, vision and most importantly your team.


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Written by: Antony Moturi


   About the Author: 


Antony is a professional DJ, Pianist, Social Media ManagerContent Creator and a Blogger. Besides that he does professional Sound Engineering, Public Speaking and is a Youth Leader.

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