Author: Mishka Rehak

Virtual networking. To many these days, that phrase is dripping with doubt, obstacles, and lack of creativity. Virtual events can feel isolating and disconnected for attendees, and as an event facilitator it may seem daunting finding enticing ways to connect attendees to one another and encourage networking in a less familiar space.

 But what’s the best way to curve design roadblocks? As we always like to say – co-creation! There are so many creative forms of networking for the virtual space (which are not only effective, but FUN) that have yet to be explored, and we know a large portion of them have yet to be brainstormed in the first place. That’s why we are teaming up with Amanda Kaiser at Kaiser Insights LLC to produce a Virtual Networking Incubator of community members committed to exploring creative virtual event design made for expanding attendee networks.

Our Virtual Networking Incubator consists of four basic steps: a journey you are invited to embark upon with us.

continue reading

This article has been co-authored by our very own Arianna Rehak and Leah Lazzari CMP. The two have been a dynamic duo in designing for excellent hybrid experiences – Arianna bringing her virtual event planning experience, and Leah bringing her face-to-face event experience.

We know you’ve heard this before, but we’re going to say it anyway: The year 2020 has been filled with unexpected turns and tons of learning curves. Organizations have had little choice but to produce their content virtually, and in turn the virtual platform isn’t so intimidating to participants anymore.

The silver lining of it all is that the world is discovering the perks of going virtual. There is no denying your community is thirsty for face-to-face interaction, but the good news? You don’t have to choose between in-person and virtual.

continue reading

Do you ever come across people who have the kind of “Yes and?!” energy that makes you go, “we MUST find a way to collaborate!”

That was exactly my reaction when meeting the CEO and Founder of Snöball, Rachel Stephan. Snöball is a technology designed to make it really easy for micro-influencers to spread the word about upcoming events.

Continue reading

We believe that important conversations should be inclusive. Diversity of thought and perspective leads to richer discussions and better solutions. One important way to help virtual events be more inclusive is to make them more accessible.

So we put together an Accessibility Guide on considerations for producing the most accessible event we know how to make, inspired by the seven Universal Design (UD) Principles, which you can learn more about on the National Disability Authority’s website. We drew from the four principles that were most applicable to the virtual platform, but it’s important to note that not one size fits all. 

Continue reading