The pandemic has resulted in a rise for virtual events. For event organizers creating their virtual event for the first time can be nerve-wrecking. So, here’s a couple of preliminary points to keep in mind while making your event. 1. Start promoting at least a month in advance. 2. Integrate SEO and SEM to get your name out there. a. Take a look at these webinar for more information: https://www.eventeny.com/community/posts/eventeny-webinar-series-seo-101-17/ https://www.eventeny.com/community/posts/eventeny-webinar-series-semppc-18/ 3. Communicate often and early with artists and vendors. 4. Hold Shop Contests to encourage healthy competition among artists and vendors. a.Learn more here: https://www.eventeny.com/community/posts/top-5-ways-to-drive-virtual-engagement-6/ 5.Think outside the box! Be creative! (Have a variety of content) a. Play ice breaker games to get people talking b. Contests to engage c. Parades and 5k runs d. Here are more suggestions: https://www.eventeny.com/community/posts/eventeny-webinar-series-creative-ideas-to-engage-wtih-your-attendees-virtually-20/ 6. Visit www.eventeny.com/events to get inspiration from other Eventeny hosted events. 7. Have sponsorships to highlight local business involvement. a. Connect with local businesses to create videos or to host activities locally. b. Provide them with sponsorship ROI c. Promotes brand awareness d. Some sponsors may just want their name on videos/graphics, while others may want a shops or zoom chats with attendees 8. Decide what type of event you want to host. a. In-person b. Hybrid (Consider how you will tie in the virtual marketplace) c. Online 9.Survey artists and vendors to better understand how to sell their work. 10. Create search categories for customers to quickly find products. a. Examples: clay, pottery, embroidery, necklaces, etc. 11. Be active on social media. Some tips include: a. Ask artists and buyers to promote b. Tag artists and vendors c. Tag locations if the event is in person d. Award shops with nice page layouts to increase healthy competition 12. Don’t wait till the last minute. 13. Don’t assume artists and vendors are “good to go” and always ask questions to check in with them. 14. Don’t stress! Virtual events are new and we are always here to support you. a. Reach out to us at support@eventeny.com