What are the most effective ways to remotely manage event production trends?

1 Choose the right tools and platforms

One of the first steps to remotely manage event production trends is to choose the right tools and platforms that suit your needs and goals. Depending on the type and scale of your event, you may need different solutions for registration, ticketing, streaming, engagement, networking, feedback, and analytics. Some of the factors to consider when choosing your tools and platforms are: their features and functionalities, their compatibility and integration, their reliability and security, their cost and value, and their user-friendliness and support. You may also want to test and compare different options before making your final decision.

2 Communicate clearly and frequently

Another key step to remotely manage event production trends is to communicate clearly and frequently with your team, your vendors, your stakeholders, and your attendees. Communication is essential for ensuring that everyone is on the same page, that expectations are aligned, that problems are solved, and that feedback is collected. Some of the best practices for communication are: to use multiple channels and formats, such as email, phone, video, chat, and social media; to establish regular check-ins and updates, such as daily or weekly meetings, reports, and newsletters; to create and share clear guidelines and protocols, such as roles and responsibilities, deadlines and deliverables, and policies and procedures; and to encourage and acknowledge input and participation, such as questions, suggestions, and recognition.

3 Plan and execute with flexibility and agility

A third step to remotely manage event production trends is to plan and execute with flexibility and agility. Planning and executing events remotely can pose many challenges and uncertainties, such as technical glitches, network issues, audience behavior, and external factors. Therefore, you need to be flexible and agile in adapting to changing situations and responding to emerging needs. Some of the ways to plan and execute with flexibility and agility are: to have a backup plan and a contingency plan for every scenario, such as alternative platforms, speakers, or activities; to monitor and adjust your event in real time, such as by using live dashboards, polls, or surveys; to delegate and empower your team to make decisions and take actions, such as by setting clear goals and boundaries; and to learn and improve from your mistakes and successes, such as by conducting post-event debriefs and evaluations.

4 Create and deliver value and impact

A fourth step to remotely manage event production trends is to create and deliver value and impact for your attendees, your stakeholders, and your community. Value and impact are the ultimate measures of your event's success and relevance, especially in a competitive and saturated market. Some of the ways to create and deliver value and impact are: to understand and meet your audience's needs and expectations, such as by providing relevant and engaging content, experiences, and outcomes; to align and support your stakeholder's objectives and interests, such as by generating leads, revenue, or awareness; to contribute and demonstrate your social and environmental responsibility, such as by reducing your carbon footprint, donating to a cause, or promoting diversity and inclusion.

5 Leverage and optimize data and insights

A fifth step to remotely manage event production trends is to leverage and optimize data and insights from your event. Data and insights are the sources of your learning and improvement, as well as your evidence and proof of your value and impact. Some of the ways to leverage and optimize data and insights are: to collect and analyze data from multiple sources and stages, such as pre-event, during-event, and post-event surveys, analytics, and feedback; to use data to inform and optimize your decisions and actions, such as by identifying gaps, opportunities, and best practices; to use data to communicate and showcase your results and achievements, such as by creating and sharing reports, case studies, or testimonials; and to use data to plan and strategize your future events, such as by setting goals, benchmarks, and indicators.

6 Stay updated and informed

A sixth and final step to remotely manage event production trends is to stay updated and informed on the latest developments and innovations in the event industry. Staying updated and informed can help you keep your edge and relevance, as well as inspire and challenge you to try new things and experiment with new ideas. Some of the ways to stay updated and informed are: to follow and subscribe to reputable and reliable sources of information, such as blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or magazines; to network and connect with other event professionals and experts, such as by joining online communities, groups, or forums; to attend and participate in relevant and quality events, such as webinars, workshops, or conferences; and to seek and pursue continuous learning and development opportunities, such as courses, certifications, or mentorships.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?