So, you're thinking about hosting a virtual summit?

Congratulations! This exciting endeavor can be a game-changer for your online business.

However, there are common pitfalls that can derail even the best-laid plans. Many successful entrepreneurs have learned valuable lessons along the way. This post shares 15 critical "Don'ts" to avoid based on real-world experiences.

By learning from the mistakes of others, you can save yourself time, money, and frustration. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time host, understanding these common pitfalls is crucial. From choosing the wrong platform to neglecting post-summit follow-up, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to steer clear of costly mistakes and ensure your first virtual summit is a resounding success.

15 Virtual Summit Don'ts To Avoid In Your Next Event

Don't Choose a Vague Theme:

•  Avoid broad or ambiguous themes. A clear and focused theme is crucial for attracting the right audience and speakers.
• Read more about choosing a theme for your virtual summit in this post!

Don't Neglect Speaker Quality:

•  Don't simply invite anyone.
•  Ensure your speakers are credible, engaging, and have a strong online presence.
• Read more on how to research speakers in this blog post. 
• And then this one on speaker outreach. 

Don't Overlook Technical Rehearsals:

•  Thoroughly test your technology (platform, audio, video) before the summit to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for attendees.
•  Have a backup plan for potential technical issues and some pre-made communications to send out, just in case! 

Don't Underestimate the Power of Email:

•  Email marketing is crucial.
•  Create a well-crafted email sequence to build anticipation and drive registrations.
• Read this post on how to promote your virtual summit to your email list. 
• This one is on how we can nurture people who haven't yet registered.

Don't Rely Solely on Your Email Promotion:

• Make it easy for your speakers to help share and promote the event to their audience! 
• Lean into alternate promo methods like podcast and blog guesting, website pop-up banners, industry publications, paid newsletter promos, and more. 
• Lastly, paid advertising (social media ads, targeted campaigns) can significantly amplify your reach and attract a larger audience.
• Read this post about how to get speakers to help promote your virtual summit. 
• And this one is about making it easy for them to promote with ready-made assets.

 Don't Ignore Attendee Interaction:

•  Don't let attendees passively consume content. Find a way to keep them engaged and make your event actually feel like an event. 
•  Encourage interaction through live chat, Q&A sessions, and social media engagement.
• Read this post on how to make the most of your event Facebook Group.
• And read this post about door prizes. 

Don't Neglect Post-Summit Follow-Up:

•  Don't let the momentum fade after the summit ends.
•  Continue to nurture relationships with attendees through email, social media, and personalized offers.
• This is the perfect time for that next step offer that will take your attendees to the next level on their journey.

Don't Ignore Data Analysis:

•  Don't simply collect data.
•  Analyze your results (registrations, attendance, engagement, ROI) to identify areas for improvement.

Don't Dismiss Attendee Feedback:

•  Actively solicit and carefully consider both positive and negative feedback from attendees. We like to do this using an attendee feedback form.
•  Use this feedback to refine your future summits.

Don't Choose the Wrong Platform:

•  Select a user-friendly, reliable platform that seamlessly integrates with your existing tools.
•  Prioritize features like ease of use, robust live chat, and mobile optimization.
• Read these posts about platforms we recommend: 
  • Kajabi
  • ThriveCart
  • HeySummit

Don't Neglect Speaker Support:

•  Provide clear guidelines and support to your speakers throughout the planning and execution of the summit.
•  Make sure you email essential information and/or keep it posted on a Speaker Info Page to address leading up to and throughout your event.
• Read this post on how to onboard and manage your speaker team. 
• And this one about communicating with your speakers. 

Don't Forget to Enjoy the Process:

•  Hosting a summit should be an enjoyable experience.
•  Embrace the process and celebrate your successes.

Don't Let Challenges Discourage You:

•  Even the best-laid plans may encounter challenges.
•  Stay positive, learn from any setbacks, and continuously refine your approach.

Don't Underestimate the Value of Visuals:

•  Utilize high-quality visuals (graphics, videos, social media images) to enhance your marketing efforts and make your summit more visually appealing.

Don't Neglect Building a Community:

•  Foster a sense of community among attendees and speakers.
•  Encourage networking and ongoing interaction beyond the live event.
• Read this post on how to make the most of your event Facebook Group.
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