Virtual conferences have become the go-to option for all the attendees as well as organizers across the globe. Since virtual conferences are so prevalent in all kinds of industries and organizations, we are sure you have attended a virtual conference at least once. For people belonging to the corporate sector, attending conferences is a part of daily life. Hence, it is very common that many have started to find them tedious and boring. Also, most attendees find virtual conferences less productive. 

If you also attend virtual conferences regularly and find it challenging to get something valuable out of them, maybe these tips and tricks that we have shared below can help you. 

• Set Realistic Expectations: 

The first thing you need to do is set your expectations right if you are planning to attend a virtual conference. Make your mind that it is not an in-person conference, and you won’t get a similar experience in a virtual conference. There are chances that you won’t find a new friend here or make professional connections. Also, there won’t be any post-conference socials that will allow you to have fun with your newly-built connections. It’s okay; every format has some limitations. But, the intent is to prepare your mind accordingly so that you don’t end up disappointing yourself. Set expectations, and set realistic expectations from the conference you are about to attend.

• Don’t Manage Work and Conference Simultaneously: 

The fact that you get to attend virtual conferences through your laptop shouldn’t compel you to complete your regular work tasks simultaneously. If you seriously want to make the most of the virtual conference or get a positive outcome from it, just don’t juggle between two tasks simultaneously. If you decide to work as you attend the virtual conference, you would just hear the conference. Just as you do when you play songs while working; instead, it will be boring; neither helping you complete your work. So, the best will be to keep your work aside for some time and attend the virtual conference with all your heart and mind. 

• Show Up Early: 

If you are attending conferences for quite some time now, you might have noticed that exclusive sessions have attendee restraints. These sessions are the most effective in terms of networking and content. So, if you wish to gain some valuable experience, plan your schedule early, and show up. Laziness might cost you some valuable lessons and an unforgettable experience. What you can do is follow the conference updates regularly, and stay in constant touch with the event flow. 

• Network With People: 

Even if it is a virtual event, it would still give you ample networking opportunities to make long-lasting and valuable contacts. Leverage the networking tools that come with the online conference platform. You can connect with like-minded people through tools like Networking Tables and AI-Matchmaking. Also, if the online conference also has any networking event or activity, don’t miss it. This is how you meet new people and expand your personal network. 

1. Change Your Spaces: 

Sure, attending online conferences means you have to log in using your laptop. It also means you will probably do it from your desk. But do you realize online conference platforms give you the opportunity to attend the online conference from any place of your choice, and we are sure you have many places apart from your regular-boring desk? It will refresh your mind, and we are sure you will be able to enjoy your conference more. What you can also do is cast your virtual conference to your TV. A larger screen will give you a more immersive experience. 

• Use Even Minimal Networking Opportunities:

Though virtual conferences come with minimal entertainment, we suggest you make maximum use of them. Several organizers conduct audience engagement activities in between the sessions. As we said, don’t miss out on these activities, for they will help you get your mind off the workload for some time. Also, if the online conference organizers haven’t planned something like this, you can watch some short movies or continue with the web series you were watching. The objective is to take a mental break from such heavy, formal and dense content.

• Share Your Insights: 

One way to make the most of your virtual conference is to reflect on everything you have learned. It not only helps you analyze all your learning but also allows you to retain all your leanings. If you have recently attended an online conference, you can share your learnings with your teammate. It will add value to the knowledge you grabbed in the online conference. What you can do is write a blog and upload them online. Even if it doesn’t get much reaction from the audience, it will allow you to be accountable for your learnings, and you will be compelled to imply these learnings to your daily life.

Virtual events might get quite boring after some time and affect your learning. However, it’s all about balancing everything with work. If you know how to balance everything, virtual conferences are still one of the best ways to learn something new. We hope this guide has helped you understand different tips and tricks you can use if you are planning to host virtual conferences.