Originally published May 23, 2016 , updated on September 14, 2024

Event organisers may be a little sceptical about hosting a fully interactive event because it denotes a certain loosening of the reins. In order for attendees to have a real immersive experience, they need to be given the freedom to do so. And there’s no denying the fact that that does make the entire process a little more uncertain than the usual stuffy, rigid conference vibe. Perhaps that’s what makes interactive events that much more enjoyable.
There are a few simple tips that make planning an interactive event less stressful for organisers who need to feel as though they have all their bases covered.

Professional Moderators are a Must for an Interactive Event

If you want your event to go off without a hitch, hire a professional moderator. There’s no way around it. You want a sense of freedom for attendees, not a full-blown descent into chaos. A skilled moderator is there to guide attendees on their event journey and entertain them along the way – think of it a bit like an adventure cruise. Every ship needs a captain.

Use Outside-the-Box Presentation Formats

Conferences would be nothing without speakers. Keynote speakers are the foundation of a good and interactive event. Without the appropriate tools, these talks would fall flat. Instead of the usual 45-minute talk, consider having an interactive Q&A session. As an organiser, the worst thing you can do is limit your speakers to a rigid presentation format. Spend some time asking them how much time they need for their “talk” and ask them how they would prefer to interact with attendees.

Use Digital Engagement Tools

A Q&A session is great for an interactive event when there’s enough involvement. In some cases, however, you do run the risk of these falling flat if audience engagement is low. In the Digital Age, people tend to feel more comfortable submitting their thoughts, questions, and opinions in a more “anonymous” format. Consider implementing digital tools that allow for this sort of interaction. Attendees seem to really enjoy submitting feedback via their Smartphones, for example. And you may find a more successful result by taking on a modernized approach.

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