EP130: Running Successful Virtual Events With Wendy Porter

Running Successful Virtual Events

“We have to shift our limiting beliefs and keep going.” — Ursula Mentjes (08:19-08:23)

These past few months have been a rollercoaster for the Live Event Industry. Some events canceled, some events were rescheduled for 2021, and some producers turned their live event into a virtual experience with great success. This week, we're talking about running successful virtual events with a special guest, Wendy Porter. 

Currently, we're in the middle of the pandemic. The country is in deep conversations and deep mourning following the passing of George Floyd and his death. And we've been covering some of those topics on the show as well. Know that we are with you, and thank you for your comments on some of our podcasts that we've done on that topic. We appreciate it. And we're trying to help everyone find their seat at the table and find their voice, which isn't an easy thing to do. What's important is that we come together and have these conversations in an inclusive way. 

Part One of ‘Running Successful Virtual Events’

Today, I want to talk about events because the world doesn't know what's next. As humans, our brains like to find that pattern forward. And it seems like when we think we know what the pattern is forward, something else comes up or things shift again. First, I asked Wendy to tell us her story about what brought her into the events world. And, like most people, she says she fell into directing events. She was a marketing acquisition manager at United Healthcare, and they asked her to help with a gigantic trade show. At that time, she had never done an event in her life. She had to pull together all of the information and start learning all about the industry. She discovered that she was great at directing events and enjoyed it.

When Wendy made a move and started her own company, she had a few limiting beliefs around selling. It took some pushes for herself and from others at Sales Coach Now to help her understand that she didn't know what she needed to do. 

When she looked back at the sales strategies and steps she used to increase sales, it was all about relationships and networking. When she thinks about the relationships built in the corporate world, she likes to write a thoughtful and handwritten note to let someone know that you're thinking about them. Which is an excellent idea for those who work with industries that have been shut down for a little bit and are now opening again.

“There's going to be a definite desire to get back together with your industry colleagues and enjoy generating ideas together.” — Wendy Porter (25:08-25:20)

Some companies send a survey to their customers, saying, "Hey, I'm thinking about you. I want you to know I'm here for you. Would you take a minute to let us know how we can best serve you? How can we help you right now?"

The responses that will come back in are very valuable. People are raising their hands, saying what they need from businesses right now. Some companies may need to pivot because they need to cater to more client needs right now.

Part Two of ‘Running Successful Virtual Events’

There is much unknown in the event industry. Many corporations have travel bans, and the majority of the markets out there are saying no events until there's a vaccine. After the COVID-19 pandemic, there's going to be a definite desire to get back together, especially with your industry colleagues, and get ideas generated. However, there's a fear factor in terms of traveling, and some people don't want to expose themselves, but you still have to meet their needs. This is why many event producers are shifting to virtual experiences.

Virtual events are the future right now. It's about making sure that you understand your client's objectives and then matching the right platform to that objective. Sometimes, you might need multiple platforms; bells and whistles from a specific platform integrated with another. There are different ideas to keep people engaged in virtual events and create an authentic experience full of energy and creativity.

One way of keeping people engaged is to have virtual break out rooms. Get people interacting in smaller groups virtually. You can use Zoom to do that. You can also do Virtual Happy Hours for VIP clients. We have seen people mail swag packages with cocktail glasses out to their virtual attendees in advance. And, then guests hop on Zoom to enjoy Happy Hour and their Cocktails. Wendy shared some other great ideas, such as sending your guests a coupon for Ubereats, so guests can order their lunch to arrive at their door. When you create these experiences, guests feel more connected and excited to attend the virtual event and your attendance rates increase dramatically.

“It's possible to make an interactive, memorable and exciting virtual event.” —  Ursula Mentjes (26:01-26:05)

If you're a podcast listener or have been following my blogs, I encourage you to join our Sales Camp, which is now virtual because of the pandemic. This is your opportunity to attend Sales Camp from any place in the world. https://www.salescoachnow.com/sales-camp/.

About Wendy Porter & How To Connect:

Wendy Porter is the Owner and Chief Event Architect of Wendy Porter Events LLC, an experiential events management agency based in Minneapolis, MN. Leveraging decades of marketing and event experience working with major corporations, Wendy excels in all types of corporate events: Trade Shows, VIP Hospitality Events, National Sales Meetings, Leadership Conferences, CSR Events, Sporting Events, Award Ceremonies and Employee Celebrations. 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WendyPorterEvents/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/wendy-porter-events-llc

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/wendyporterevents/

About Ursula Mentjes:

Ursula Mentjes is the founder of Sales Coach Now, as well as a Sales Expert, Inspirational Speaker, Author and Certified Sales Coach who specializes in NLP to help her clients double and triple their sales. Sales Coach Now delivers a unique approach to sales training and coaching designed for ultimate retention and achievement. 

Discover how to transform limiting beliefs, make powerful shifts with intention, and authentically serve (sell) your clients with my free pdf, “6 Secrets to Doubling Your Sales! www.salescoachnow.com/gift 

Also, Ursula would love to partner with you at your next event, conference, or sales training session. If you’re interested in coming to Sales Camp, that’s her two-day live course then, you may find out more information here: https://www.salescoachnow.com/sales-camp/.

NEXT STEPS - A GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Be one of the first to receive My One Great Goal Digital Book, My One Great Goal Digital Workbook, and Access To My One Great Goal Virtual Event by completing an online review of my "Double Your Sales Now" Podcast:  go to this link here - www.salescoachnow.com/giveaway/.