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13 Best Practice Tips for Webinar Presentations

February 5, 2009
In preparation for a discussion regarding the launch of a technology webinar series, I have conducted some research on best practices for the execution of a webinar and some topics that would be valuable to our industry. 

As always, I welcome all thoughts on the tips, topics and participants.

Prior to the webinar
1.  Send at least three reminder communications, 1 week before, 1 day before the webinar and 1 hour before the webinar.

2.  Check the technology. And then re-check it.  Nothing is more embarrassing that webinar software that isn’t working.

3.  Promote the webinar through other media publications.  Advertise, blog, twitter create a press release – pull out a full arsenal of communications and marketing to let the rest of the community know about the webinar.

4.  Generate interest with the community by inviting questions or input about the topic.  Gather any interest and seek to modify the topic accordingly, if it doesn’t disrupt from the core focus of the presentation and discussion.

5.  De-clutter your desktop and open only applications relevant to the webinar.  Close any applications that might launch a pop-up on your desktop during the presentation.

6. Have all presenters call in early.  Keep chatter relevant to the topic and don’t launch into the discussion prior to start time.  A little dialogue prior to the start of the webinar gives a warm welcome to participants and confirms that they have reached the right place.

7. Display a webinar welcome slide that visual confirms the topic and signals when the presentation will start.  This can be reinforced during the casual pre-webinar chatter.

8. Prepare any follow up collateral and be ready to send after the conclusion of the webinar.

During the webinar
9.  Keep the topic and presentation slides on focus and simple.  Plan for refresh update so that your audience sees the new content as you are speaking.

10.  Stay on schedule.   Don’t delay the start of the presentation to wait for stragglers.  Be sensitive to the attendees that show up with excitement and interest in hearing your presentation.
 
11.  Control the conversation.  If questions are distracting from the presentation or discussion, sideline audience participation by offering to address questions during the Q&A time.  It is OK to continue a dialogue after the presentation as long as participants are allowed to drop off at the scheduled conclusion and not made to feel they are missing your topic points.

12.  Summarize your webinar topic points on time.  Provide good references and define how participants can access or will receive any follow up materials.

After the webinar
13. Send instructions on how to access the recording and the slides within 24 hours of the presentation.  Sooner if possible.  

Webinar Topics
The Difference about Technology in the Tradeshow Industry
Unique technology traits and requirements for the chaotic show floor

Handling Negative remarks from your community in a public Forum
Secret: It is not about control

What is Web 2.0 – Really?
Definition of web 2.0 is simple terms and simple analogies

Technology that Keeps our industry from falling down
A checklist of tools that deliver the fundamental solutions (Part 1 – Show Producers)

Technology that Keeps our industry from falling down
A checklist of tools that deliver the fundamental solutions (Part 2 –Associations)

What is SEO and how does it impact show communities
Google analytics, website optimization and SEO tips

Exhibitor/Attendance marketing
New rules and new tools for distributing relevant messages to targeted customers and prospects.

Technology procurement – How CES, NAB and other top tradeshows are select tools during these economic conditions.
How large show management goes about the process of indentifying, researching and adopting best-of-breed tools during these tough economic times

Tools & Metrics for Analyzing Show Behavior
Exhibitors and Attendees in their Natural Habitat

Posted by Stephen Nold on February 5, 2009 | Comments (1)