How to Connect Local Markets and Vendors Through Virtual Events

1/31/2023

In today's digital age, more and more businesses are hosting online events in order to reach new audiences and build a wider community. Virtual events provide an opportunity for small businesses to connect with local markets and vendors, while at the same time showcase their products or services and build community among those who live nearby.
Here are some tips for hosting successful virtual events:

1. Plan ahead
If you're thinking of hosting a virtual event, there are a few key things you should keep in mind. When it comes to online events, promotion and planning are key.
First, let’s talk about planning. Create a detailed plan for the event, including the event theme and schedule. You should also create a list of potential vendors and reach out to them ahead of time, so they have time to plan their segments.
Second, let’s go into promotion. Depending on your target market, create a marketing plan that meets your audience in their usual spots. For example, if you’re targeting businesspeople, or if your event is professional and career-oriented, you might want to focus on LinkedIn promotion. Make sure to promote your event in advance so that people have time to clear their schedules.

2. Utilize social media
In the previous point, we touched a little bit on promotion and on marketing your event on the right channels. Given the prominence of social media within everyday life, it’s most likely that you’ll be promoting your event to one or more social platforms. But how can you leverage social media tools to promote your event?
You can create an event page on Facebook and invite people to join or use Twitter or Instagram to share details about the event and encourage people to participate. Make sure to use hashtags so that people can easily find your posts. You can also encourage people to participate by offering online discounts or prizes for those who attend the event. Let people know what they can expect and how they can participate. For example, you could host a virtual panel discussion or webinar. Whatever you do, make sure you promote your event online so you can reach the widest audience possible. Use social media to its fullest potential so you can get the most people to participate in your event.

3. Provide incentives
If you're looking to encourage people to participate in your virtual event, one of the best ways to do so is by providing incentives. By offering discounts or giveaways for those who attend the event, you can increase interest and encourage people to support local businesses. Plus, incentives can help create a feeling of community and camaraderie among participants. In turn, this will help make your virtual event a success.

4. Host Live demonstrations or performances
Many people are finding that virtual events are a great way to connect with local vendors and learn about new products or services. By hosting live demonstrations or performances, vendors can add an element of excitement and allow people to see what they have to offer. By showcasing the best that your community has to offer, you can create a sense of pride and unity among residents. It also allows local businesses to reach a larger audience and build interest in their products or services.

5. Follow Up After the Event
Remember to follow up with attendees and vendors after your event is over. Thank them for their participation and let them know you appreciate their support. You could also send out a survey so that you can get feedback on what worked well and what could be improved for future events. Follow up is especially important for online events, as it helps to maintain interest and engagement. You can reach them out via email or on social media. Following up with participants shows that you value their involvement and are interested in improving your events.

As the world increasingly moves online, virtual events are becoming an increasingly popular way for small businesses to reach new customers and build community. Unlike a traditional brick-and-mortar event, a virtual event can be attended by anyone with an internet connection, regardless of location.
Moreover, keep your event focused. Having a clear purpose for your event will help you determine who to invite and what type of content to include. Also, make use of specialized virtual event platforms. These platforms make it easy to host live streaming events, video calls, webinars, and other types of online events. Finally, remember to engage constantly with your attendees during the event. Include interactive elements like polls or Q&A sessions so that participants can interact with each other and with you, the host.
As we explained before in this article, virtual events also provide an opportunity for businesses to deepen engagement with existing customers and build community. This makes it an ideal way for businesses to reach new people who might be interested in their products or services. By following these tips, you can host a successful virtual event that will connect local markets and vendors.