🎤 From Flops to Fire: What We Really Learned About Virtual Event Planning

And why measuring your event success is hotter than your Canva graphics.

Let’s be honest ,

You had the event. The chat was poppin’. Your speakers came through. You even wore real pants (well… maybe). But now what? Do you ghost your attendees like a bad Tinder date? Or do you show up with post-event power moves that scream “I’m the Beyoncé of virtual events”?

Well, we’re here for Option B. Because this week’s session was all about keeping it real and getting better with every event. Oh and we spilled some tea, too. 🍵🔥

TL;DR:

• Know your audience like you know your favorite meme format
• Value > Vibes: Personal connections can’t replace solid event strategy
• Start promoting yesterday
• Your marketing? Tailor it like a couture gown, not a one-size-fits-none
• Post-event analysis isn’t optional—it’s your glow up plan
• Graphics matter. If yours scream "Microsoft Paint 2004," it’s time to phone a friend
• Rehearse like your mic will betray you (because it will)

Got 12 minutes to spare? Would you like to listen to an AI audio recap of

The Virtual Summiteers Peer Group latest session on 04.11.2025 ?

The Road to Successful Event Launches: Your Virtual Event Game Plan

🎯 Define, Refine, Slay: The Strategy Side of Things

We kicked off this meeting by asking: Who are you really planning for?

Because if your audience is “everyone,” then your results might be “no one.” Zakia’s “Handcrafted Live” event served as a case study in niche clarity—and let’s just say, her soap wasn’t the only thing squeaky clean. Her branding was on point, and her lessons? Even better.

👉 Open Question: Who exactly is your next virtual event for? And are they gonna care?

🎤 Community is Cute, But Monetization is Sexy

Zakia launched a paid community post-event (bravo 👏), but let’s be real—keeping a community engaged is like feeding a Tamagotchi. Daily.

We explored how to balance free content with paid offers, how to price for sustainability (not burnout) and why your membership site shouldn't feel like a neglected Facebook group.

👉 What’s one thing your paid community gets that your free followers don’t?

🗣️ Your Marketing Ain’t Marketing If No One’s Listening

Marketing an event is like flirting—you’ve got to start early, tailor your message and keep things spicy.

We talked evergreen explainer videos (so your content keeps working while you nap) and audience segmentation so sharp, it slices through the noise like a hot knife through butter.

👉 Are you speaking your audience’s love language… or just yelling into the void?

💻 Tech Drama: Rehearse It Before You Regret It

From platform choice (HeySummit vs. AirMeet vs. Zoom cage match) to the tragic necessity of speaker tech checks, we roasted ourselves for past mistakes so you don’t have to.

👉 When was the last time you had a tech rehearsal that didn’t end in mild panic?

🎨 Graphics That Slay (or at Least Don’t Scare)

Shout out to Ericka (yes, moi) for having secret design skills. PSA: Sloppy visuals are the fastest way to get ghosted by your audience. Elle and Zakia are teaming up with me to level up their look and if you’re still using blurry headshots, we’re coming for you next.

👉 What do your event graphics say about your brand… and is it “we care” or “we tried”?

💪 Elle’s Power Move: Elite Athlete Targeting

Elle is refining her messaging to appeal to elite athletes—from middle school beasts to pro-level ballers. We discussed the magic of clear offers and irresistible service explanations. “Rapid Recovery” and “Injury Regeneration” never sounded so good.

👉 What would make your dream client stop scrolling and say, “That’s for me”?

🚀 Let’s Keep the Magic Going…

We’re not done just yet. Your event might be over, but the glow-up has just begun!

🎉 Join us for our next virtual event:

Title: Reflecting on Your Event Launch and Measuring Success

📅 Date & Time: Tues. 04/15/2025 @ 6pm ET

🔗 Sign Up Here!

We’ll cover:

✅ How to measure your event’s real impact (beyond “vibes were good”)

✅ Data points to track before you forget what even happened

✅ How to gather & use attendee feedback like a boss

✅ Building post-event engagement that keeps your audience hooked

✅ Lessons to make your next event even better (because there will be a next event👀)

Conclusion:

If you’re serious about showing up like the Beyoncé of virtual events (with fewer costume changes), then don’t just host events—master them.

Replays, resources and real talk are waiting at The Virtual Summiteers Peer Group! And hey, if your last event was more “meh” than “memorable”… that’s okay. We’ve all been there. That’s why we’re here to reflect, refine and slay the next one together. 💁🏽‍♀️✨

See you 04.15.2025 6pm on Zoom at the session!

With SaaS, Strategy and maybe a little snark.

*Keep Moving Forward!

Ericka Bates

Digital Transformation Strategist withTalk Virtual & The Facilitator of The Virtual Summiteers Peer Group