How to Manage Virtual Event Time Zones for Global Audiences

Connecting with people from all over the world is a huge benefit of virtual events, bringing different nations together without the restrictions of time, travel and money. Although the opportunities opened up to us from virtual events are vast, extra considerations are required to overcome the obstacle of time zones. By identifying the main issues that arise when targeting a global demographic, it is easier to find solutions that allow the event to run as successfully as possible and be as inclusive as possible when it comes to timings. We delve into some of the main considerations to take into account when planning your global events online;

Cater to all time zones

When it comes to joining an online event, there needs to be as few barriers as possible. Anything that comes in the way of an attendee logging into their event has the potential to lose their interest before they even arrive, reducing the numbers of attendees overall. When they sign up to your virtual event, ask for their location or time zone and cater any materials to include the time of the event in line with their time zone. By ensuring every guest is catered to, the likelihood of anyone getting confused or failing to show up is kept down to a minimum.

Allow for late joiners

The nature of online events can mean they are not a number one priority and your attendees may be out and about elsewhere on the same day. Relying on live content can lose a chunk of your audience who are not able to watch the live session as it happens, losing their custom and engagement. Giving all attendees access to recordings which can be watched in their own time will mean those who have missed out can catch up or anyone who attended the event and wants to re-watch certain parts can do exactly that. This is also a great option for time zones who you struggle to accommodate for; if the event occurs during early morning or late evening, certain locations may rather catching up at a time that is more suitable.

Encouraging interactivity

There is no better way to boost engagement than to get attendees and hosts interacting. Whether its interactive polls/ quizzes, live Q&A sessions, smaller break out rooms or live video chats, getting everyone involved maintains interest and helps people get value from the virtual event. The nature of global events is ideal for networking with those overseas and meeting new people that you would not get the chance to speak with otherwise, giving both attendees and businesses informative insights. Ensuring that you set a time that works for the main demographics attending can make all of the difference, scheduling the interactivity for an appropriate time frame. For corporate events such as networking and recruitment sessions, the 9-5 timeframe is the most suitable whereas for leisure events with a social or fun nature, the evening is more likely to suit.