We welcome event production expert Brian Richards, who brings over 15 years of experience. Brian shares insights on maximizing virtual event production by understanding systems and breaking them down. He discusses his journey in virtual events and the two essential elements for success. We also discuss trends in event sponsorships influenced by the pandemic and a glimpse into the future of the events industry.

Guest Bio

Brian Richards is an event producer and web developer at WPSessions and has been involved in events for 15 years. His speciality is currently in stellar virtual event production for his own conferences as well as others. Brian helped many clients pivot to virtual events during the pandemic and organizes WordSesh and WooSesh, two entirely virtual conferences for WordPress and WooCommerce professionals.

Learn more about Brian's work at WPSessions.com

Key Topics and Takeaways

01:45 - Maximizing Virtual Event Production

We start the episode with Brian sharing insights on best practices for virtual events, navigating the pivot to virtual events, and two essential elements for a good event.

11:56 - Shift in Sponsor Trends in Events

Brian shares his thoughts on the future of the events industry, and how sponsors have shifted strategies due to the pandemic.

19:00 - Hybrid Events

We talk about hybrid events and explore the difficulties of providing an equitable experience for both audiences, cost, effort, and warning signs.

30:48 - Using Technology in Event Planning

Brian discusses tech tools for virtual events, audience engagement, accessibility, data collection, and event software.

36:47 - Simplified Registration and Engaging Virtual Events

Brian talks email authentication, pre-recording talks, and having an outcome in mind to ensure event success.

Want to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.

Additional Resources

• Learn more about Brian's work at WPSessions.com

• Want to dive deeper? Take our free 30 minute training, Community Event Mastery. Access it here.

Next episode: Less is more: Streamlining event tech

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