10 Ways an Event Moderator Elevates Your Virtual Events (and Your ROI)
Virtual events are a powerful way to connect with your audience and generate new leads, but they only work if they deliver value. You invest time and resources into hosting a virtual event; an experienced event moderator is the key to ensuring you get a significant return on that investment. They are not just hosts—they are strategic partners who can make your event more professional, engaging, and profitable.
Here are 10 reasons and ways to use an event moderator for your next virtual event:
1. The Right Experience
A great moderator has experience relevant to your participants, event format, and topic. They possess a deep understanding of the subject matter, which is crucial for guiding a meaningful conversation. The moderator should have moderated thousands, not just dozens, of events, proving their ability to handle a wide range of topics and formats with poise and professionalism. For instance, an expert in referral strategy can effectively moderate events for referral-driven businesses, as they are knowledgeable about the nuances of networking and lead generation. On the other hand, a JD/MBA can lead discussions for legal and financial professionals, ensuring the conversation remains authoritative and accurate while tackling complex subjects. Their extensive background allows them to anticipate audience needs, ask insightful questions, and add genuine value to the discussion.
2. Strategic Preparation
A moderator is more than a host; they’re a strategic partner. They work with you well in advance to define event goals, identify key attendees, and craft a compelling agenda. This collaborative planning process ensures that every detail, from the event’s objectives to the questions asked, is aligned with your desired outcomes. They can even assist with logistics like sending invitations and tracking registrations, freeing you up to focus on the content. By working closely beforehand, you can strategize to ensure every minute of the event is planned to maximize value and meet your business objectives. The moderator’s preparation ensures the event is not just a meeting but a carefully orchestrated experience.
3. Expert Time Management
Time is your most valuable asset, and a moderator is a master of it. They help maintain the event’s flow, ensuring that sessions start and end on time and transitions between speakers or topics are seamless. This is crucial for keeping participants engaged and showing respect for their schedule. An expert moderator also has the flexibility to adjust the agenda in real-time based on actual attendance and audience participation. If a particular topic sparks a lot of conversation, they know how to manage the time to allow for it without derailing the entire event. This adaptability ensures the event remains professional and on track, no matter what surprises come up.
4. Drive Audience Participation
A moderator is an expert at engaging the audience and sparking participation. They skillfully manage Q&A sessions, ensuring every question is heard and directed to the right person. They also encourage attendees to use the chat feature to share their opinions, pose questions, or offer comments. This is especially valuable for virtual events, as it provides a way for participants who might not feel comfortable speaking up on camera to still engage and contribute. By creating a dynamic, interactive environment, the moderator ensures that attendees feel included and valued, turning a passive webinar into an active, two-way conversation.
5. Maintain Content Focus
Discussions can easily go off-course. An event moderator is a content guardian, keeping the event focused on its core objectives and theme. They skillfully steer conversations back on track if they wander and prevent distractions. This requires a delicate touch—the moderator must be able to gently guide the conversation while still respecting participants’ contributions. This kind of intervention keeps the event on course and ensures that valuable time is spent discussing topics that are directly related to the event’s objectives, ultimately guaranteeing a high-value experience for all involved.
6. Be an Effective Business Representative
A moderator can serve as a voice for the host or sponsor, reinforcing your brand and messaging. They can naturally weave strategic messaging about your services or offerings into the conversation, highlighting your value proposition without it feeling like a sales pitch. They can also make sure you and other key presenters receive the appropriate time and attention to deliver your message effectively. This ensures that the host’s contributions are emphasized and that attendees fully grasp the importance and relevance of the host’s business to their own goals.
7. Resolve Conflict
Tensions can arise during live Q&A or discussions, especially when dealing with controversial topics. A skilled moderator is a diplomatic facilitator who can quickly step in to defuse disagreements and guide the conversation toward constructive dialogue. They are able to maintain a positive and impartial tone, which helps stop arguments from escalating. By steering the discussion back to the core topics and focusing on shared goals, the moderator helps to reestablish a collaborative and positive atmosphere, which is critical for maintaining the professional integrity of your event.
8. Enhance Event Value
An adept moderator elevates the professionalism and overall quality of your event, leaving a stronger, more positive impression on attendees. Their proficiency in overseeing the event’s progression, arranging conversations, and resolving any problems ensures that the event is executed with a high degree of polish and efficiency. This allows your subject matter experts to focus entirely on sharing their insights while the moderator handles the rest. As a result, attendees have a more fulfilling and memorable experience, and they are more likely to view your organization as a leader in its field.
9. Optimize Event Tools
An experienced moderator can manage the technical side of your event, from promotion and registration on platforms like Eventbrite and social media to live broadcasting using tools like StreamYard. Their expertise with video-conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams ensures a smooth, professional experience for everyone involved. The moderator is in charge of things like setting up meeting links, managing breakout rooms, and ensuring audio and video quality meet professional standards. This technical proficiency allows you to run a seamless event without worrying about potential issues.
10. Post-Event Follow-Up
After the event, a moderator can provide valuable insights and feedback based on their direct interactions and observations of attendees. This information is crucial for evaluating the event’s success and identifying areas for improvement. For instance, they might highlight which topics were most engaging or where participants seemed to lose interest. They can also assist with post-event messaging to attendees, helping you nurture the relationships you’ve just built. Their insights and assistance with planning and follow-up procedures will aid in the ongoing improvement of the quality and significance of your future events.
Conclusion
In a world where virtual events are a cornerstone of business development, the role of a skilled moderator has never been more critical. They are the strategic asset that transforms a standard event into a powerful, engaging, and professional experience. By investing in a moderator, you’re not just hiring a host; you’re securing the expertise needed to drive audience participation, maintain focus, and ultimately, maximize the return on your time and resources.
