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Virtual Meeting Must-Haves

Virtual-Event-Must-Haves

Since business around the world has made the switch to all virtual, we want you to look your best and put a polished presence forward to your clients, co-workers, and partners. These easy tips can be achieved with items you have around your house - that ladder? Use it! That ethernet cable you thought you'd never need again? Use it! When prepping for your next video conference call or live stream event, just remember CHIP!  Camera – Headphones – Internet – Picture.

Virtual Meeting Must Haves

CAMERA

Most laptops or computers today have high quality cameras which are great for this setup. Check out our 4 step guide to shooting videos at home.You don’t need to go out and purchase an expensive camera. But to make sure that you are looking your best here are a few tips for camera placement:

  • Make sure that the camera is eye level with you. This might require you to stack a few books under your laptop or use a chair to maintain eye level with your camera like our colleague James did!
  • Look into the camera – not at the person talking. Now, we understand this can be difficult. Imagine the camera is your friend and maintain eye contact to show your intent. 
  • Depth is important. Make sure that people can see what is behind you, whether it is the back of your room or office. People don't want to see just another floating head on a blank background. Check out these creative ways to use video.

Virtual Meeting Must Haves Camera

HEADPHONES

We suggest using a pair of headphones or earbuds that have a built-in microphone. Remember there is no reason to scream so talk at normal conversational level. Speaking clearly and concisely is paramount for every virtual meeting. It helps get the message across easier without your audience having to constantly ask you to repeat what you just said.

A quiet space is a must have for any virtual meeting. Make sure you have a space in your home or office that is distraction free from kids, street noises, etc.

Virtual Meeting Must Haves Headphones

INTERNET

It is important to have a solid internet connection. We recommend a hardline internet, but a high-speed broadband connection can also be a solid solution.

At a minimum you want the following bandwidth speeds - 8Mbps download/ 1.5 Mbps upload (use an online source such as Speedtest to test your connection).  If you are connected to the internet via WIFI, bring your computer or device closer to the WIFI Router in your home if experiencing a slower-than-normal connection. Most cafés and small coffee shops offer free WIFI. If you don't have good WIFI access, make your way to your favorite coffee shop and find a quiet corner to set up your station.

Virtual Meeting Must Haves Internet

PICTURE

A picture says a thousand words and we want you to slay.  Be sure that you have clean, neutral, decluttered space behind you. You may not want your family photo or favorite sports team banner behind you as the person on the other end might find it distracting.  Some conference platforms let you select virtual background that you can customize – if you can upload images create a branded background with your company or event logo.

In addition to your clean background, you need to make sure your space is illuminated correctly. Be sure that you are facing your light source – whether it be a window, desk lamp or other light source. This will ensure that your face is illuminated and should avoid harsh contrasts behind you.
 

READY TO TALK VIRTUAL EVENTS?

You can still have the essence of your organization and its programming in a virtual experience. The more you try, the more your viewers will stay tuned-in and your honorees will feel extra special. So take chances and have fun. Let LAI Live help you design the perfect virtual awards program – complete with graphic design, video content, and even talent & performers, and help you turn your virtual plan into reality!

We are ready to listen, brainstorm, and execute for you and your organization! Reach out to our team today to start talking all things virtual event design and online meeting management.

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