Networking & Engagement Tips When Attending Virtual Events

With in-person events put on hold due to COVID-19, virtual events and conferences have become the new norm.Here at Guhuza.com, we have been holding job fairs and other related conferences completely online since the start of the pandemic. Many of these virtual event platforms offer similar features to a live event, such as speaking sessions, exhibitor booths, and networking opportunities.However, if you're new to it, it can be a bit overwhelming to navigate. If you are planning on attending an online event, below are a few tips on how you can make the most of your participation and network with others.

1. Make your presence known.

When you first log into the event, introduce yourself in the chat section if there is one. Greet other attendees by stating your name, position, and where you work. If you're a job seeker, you can provide some detail about what you are looking for and perhaps share a link to your website or LinkedIn profile for anyone interested in connecting with you.

2. Engage during speaking sessions.

When attending presentations, ensure you engage with the speaker, whether during the session or at the end during the Q&A. Let the speaker know you are engaged by posing a question, asking for additional resources and references, or asking for the best way to connect with them to discuss the topic further. By doing this, you are showing the speaker that you are genuinely interested.

3. Establish networking goals.

Depending on the platform, some may have a dedicated section where you can specifically network with other attendees, such as Hopin, for example. If not, you can still make connections with other attendees by using available chat and connection features.Prior to the event, set a couple of networking goals you would like to accomplish to help make those connections. It can be as simple as introducing yourself to five new people or exchanging LinkedIn profiles or email addresses with three people.

4. Share relevant ideas.

During a speaking session, you can set yourself apart from other attendees by sharing ideas relevant to the topic. It could be something you learned from another event, a course you took, or an article you read.This can help make the session feel more like a conversation, allowing the speaker to respond to some of the content you have shared.

5. Follow up with your connections.

Ensure you follow up with the connections you made at the event by sending a quick email or connection request on LinkedIn. If you are attending an event as a job seeker in particular, following up shows employers that you are a serious candidate.

6. Write a review.

Show that you attended a conference by writing a review about your experience. It could be tagging the company in a LinkedIn post, sending the company an email with your thoughts on the event, or writing a Google review under a speaker's place of business about attending one of their speaking sessions at a virtual event.

In ,conclusion COVID-19 has opened the door to many new ways of holding events. Although it can be challenging at first, virtual events and conferences offer the benefit of convenience for those who are unable to attend in person due to distance. They are also a great way to make connections quickly, whether you are looking to connect with employers or seeking a particular service from a business. By following even just a few of the tips above, you'll soon become a pro at engaging and networking at virtual events.Guhuza is created in partnership with TorontoJobs.ca.

Guhuza is the new way of recruitment. It is an innovative Canadian platform that goes beyond the features of a traditional job board. It uses breakthrough technology to instantly match employers and job seekers for the ultimate hiring experience.

Our advanced technology matches job seekers' profiles with jobs on our site and ranks them for employers based on the skills required for the position. Once a match has been made, live interviews can be conducted right through our platform.

Visit Guhuza.com or our Knowledge Base to learn more.