Running an online conference
For a fine programme, involved participants and room to meet.
An active format
An online conference is more than the sum of some livestreams and a few separate sessions.
Online conferences need tight technical production and an approach to the content that keeps people involved. We handle both: from keynotes to parallel sessions, networking moments, live Q&A and support for participants.
A programme that works online
Putting a physical conference online one to one usually doesn't work. We redesign the rhythm, the session lengths, the interaction and the breaks for taking part online.
Involved, even at scale
From sixty to well over a thousand participants. With variation and interaction, a large group stays engaged too.
Meeting people is part of it
A conference is more than broadcasting. We design spaces where participants run into each other and carry conversations on.
In practice
Three examples. Years of experience.
International conferencePlenary, parallel and hybrid at a high level
For the EU Community of Practice on Peace Mediation we support a large conference with hundreds of participants, parallel sessions, online participation and multilingual elements.
Knowledge institutionA multi-day programme as one whole
A knowledge institution runs a multi-day conference for an international audience. We handle design, technology and support. A smooth programme across several days.
Trade associationBringing members together online around current developments
For a trade association we design an online conference with plenary updates, breakout sessions and informal moments to meet.
Preparation is everything
Who it's for
Trade associations, knowledge institutions, large companies
Group size
60-1000 participants
What a successful running an online conference needs.
01
A clear architecture for the programme
Participants have to understand where they should be and when. Navigation, sessions and transitions therefore need a great deal of attention.
02
A platform chosen for the purpose
Zoom Events, Zoom, Teams or SpatialChat can all fit. The choice depends on the number of sessions, the interaction, the registration and the room to meet.
03
Room to meet
Online participants should be more than onlookers. Set aside time and space for networking and conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How do you keep an online conference engaging?
By varying between plenary sessions, parallel programmes, interaction and time to meet. An online conference asks for a different rhythm from one in a room. We design for that deliberately.
How many people can take part?
We run online conferences for roughly 60 to well over 1,000 participants. Thanks to interactive platforms and a smart programme structure, a large group stays involved too.
Can participants network?
Yes. More than that: we think meeting people is an essential part of almost any conference. So we often design spaces where participants can meet each other and carry conversations on.
Can you facilitate several sessions at once?
Yes. We regularly support conferences with several parallel programmes, break-outs and breakout sessions.
Can you run multi-day conferences?
Yes. From a compact afternoon to a multi-day programme. We help with design, technology, participant support and production.
What does an online conference cost?
The investment depends on the scale of the programme, the number of sessions and the support you want. So we always work with a proposal built around your case.
More answers?Fewer answers
Which software do you use?
We have experience with Zoom, Zoom Events and SpatialChat. Which environment fits best depends on the goals of the conference.
Do you handle the whole production?
Yes. We guide the entire process: from design and run sheet through technical production, participant support and evaluation.
Can an online conference be hybrid?
Yes. But hybrid conferences need extra care. Online participants have to be more than onlookers.
How do you support the speakers?
Speakers get a briefing, technical instructions and, where needed, a rehearsal.
Can participants watch sessions back?
Yes. Sessions can be recorded and made available afterwards.
How do participants register?
Through the client's existing systems, or through registration and event platforms that we support.
Related event formats
This might fit too — or even better.
Webinars that hold people. Not just broadcasting, but genuinely connecting.
Running a webinar
The whole organisation together: open, transparent and professionally produced.
Running an online town hall
Your AGM: formally watertight, well structured and still lively.
Running an online AGM
Letting the group set the agenda: open, energetic and surprisingly productive.
Running an online Open Space
Next step
Online, but not as you know it.
Orientation
See what we do
From strategy day to online team building — see which event formats fit what you're after.
View all events →Interested
Feel the difference
20 minutes to see how a platform like SpatialChat does something Zoom and Teams don't.
Book a tour →Ready to go
Book a conversation — we'll think it through with you
No obligation. We look straight away at your situation, your group and what it needs.
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