SayPro Quarterly Targets:Session Engagement: Ensure that at least 80% of participants attend all the live sessions and participate in interactive activities.

To achieve the Quarterly Session Engagement Target of ensuring that at least 80% of participants attend all live sessions and actively participate in interactive activities, you will need to implement strategies to maximize engagement before, during, and after the event. Here’s how you can approach it:

1. Pre-Event Engagement

Create Excitement and Anticipation:

• Event Teasers: In the lead-up to the event, create teaser content about the live sessions and interactive activities. Share sneak peeks of speakers, session topics, and exciting activities to build excitement.
• Pre-Event Communication: Send personalized reminders and event details (agenda, speakers, activities, etc.) well in advance. This helps participants know what to expect and get excited about attending.
  • Example: “We can’t wait for you to join [Session Name] on [Date]. Here’s what you can expect, and we have some interactive activities planned that you won’t want to miss!”
• Engage Through Polls/Surveys: Send pre-event polls to ask participants which topics they are most excited about or what questions they have for speakers. This helps them feel more involved and gives you insight into their interests.

Highlight the Value of Attending Live:

• Exclusive Live Benefits: Highlight benefits that are exclusive to live attendees, such as interactive Q&A sessions, real-time polling, networking opportunities, or access to downloadable resources.
• Participation Prizes: Announce prizes or incentives for participants who actively engage during the live sessions, such as a raffle for those who ask questions or participate in polls.

2. During the Event:

Leverage Interactive Tools:

• Live Polling & Q&A: Use platforms like Slido, Mentimeter, or Zoom’s native features to run live polls, surveys, and Q&A sessions. Keep participants engaged by asking questions or getting feedback during the presentation.
• Gamification: Implement gamified elements like leaderboards, quizzes, or interactive activities where participants can earn points for engagement.
  • Example: “Earn points by answering questions correctly or participating in polls during the event. The top scorer at the end of the event wins a prize!”
• Breakout Sessions: Use smaller breakout rooms for group discussions or activities, so participants can network and share ideas with others. Smaller, interactive environments make participants feel more involved.
• Real-Time Feedback: Ask for immediate feedback during the session to gauge engagement. Use it as an opportunity to adjust the session if needed.
  • Example: “How are you enjoying the session so far? Let us know in the poll!”

Encourage Interaction with Speakers:

• Live Q&A: Ensure each speaker leaves time for live Q&A at the end of their presentation. Encourage participants to submit questions throughout the session, which can be addressed at the end.
• Interactive Exercises: Include live exercises like brainstorming, problem-solving, or role-playing where participants can actively contribute to the session’s learning experience.

Facilitate Networking Opportunities:

• Chat and Networking Breaks: Encourage participants to interact with each other during networking breaks or lunch. Use platforms that allow group chats or virtual coffee sessions.
• “Networking Rooms”: Set up virtual rooms where participants can engage in industry-specific or interest-based discussions.

3. Post-Event Engagement:

Follow-Up Communication:

• Engagement Recap: Send a follow-up email with a recap of the event, including links to the session recordings, a summary of interactive activities, and any valuable resources.
  • Example: “Thank you for joining us at [Event Name]! Here’s a recap of the live sessions, interactive activities, and all the resources you requested. Don’t forget to download your event materials!”
• Post-Event Survey: Include a post-event survey asking for feedback on the interactive activities. This can provide insight into what worked well and what could be improved for future events.

On-Demand Access:

• Replay Availability: Make the sessions available for on-demand viewing for those who missed the live event, but encourage participants to engage while the event is happening to build a sense of urgency.
• Interactive Recap: Include interactive elements in the replay (polls, quizzes, etc.), where participants can still earn engagement points even after the live session.

4. Leverage Technology to Track Engagement:

• Monitor Attendance: Use tools like Zoom, GoToWebinar, or Eventbrite to track attendance in real time and see who is engaging and who might need a gentle reminder.
• Engagement Metrics: Track metrics such as:
  • Number of participants in live sessions.
  • Number of questions asked.
  • Poll responses and quiz participation.
  • Breakout room participation rates.
• Target Non-Engagers: If you notice that a significant number of participants are not attending or engaging during live sessions, consider sending them reminders or offering special incentives to encourage active participation.
  • Example: “We noticed you weren’t able to attend our live session today. We’d love to have you join us for the next one! Here’s a special incentive: [Incentive details].”

5. Incentivize and Reward Engagement:

Offer Rewards for Active Participation:

• Leaderboards: Track who is engaging the most through quizzes, polls, and questions. Publish a leaderboard and offer prizes for top participants (e.g., discounts on future events, exclusive content, or a branded gift).
• Certificates: Offer certificates for participants who attend all sessions and engage with the activities. This gives them something tangible to show for their efforts.
  • Example: “Congratulations on completing the full event! You’ve earned your certificate of participation.”

Create FOMO (Fear of Missing Out):

• Highlight Engagement: Show active participants in real time. For example, if someone asks a great question or gives a great answer in a poll, give them a shoutout.
• Testimonials and Social Sharing: Encourage participants to share their experiences on social media, and offer a prize for the best post about the event.

6. Post-Event Community Building:

• Create a Community for Continued Interaction: Set up a LinkedIn or Facebook group where attendees can continue discussions, ask follow-up questions, and network after the event ends. This keeps the community alive and encourages ongoing engagement.
• Content Sharing: Continue to share highlights from the event and related content with the community, keeping the conversation going.

Timeline for Maximizing Engagement:

Before the Event (2-3 Weeks Out):

• Send personalized email invites with engaging subject lines.
• Use social media and email marketing to remind people to register.
• Introduce early engagement opportunities (polls, surveys, teasers).

During the Event:

• Actively use live polls, Q&A, and interactive activities during each session.
• Encourage participation through gamification, incentives, and networking.

After the Event:

• Send follow-up surveys and thank-you notes.
• Offer access to on-demand content and incentivize future engagement.