HOW TO CREATE A VIRTUAL EVENT LIKE A TV SHOW
In this episode, Lisa James, Founder of The Wentworth Collective, explores how event professionals can create virtual experiences that are more dynamic, more thoughtful and more memorable.
Drawing on insights from the world of television production, Lisa shares practical techniques for designing virtual events that feel engaging, purposeful and unforgettable, rather than simply moving a live event onto Zoom.
Her overarching message is that great virtual experiences start with a clear purpose, strong storytelling and an audience-first approach, using pace, interaction and standout moments to keep people connected from start to finish.
Recorded in 2021, this episode captures a very particular moment in time, when lockdown had reshaped how we worked, communicated and connected. While the context was unique, the practical advice and insights shared remain highly relevant today.
What will you learn from Lisa’s talk:
How to design virtual events using TV-style structure
Starting with a clear purpose and building the event around audience outcomes
Using storytelling, pacing and show flow to keep people engaged
How to create memorable hero moments that get the audience talking
Practical ways to use polls, Q&A, competitions, chat and social channels to engage
Mixing live and pre-recorded content to create energy, variety and impact
How to choose and brief a host who can connect the studio and the audience
Listen to Lisa’s session on Spotify, Apple podcasts, or YouTube
Our sound and mix engineer is Matteo Magariello and our producer is Peter Kerwood.
About Elevate
Elevate is a pioneering free mentoring programme that has been designed with a specific goal in mind – to inspire, inform and empower people within the event industry.
Elevate operates thanks to the generosity of our global headline partners; Amplify, Seed and Wonder.
Our global partners are Cvent, Identity, First, Illusion, Inconf, Powwow, PSP and The Production Department. Our partners are ASEMBL Group, CastleBell, Curious Nation, Jimmy Garcia Catering, Event Decision, Hel’s, We Are Collider, Seen Presents, 2LK, TRO, Live Union and The Training Department. Our venue partner is White Rabbit Studios, our training partner is Special Sauce Training and our people and culture partners are TIMES x10 and Nic Neal.
Together, we’re changing lives, careers and the events industry for the better.