What are the most effective strategies for facilitating online conference sessions?

1 Set clear goals and expectations

Before you design and deliver your online conference session, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you expect from the participants. What are the main objectives and outcomes of your session? How will you measure and evaluate them? What are the roles and responsibilities of the facilitators and the participants? How will you communicate these to the attendees? By setting clear goals and expectations, you can create a focused and coherent session that aligns with the overall conference theme and agenda.

2 Choose the right platform and tools

The platform and tools you use for your online conference session can make a big difference in how smoothly and effectively it runs. You need to consider factors such as the number and location of participants, the type and level of interaction, the bandwidth and compatibility of devices, the security and privacy of data, and the ease of use and accessibility of features. You also need to test and familiarize yourself with the platform and tools before the session, and provide clear instructions and support for the participants on how to use them.

5 Be flexible and adaptable

Online conference sessions can be unpredictable and dynamic. You need to be flexible and adaptable to respond to the changing needs and situations of the participants and the session. You should be ready to adjust your pace, content, and activities according to the feedback and engagement of the participants. You should also be open to improvising and experimenting with new ideas and approaches that can enhance the session. You should also be prepared to deal with any technical difficulties or interruptions that may occur, and have a contingency plan in place.

6 Follow up and evaluate

After your online conference session, you should follow up and evaluate its effectiveness and impact. You should send a thank-you message and a summary of the key points and outcomes to the participants. You should also solicit feedback and suggestions from the participants and the organizers on how to improve your session and your facilitation skills. You should also reflect on your own performance and experience, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. You should also document and share your best practices and lessons learned with your peers and colleagues.