Episode #32: Make Virtual Events "Real Simple" with Randi Packard
“Cats are the big interrupters [of Zoom], and everyone thinks it’s kind of funny now because we’re all going through that on some level.”
-Randi Packard on being empathetic with one another during virtual events
One of the things we miss most about the pre-pandemic world is in-person events. Enter the next best thing: virtual events! Our guest today is a former fashion editor turned publicist who specializes in press events and has been hosting them virtually since the start of the pandemic. In this episode, we explore all the considerations that go into planning and hosting a virtual event -- from sending invites to sending products & everything in between!
In this episode you’ll hear…
Why a brand might want to host a virtual event
Tactics and strategy related to planning and hosting a virtual event
Examples of successful virtual events our guest has hosted
Our guest is:
Randi Packard is a fashion brand consultant, public relations and media consultant whose fashion expertise extends from the world of luxury fashion and accessories to the contemporary, swim, bridal, plus size and fitness markets; as well as the beauty and grooming industries.
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Show Notes:
:00 -- Britt introduces our guest.
:58 -- Britt asks about the circumstances in which a brand should decide to host a virtual event.
02:45 -- Britt asks if Randi hosts one-on-one or group events.
04:10 -- Britt asks if journalists prefer group or individual meetings.
05:17 -- Britt asks about Randi’s tips when putting together a guest list.
07:49 -- Britt asks if Randi recommends sending products in advance.
09:27 -- Britt mentions the challenge of sending products when people are no longer working from an actual office.
13:00 -- Randi discusses the ideal length of a virtual event.
14:50 -- Britt asks for Randi’s tips for following up after a virtual event.
16:52 -- Britt mentions the advice she frequently reads regarding sending product in advance
18:11 -- Britt asks Randi if she has seen journalists write about the product even if they didn’t show up to the event.
21:35 -- Randi details her top tips for structuring the invitation.
23:32 -- Britt asks about guests requesting personal meetings instead of attending the group events.
24:00 -- Britt asks if there are tools or tips that Randi recommends for scheduling the timing of events and coordinating with many different schedules.
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