How to Run Virtual Conferences and Retreats

Introduction

There’s lots of guides to running online meetings but what about larger, more ambitious events? Australian Progress share lessons from a four day fellowship retreat and a two day conference.

How to Run a Virtual Conference

Australian Progress held Virtual Progress 2020 on June 23-24. It was a rapid response online conference to respond to the intersecting crises of the pandemic, racial injustice, rising inequality and the climate crisis. The conference included 1,600 participants, 225 speakers from 13 countries, 5,000+ live chat messages and more than 60 sessions exploring everything from First Nations self-determination to racial justice, disability justice, health, economic fairness, the climate crisis and so much more.

In this hour long webinar Tracey Martinovich and Jess Herne share lessons from organising and running Virtual Progress. They cover:

  • Tech: what we used and why
  • Key lessons from programming
  • Building a great participant experience
  • Project management
  • Ticketing
  • Feedback on the event

Watch Webinar

Watch the How to Run a Virtual Conference webinar recording.

How to Run a Retreat Virtually

Anita Tang and Kirsty Albion share what they learnt from their rapid pivot to online delivery as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. They delivered a successful and participatory 4 day virtual retreat as part of the Progress Fellowship.

Watch Webinar

Want more?

Reach out to Jess Herne via [email protected] if you have questions. See the Australian Progress collection on the Commons Library for materials from Virtual Progress 2020 and past events. To see what’s coming up in terms of training and events visit the Australian Progress site.