Virtual Events and Hybrid Open Days – getting it right and getting results

As virtual events and hybrid open days continue to be favoured in the education sector one Luton based digital content agency is helping colleges across the UK get it right and get results (@weareclearhead).

Clearhead, which has been working with UK-wide colleges for over 15 years, uses digital content to support marketing departments with creative, results-driven recruitment campaigns.

On Tuesday, 30^th November, as part of the College Marketing Network conference 2021, the Clearhead team will be running a workshop to help marketing teams plan, execute and promote these virtual and hybrid events.

Gavin O’Brien, Clearhead CEO, explained:

“The pandemic prompted a new demand for virtual open days and, although the restrictions have eased, colleges are often still choosing to go down this virtual route, which is where we are stepping in.

“We are also seeing a surge in demand for hybrid events, which blend the online with a physical venue, allowing colleges to stream live from their campuses. We will be sharing our tips and tricks with colleges across the country.”

Ahead of the conference Clearhead has these five tops tips for capturing the perfect, results-driven virtual open day.

1. Create an experience with your Landing page: A Virtual Open Day requires your prospective students to engage, giving up their time and investing into the content you are providing. So, the home to that content needs to be impressive and work well.

2. Engage your students with valuable content: Prospective students need to be able to visualise what their life may look like if they decide to study with you

3. Go for personal welcome messages: A warm welcome video recorded from the Vice Chancellor or Principle can create an inviting, assuring and approachable introduction to your institution that reflects your values and culture.
4. Provide support through Live Chat: When prospective students arrive onto the page, have your chat box pop and welcome them. If there is a busy queue, then make sure they know someone will be with them shortly. If they are waiting for a reply, make sure they know that you are typing.

5. Partner with businesses for a virtual careers fair: At an Open Day students love being able to interact with employers and businesses representing varied career pathways and industries. We would recommend facilitating a Virtual Careers fair during your Virtual Open Day, asking partner businesses to host live chat sessions during the day.

Among the colleges and universities that have been working with Clearhead during the pandemic are Moulton College in Northampton, the Bedford College Group and an event with the University of Bedfordshire, University of Hertfordshire and Northampton University.

Gavin added: “Talking to, motivating and sharing best practise with education marketing teams is a focus for us and we are passionate about supporting and working with the incredible education sector we have here in the UK.”