At Seamless, we’re hearing from those who thought they’d be holding their 2022 annual sales kickoff meeting (SKO) in person, but are now debating whether that’s the right format. Understandably, they also wonder if a hybrid or virtual sales kickoff will deliver what their team needs.
Just know that our clients agree: going virtual or hybrid for kickoffs can and does work!
By closely collaborating with your AV production partner, you can create an event that maximizes inclusivity and motivation.
To help get you inspired, we’re highlighting two Seamless clients who transitioned from their usual in-person event to a virtual sales kickoff. Our collaboration illustrates the value of thinking through your virtual or hybrid AV production strategy with an experienced — and creative — AV solutions provider.
As a bonus, read on to discover an amazing virtual sales kickoff planning resource from global leader Salesforce; you’ll find it’s full of ideas you can also adapt for a hybrid SKO.
Virtual Global Sales Kickoff Meeting Example
Client: Biamp
Industry: Manufacturing
Duration: 3 days
Biamp didn’t let a virtual format put a crimp in their creativity: instead, they went all out to create a three-day SKO that engaged and energized their global sales team.
Each day, they changed up the environment attendees saw. Highlights included a custom stage setting with a large gong, human-sized cutouts to create a virtual audience, and a very well-done international talent show showcasing some really great music bands!
Highlights included:
- Leadership welcome messages
- Customer panel discussions
- Sales training
- Breakout meetings
- Award ceremony
- Product reveals and demos
- New initiatives and roadmaps
- …and more!
What a way to kickoff Biamp sales for 2021….A special thank you to Seamless Event Solutions for the tireless efforts to make our 3-day event seamless.We’ll close out our kudos by saying the motion graphics they used to present their sales recognition program winners were some of the best we’ve seen.
Virtual National Sales Kickoff Meeting Example
Client: Reser’s Fine Foods
Industry: Food Manufacturing / Distribution
Duration: 1-day
Seamless went straight to Reser’s headquarters to create an even more immersive virtual SKO experience for attendees.
Highlights included:
- Custom backdrop and set design
- Live streamed Keynote presentation
- Live Awards ceremony
- Remote capture for on-demand videos
We continue to be impressed with how Reser’s has taken on the challenges of connecting their employees during the pandemic. Their virtual SKO, high-quality training videos, and more all reflect their company’s roots as a family-owned and -operated business.
Hot Resource Alert!
Salesforce breaks down what you need to know about virtual SKO in Virtual Sales Kickoffs: A Playbookfor Skilling Up Your Teams.
We know many tasked with SKO planning have never hosted a virtual event and aren’t sure where to start. If you’re new to virtual kickoffs or just want to make your 2022 event more interactive and engaging, we’re here to help!
While we’re happy to walk you through the AV production side of your virtual SKO, we rely on our network and trusted resources to help you navigate other planning-related issues.
You’ll find the Salesforce playbook mixes effective strategies with concrete tips for creating your event’s structure. Read it to jumpstart your planning, refine your current thinking, or get reassurance you’re on track with current best practices.
Recommended Virtual SKO Action Steps:
- Identify your goals
- Involve the right people
- Create the ideal agenda
- Don’t forget soft skills
- Include your #1 stakeholders
- Make it interactive
- Help speakers prepare
- Encourage ongoing learning
- Extend the life of your virtual sales kickoff
We know many tasked with SKO planning have never hosted a virtual event and aren’t sure where to start. If you’re new to virtual kickoffs or just want to make your 2022 event more interactive and engaging, we’re here to help!
AV Production for Virtual Sales Kickoff (SKOs)
We’d love to help you grab the attention of your virtual sales kickoff audience from start to finish.
Still in independent research mode? Check out our advice on how to create a virtual event agenda and the difference between holding live versus semi-live virtual events.
Ready for a free consultation to help you better understand your AV options? Contact us today!
