How to Build and Host Your Own Webinar

Since the rise of remote work, webinars have become more and more popular. Because companies are leaning towards virtual events, learning to host an effective presentation is essential. 

If you’re new to webinars or want to brush up on your skills, check out our guide below and check out our top tips. 

What is a Webinar Host?

A webinar host is the main person in charge of running a webinar. As a host, you will have all the permissions to manage the webinar on the back end, the panellists and the attendees. In general, there can only be one main host that does most of the presenting and questions. You can also stop a panellist’s video, remove attendees from the webinar and much more. 

Here is a brief break down of their main roles:

  • Welcome the webinar guests
  • Troubleshoot any setbacks
  • Introduce the keynote speakers
  • Represent the brand 
  • Lead the discussion
  • Use useful webinar features and tools

How to Conduct a Webinar

In order to conduct an effective and memorable webinar, there are some simple steps you can follow before, during, and after the presentation. These steps are broken down into the following categories:

Brainstorm Your Webinar Topic

First thing’s first, you’ll need to choose a webinar discussion your guests will be interested in. The nature of your profession will determine what topic you go with. An effective way to brainstorm ideas is to throw some relevant search terms into Google related to your theme. From there, you can see what people are searching for and jot down these questions. 
When researching, ask yourself the following:

  • What does my audience care about?
  • What are my audience’s knowledge gaps?
  • How can I bring value to my audience?

A few online tools you can use for brainstorming include Answer the Public, Google Trends, SEMRush or Ahrefs

Choose Your Format

There are dozens of different webinar formats you can use to captivate your audience. The format you pick depends on what your guests care about and want to see. So, make sure to keep them top of mind and choose wisely. A few different options include:

  • Top trends webinar
  • Expert panel 
  • A product demo or showcase
  • Community builder webinar
  • Research report
  • Q&A session

Plan Your Presentation Design

In order to design an effective webinar, make sure all your assets are simple and consistent. For example, you can use specific colours, logos, images and fonts that align with your organization or brand. 

Make sure to incorporate transition slides, and visual aids or videos to keep your guests engaged during your presentation. Pay special attention to its flow and ensure you cover all your key points so it’s smooth sailing. 

A few tools you can use for consistency include:

  • Figma
  • PowerPoint or Google Slides
  • Canva
  • Prezi

Engage With Your Audience

If you’re conducting an interactive webinar, you can schedule points in your presentation that ask your audience a question or poll every 7-12 minutes. Asking direct questions that your audience can relate to can spark conversation and bring forth meaningful discussions. It will also grab their attention and keep them engaged throughout your presentation. 

Build a Registration Form

Before promoting your webinar, it’s essential you have a way your attendees can register. You can create an online form so you can collect your audience’s names and email addresses or use a landing page. 

Promote Your Webinar

Thanks to the internet and social media, promotion has become easier, but also essential. In order to spread the word about your webinar, it’s imperative you promote it. Here are a few different ways you can go about it:

  • Update your website with the webinar information and sign up form
  • Utilize your email or newsletter list
  • Create bite-sized video content
  • Use Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn
  • Participate in community groups 
  • Partner with an influencer who will promote on your behalf
  • Ask keynote speakers to post the webinar on their socials

Practice Your Webinar

Before presentation day, do a run through all your speakers and get familiar with the tools you’re using. This ensures everyone is comfortable and prepared before speaking to the audience. 

Post-Webinar Preparation Tips

Hosting a top-notch webinar is only half the battle. Leaving a lasting impression and showing your audience you appreciate their time is just as important. We’ve put together some simple actions you can do to stay top of mind to your guests:

Send a Personalized Thank-You Email

Your audience plays a vital role in your webinars success, and it’s crucial you express your appreciation once your presentation is complete. A simple email conveying your heartfelt thanks makes all the difference in maintaining future relationships with your attendees. Your message can include:

  • Brief summary or recap of the webinar (highlight fun moments or key points)
  • Include a call-to-action. Clearly state the desired action your audience should take like joining a Facebook group, signing up for an email, etc. 
  • Express your appreciate for your audience taking time out of their day to attend your webinar

Key Takeaways

Finally, it’s important to set up a quiet and professional environment to host your webinar. At Telsec, we have a selection of rooms for you to choose from: from small offices and meeting rooms, you won’t be distracted and will find the best room that works for you. 

We’re located in the heart of Toronto and surrounded by tons of amenities. Get in touch with us today and book a tour.

Looking to Learn More?

Hotels

1. Jennifer Smith
General Manager
The Omni King Edward Hotel
37 King Street East
Toronto, ON
M5C 1E9
Tel: 416-863-9700
Website: www.omnihotels.com/hotels/toronto-king-edward

2. Mark Perry
General Manager
Executive Hotels and Resorts (Boutique)
8 Colborne Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E1
Tel: 416-350-2419
Website: www.spazen.ca or www.cosmotoronto.com

3. Emeline Boul
General Manager
Hotel Victoria (Boutique)
56 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1G5
Tel: 416-363-1666
Mobile: 647-574-5832
Website: www.hotelvictoriatoronto.com

4. Omkar Sawant
Reservations Manager
One King West Hotel
1 King Street West
Toronto, ON
M5H 1A1
Main: 416-548-8100
Reservations: 1-866-470-5464
Website: www.onekingwest.com

5. Van Nguyen
General Manager
Cambridge Suites Toronto
15 Richmond Street East
Toronto, ON
M5C 1N2
Direct: 416-601-3757
Hotel: 416-368-1990
Website: www.cambridgesuitestoronto.com

Restaurants

1. Michael Pagliaro
Carisma (Italian)
15 Toronto Street
Toronto, ON
M5C 2E3
Tel: 416-864-7373
Website: www.carismarestaurant.com

2. Patti Shaw
Terroni (Italian)
57 Adelaide Street East
Toronto, ON
M5C 1K6
Tel: 416-203-3093
Website: www.terroni.com

3. Declan
Restaurant 20 Victoria – Michelin guide approved
20 Victoria Street
Toronto, ON
M5C 2A1
Tel: 416-804-6066
Instagram for reservations: https://www.instagram.com/twentyvictoria/

4. Mana
Nami (Japanese)
55 Adelaide Street East
Toronto, ON
M5C 1K6
Tel: 416-362-7373
Website: www.namirestaurant.ca

5. Restaurant Lucie
100 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M5C 2W1
Tel: 416-788-9054
Website: www.restaurantlucie.com

6. Niam H
Cantina Mercatto
20 Wellington Street East
Toronto, ON
M5E 1C5
Tel: 416-304-0781
Website: www.cantinamercatto.ca

7. Siva Sathasivam
Uncle Tony’s
38 Wellington St E
Toronto, ON
M5E 1C7
Tel: 416-455-6650
Website: https://uncletonys.ca/

8. Pizzaiolo
104 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M5C 2Y6
Tel: 416-860-0700
Website: www.pizzaiolo.ca

9. Robin Singh
Woods Restaurant and Bar
45 Colborne Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E3
Tel: 416-214-9918
Website: www.woodsrestaurant.ca

Health and Wellness

1. Thom Tullo
Morpheus8 by Inmode
47 Colborne Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E3
Tel: 416-863-6564
Website: www.amanspa.ca

2. Altitude Athletic Training
56 Colborne Street
Toronto, ON
M5E 1E3
Tel: 416-366-3838
Website: www.altitudeathletictraining.com

3. Physioheath Studios
33 Victoria Street, #130
Toronto, ON
M5C 2A1
Tel: 416-368-2525
Website: www.physiohealth.com

Our Amenities

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  • We are the highest Tech centre in the market
  • We have a very modern, high quality, brand new facility located at:

   18 King Street East, Suite 1400

      Toronto, Ontario   M5C 1C4 Canada

    • 18 King Street East is a boutique Class A building – East of Yonge: easy street parking, less traffic, excellent restaurants and lovely parks – St. James Park @ Church & King and Berczy Park @ Wellington East, Scott and Front Streets – Very high energy and engaging area
    • A few steps (a few seconds) to the Yonge Street subway/underground PATH network and streetcar available outside building
    • Building is located in Toronto's vibrant financial district
    • Plenty of parking available in the area including street parking and reserved parking in the 18 King building 
    • Adjacent to the building huge outdoor food courtyard - Beer Bistro www.beerbistro.com and Craft Beer Market www.craftbeermamrket.ca restaurants and bars with onsite catering services
    • Onsite amenities:  Tim Horton's, Beer Bistro, Convenience store and Starbucks across the street 
    • Nearby amenities:  underground PATH network, numerous restaurants, banking, Starbucks plus a wide array of nearby shops and services 
    • New modernized office layout fully furnished with meeting spaces and training rooms plus café lounge area
    • We are leaders in the service of training/meeting rooms with full conference facilities, high quality hot and cold catering
    • Largest training room and conference facilities accommodate up to 60 people classroom style
    • Ultra-high-speed - 1 GIG pipe = 1,000 x 1000 fiber-optic network, which will deliver internet connection speeds faster than most North American services
    • Private shower room
    • Indoor Reserved Parking at the current building rental rate
    • Bicycle parking
    • Rent a space to accommodate your team for meetings, training sessions, corporate events or coworking space or flexible office space for one day, one week, one month or one year, or whatever term suits your business
    • Telsec has over 650 locations in 40 different countries worldwide available for their clients.  Office clients receive up to 8 hours of meeting space per month at no charge at any ABCN member location.  Plus, Office and Virtual Office clients may rent a space from any member location at special member rates which varies depending on the location 
    • King Edward Hotel is located across the street - recently completed a $40 million renovation and boutique hotels close by within walking distance
  • Dining and entertainment at high quality restaurants only minutes away – Carisma, Terroni, Woods Restaurant & Bar and Michelin Rated - Restaurant 20 Victoria. Plus numerous lunch and takeout eateries nearby

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