All About a Digital Graduation Ceremony Broadcast

 

A graduation ceremony is one of the most memorable days in a student's life. It is time when the student steps out of one phase of his life and enters another; hence, it calls for a celebration. To mark this day, institutes conduct a graduation ceremony, popularly known as a convocation ceremony.

For the last two years, the institutions have been using virtual event platforms to host graduation ceremonies. One can understand online graduation ceremonies, simply as the virtual version of regular convocation ceremonies. Apart from the fact that both are hosted using different media, there isn't any other notable difference between them. Though the virtual version of the ceremonies is easier, cheaper, and quicker, one requires the same, if not more, planning and preparation to host a digital convocation ceremony.

 

This blog discusses everything you need to know about a Digital Graduation Ceremony Broadcast.

 

How to host a digital convocation ceremony?

 

Start with selecting a date and time: While you are planning the virtual convocation ceremony, ensure the date you pick is suitable for everyone. We would recommend you to have a meeting with all the departments of the institution. They will have an idea about the schedules of the exams and important dates of the students. Since parents will also attend the ceremony, ensure that you check if the date you have picked doesn’t clash with any other significant dates. When it comes to the time of your ceremony, select the normal working hours.

 

Choose your graduation ceremony broadcast platform: Next, select an appropriatevirtual event platform to host the convocation. Depending on the format of your streaming, be it hybrid events or virtual events, choose the platform. Owing to the innumerable platforms available, it is expected to get confused while making a choice; however, there are a few factors that one should consider while selecting one. Here are a few of them:

 

l  Make sure the platform is secure.

l  Audience Engagement Activities

l  Networking Opportunities

l  Efficient Customer Support

l  Budget

It is advisable to check for the previous customer’s review to get a clear understanding of the platform. Conduct proper research, and learn about the platforms your competitors are selecting. Do not hurry while choosing the platform; the wrong choice can break your game.

 

 

Outline the Ceremony: Now that you have collected the resources, it is time to start the ceremony preparations in full swing. Make an itinerary for the ceremony and plan the entire schedule accordingly. Having an outline will give everyone an idea of what is going to happen, and at the same time bring the entire event together for you. While doing so, make sure you take the count of the total numbers of the students, guests who will be speaking at the ceremony, and other factors. Also, once done, ensure that you share the itinerary with all the students, their parents, and the guests.

 

Roll-Out Invitations: Now that you have planned almost everything, send the invitations to your students and parents. Though all the students would already be looking forward to the event, it is always a good idea to send invitations and invite them personally. Remember that it is the significant day of the students, hence do everything you can to make them feel special. Get off-beat with the invitations and infuse creativity in them. Also, attach a guidebook that specifies all the rules and regulations with the invitations. It will help you avoid last-minute chaos during the event.

 

Practice, Practice, and Practice: No matter how professional you are at hosting virtual events, it is significant to always practice before the D-Day day. Host a full-day rehearsal session, along with the guests. Remember, hundreds of students and guests will be a part of your event; you would not want to miss out on any opportunity to make a mark. Hosting a practice session will help you get through the technicalities of the platform. It will also save you from embarrassment if anything goes wrong during the event.

 

Take a Follow-up:  Once the event is over, take a follow-up with your students, their parents, and the guests. Ask for their feedback and reviews about the event. Form a thank you email and send it to everyone; thank them for making it to the event. Make your students feel special by writing a Good Luck email. Mention that the entire institute is with them.

It won't only help you get their feedback, but also help you develop a long-lasting relationship with your alumni.

 

What are some tips for hosting a digital graduation ceremony broadcast?

 

1.      Even though virtual events have become more popular, and organizations have been hosting them regularly, it is always advisable to keep a backup plan. Emergencies come uninvited; hence, play it safe by keeping your Plan B ready. Keep a set of equipment and secondary internet connection ready. So, even if things go wrong during the ceremony, your plan B will save you.

 

2.      Make the online ceremony engaging by including audience engagement activities. Even though the mode of hosting the ceremony is the internet, that should not be the reason to refrain you from making the event compelling.

 

3.      Add a personal touch to the ceremony by including pictures and videos of the students.

 

4.      Though one might find virtual events interesting, and rightly so; But, not all that glitters is gold. Virtual events come with several challenges, especially for the attendees. Attending virtual events with stretched sessions is not easy. Hence, while you plan your graduation ceremony, make sure that you include breaks in between. It will keep your attendees hooked and interested in the event.

 

5.      After the completion of the event, deliver a vote of thanks to the attendees and their parents for making it to the event.

 

 

A convocation ceremony is an important and emotional day for all the students. A student dreams of this day since the day they step into college. Since the last two years have brought in many changes, many dreams of tossing the graduation cap in the air have crashed. But, like always, technology has got your back. You can turn up to virtual event platforms to host a digital convocation ceremony. We hope you found this blog insightful and informative. Incorporate these ideas into your planning and host a memorable graduation ceremony for your students.