Planning a virtual event can feel overwhelming at first especially if you're just starting out. Whether it's a church webinar, a virtual birthday hangout, an online training, or a product launch via Zoom, virtual events are now a normal part of life in Nigeria. With the right steps, you can make your virtual event engaging, smooth, and even jollof-rice worthy!

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you plan your virtual event successfully without stress or network wahala.

Step 1: Define Your Event Goals

Ask yourself:

Why am I organizing this event?

What do I want people to learn, feel, or do?

Maybe it’s a business masterclass, an online praise night, or an Instagram Live Q&A. Whatever it is, knowing your “why” helps you focus on the right audience, format, and tools.

Step 2: Know Your Audience

Is your event for Nigerian students, entrepreneurs, Gen Z, or even mamas and papas?

Understanding your audience will guide everything from your speakers to the slang and language you use. For example, don’t expect your grandma to understand tech jargon or your Gen Z cousin to sit through a 3-hour webinar.

Step 3: Choose the Right Virtual Platform

Not every platform works for every event. Here are some Nigerian friendly options:

Zoom: Great for trainings and workshops

Google Meet: Good for smaller meetings

Instagram or Facebook Live: For informal or entertainment-focused events

Telegram/WhatsApp groups: For community style interactions

Pick one that your audience already uses and is comfortable with.

Step 4: Plan the Event Format and Agenda

Think about:

How long the event will last (shorter is often better in Nigeria due to data and power issues)

Who will speak or perform

When to add fun breaks (e.g., music, polls, giveaways)

Tip: In Nigeria, a 1 hour event can easily turn into 2 if you're not time-conscious. Keep it tight!

Step 5: Set a Budget (Yes, Even for Virtual Events)

Virtual doesn't mean free. Think about:

Internet for you and your speakers (consider gifting data)

Graphics and publicity

Paid tools (Zoom Pro, Canva Pro, etc.)

Giveaways or airtime to boost engagement

Step 6: Promote Like a Naija Hustler

You need to hype your event o!

Use:

WhatsApp status

Twitter/X

Instagram Reels

Facebook groups

Broadcast messages on WhatsApp

Collaborate with micro-influencers or niche pages

Start hyping early and remind people multiple times. Nigerians are busy and forgetful.

Step 7: Prepare Your Tech and Team

Days before the event:

Test your mic, camera, lighting, and backup power (ring light, gen or inverter)

Set up co-hosts or a small team to help with:

Admitting people

Monitoring the chat

Playing music or slides

Handling trolls or tech issues

Don’t try to do everything alone, abeg.

Step 8: Go Live and Engage

On D-day:

Start on time (even if people join late)

Welcome your audience warmly

Use call-and-response (e.g., “If you can hear me, type YES!”)

Use polls, shout-outs, Q&A, or giveaways to keep it interactive

Remember, nobody wants to just stare at your face for 60 minutes. Make it lively!

Step 9: Follow Up After the Event

The event may be over, but your relationship with attendees shouldn’t be.

Follow up with:

A thank you message or email

Replay link (if recorded)

Feedback form (short and sweet)

Highlights or photos for social media

It builds your brand and keeps your audience ready for your next event.

Conclusion 

Always have a backup for light or internet (MiFi, gen, power bank)

Short, well-paced events work better here due to attention span and data issues

Add music, jokes, or relatable moments Naija no dey dull!

Test everything before the day (even if you’ve done 100 events)