Elevate Your SLC Experience with Community
MARCH 20, 2025
HYNES
CONVENTION CENTER, BOSTON, MA
ONLINE FROM ANYWHERE ON-DEMAND FOR 90 DAYS
PAGE 3-4 What is a Virtual Watch Party?
PAGE 5-6 Benefits of Virtual Watch Parties
PAGE 7-8
7 Strategies for Hosting a Conference Watch Party
PAGE 9-10 Client Example: Beacon Hill Story of Impact
PAGE 11-12 Watch Party Checklist for Success
Each year, at the Simmons Leadership Conference we brake new ground, refining our hybrid format that allowed attendees to join virtually or in-person in Boston. The response was overwhelmingly positive, especially from virtual attendees who praised the rich and intimate experience.
As we fast forward, SLC2025 is making a global return, transcending geographical limitations. Our inclusive leadership conference invites individuals and teams worldwide to dive into a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and skill-building sessions. This isn’t just another leadership conference; it’s a dynamic, global platform for cultivating leadership and you belong here.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it goes beyond passive viewing, transforming SLC2025 into a communal event focused on sharing ideas about how to support and promote diversity in the workplace.
A watch party or virtual screening event is an organized session where a group of people – either colleagues, agencies and clients, or even friends – come together virtually to view the live streamed event on March 20th.
A virtual watch party enables you to create a shared space for impactful discussions, fostering connections, sharing diverse perspectives, and building engagement and community.
“In a world accustomed to virtual conversations, we recognized the need to elevate our standards and broaden our best-in-class solution to deliver an interactive and captivating virtual experience. We imagined bringing this transformative experience directly to your team –no matter where they are. And we are not just talking about attendance; we’re talking about active participation, engagement, and a true community-driven adventure.”
Kristen Palson SLC Executive Producer
Hosting a watch party for the Simmons Leadership Conference goes beyond just “watching” conference content.
By leveraging these advantages, teams can transform a virtual watch party into a valuable opportunity for team development, collaboration, and professional growth.
SHARED EXPERIENCE
Watching together creates a shared experience, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among team members. Teams can customize their watch party experience based on their specific needs, preferences, and goals.
COMMON GROUND
Discussing conference sessions provides a shared context, making it easier for team members to relate to each other. Incorporating team-building activities or icebreakers during breaks enhances the overall watch party experience.
DISCUSSION OPPORTUNITIES
A watch party provides a platform for team members to discuss insights, share perspectives, and collectively digest the information presented at SLC. Virtual watch parties encourage active participation and engagement, preventing the feeling of isolation that can occur during remote conferences.
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL LEARNING
Team members from different departments – across different locations or time zones – can share their unique perspectives, leading to cross-functional learning and collaboration. Teams can leverage interactive features of virtual platforms to enhance engagement, such as live chats, polls, and Q&A sessions.
ECONOMICAL ALTERNATIVE
Hosting a virtual watch party is a costeffective alternative to sending team members to SLC in-person, saving on travel and accommodation expenses.
4+1 SPECIAL SAVINGS
Save 20% when you build an online group. For every group of 4 you register, earn an additional online ticket absolutely free.
INTERNAL NETWORKING
Team members can network within the organization, fostering connections that might not happen organically in a remote work environment.
TEAM BONDING
The informal setting of a watch party facilitates casual networking, strengthening relationships among team members.
Virtual watch parties aren’t exclusive to teams.
COLLECTIVE INSPIRATION
Experiencing SLC collectively can amplify the motivational impact, inspiring team members to implement new ideas and strategies.
SHARED GOALS
The shared experience of learning from industry leaders and experts can create a collective sense of purpose and motivation.
Individuals can also organize and participate, connecting with like-minded individuals, sharing insights, and being part of a larger SLC community.
1. PRE-EVENT PLANNING
Set Clear Goals: Define the objectives of your watch party. Is it focused on networking, in-depth discussions, or a mix of both?
Assign Roles: Designate roles for hosting, moderating discussions, and managing technical aspects.
3. PROMOTE SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT
2. CREATE A WATCH PARTY AGENDA
Session Highlights: Identify key sessions or speakers to focus on during the watch party.
Discussion Breaks: Schedule breaks between sessions for team discussions and reflections.
Hashtags: Create a unique hashtag for your watch party and encourage attendees to use it on social media platforms.
Live Tweeting: Foster engagement by livetweeting key insights, quotes, and reactions.
4. ENCOURAGE INTERACTION
Live Chat: Utilize the chat feature for realtime reactions, questions, and team interactions.
Engagement Activities: Integrate polls, quizzes, or challenges related to conference content.
5. ENSURE SEAMLESS TECHNOLOGY
Test Ahead: Provide instructions and conduct a test to ensure smooth playback and ease of use.
Offer Support: Provide a dedicated team for assistance.
6. POST-EVENT NETWORKING
Virtual Networking Hour: Plan a postconference networking session where attendees can connect on a more personal level.
Discussion Forums: Set up online forums or discussion boards for ongoing conversations after the conference.
7. FEEDBACK AND REFLECTION
Post-Event Survey: Gather feedback from attendees to understand what worked well and areas for improvement.
Reflection Session: Host a brief team reflection session after the conference to discuss key takeaways and insights.
