2020 gave us a new appreciation for technology, digital events, and virtual gatherings! Whether you’re a simulcast pro or you’re curious about hosting a Lifeway Women digital event for the first time, we wanted to give you the inside scoop on our 2021 simulcast events. We want to help you have an experience that will deepen personal relationships with Jesus and nurture bonds with the women at your side, in person or from the comfort of your living room.
With that in mind we sat down with three of our Digital Event Project Coordinators, Darilynn, Savannah, and Vincent, for a little Q & A about our digital events:
- Why should I consider hosting a Lifeway Women simulcast in 2021?
Why wouldn’t you? 🙂 It’s the easiest and most cost effective way to host an event for the ladies in your church and community. - What kind of support does Lifeway Women offer to simulcast hosts?
Lifeway Women walks alongside our hosts every step of the way! Our amazing team of volunteer Simulcast Specialists serve specific regions to make them super accessible for all your planning and promotional needs. Need technical help? Our customer support team is extremely knowledgeable and are available during regular business hours and with extended support hours during the live simulcast weekend. We also provide a Host Guide with step-by-step instructions so you’re never lost and our private group of hosts on our Lifeway Women Insiders Network allows you to swap ideas with, encourage, and pray for other simulcast hosts like you! - What do I need to host a simulcast event?
All you need is a device connected to the Internet, a place to host, and women hungry for the Word of God! - Can I make the event my own (or add my own touch to things)?
Absolutely! That’s the beauty of a digital event. We give you the schedule ahead of time so you can customize the event to meet your preferences. Lifeway Women Simulcasts are available on-demand for sixty days after the live event. The Wednesday after the live event, we provide the event content as sessions so you can watch on your own schedule. Feel free to break it up over multiple days, host a weekly Bible Study, or offer multiple Simulcasts during the sixty-day period. This event is for your ladies, so make it your own! - Do you offer American Sign Language, Captioning, or Spanish interpretation?
I’m glad you asked. We do! And even better, it comes at no additional cost to you. - What tips do you have for first time simulcast hosts?
Don’t be intimidated. It’s a lot easier than you may think. You can go simple or take it to the next level, and either will be totally fine! The main thing is that women get to connect with God and with each other. - Any creative ideas for hosts who want to try something new or different?
We love seeing all of the creative things our hosts come up with! One thing is for sure, we’ve all had to be creative this year with how we gather. We’ve seen hosts offer a drive-through for their attendees to pick up a fun swag bag full of goodies to enjoy the simulcast at home. Another host offered debrief Zoom calls to discuss what they learned during the simulcast. With the option to host digitally, church hosts can be extra creative! - I’ve heard about a “Hostcast”—what exactly is that, and why is it helpful?
Hostcasts are what we call our online training webcasts! We provide several short videos covering various topics to help set you up for success as a host! - Is there a possibility that 2021 simulcasts could be canceled due to COVID-19?
Lifeway Women will do everything possible to host our simulcast events, regardless of if we need to cancel our in-person event at the live location. That’s why we’ve included digital hosting options so you can experience the simulcast no matter what it looks like to gather! - Is there anything you would like to add?
Yes! If you can’t meet in-person or just want to try something new, we offer an easy way to host digitally so that everyone can watch from home! Each Church Host receives thirty digital attendees with their registration, and if you need more, you can purchase additional digital attendees at a discounted rate of up to eighty percent!
Ready to start planning your 2021 Lifeway Women Simulcast event? Click here to get started!
Darilynn Keith is a Digital Event Project Coordinator for Lifeway Women’s Events Team.
Savannah Ivey Ward is an Event Project Coordinator for Lifeway’s Adult Events Team.
Vincent Thomas is an Event Project Coordinator for Lifeway’s Adult Events Team.
