Live meetings have come a long way in recent years, but let’s face it – ‘passive listening’ is a concept best left in the past. Today’s healthcare audiences crave substance, not spectacle, and expect meetings that don’t just inform but transform.
The trick? Crafting interactivity that resonates – formats that engage minds, spark genuine connection and leave lasting impressions long after the event. Not all interactive formats are created equal – it’s easy to fall into the trap of flashy tech that looks good on paper but fizzles when it comes to enhancing learning.
So, how can we identify formats that maximise value, improve learning retention and keep audiences both engaged and invested?
Understanding what ‘value’ really means
The ‘value’ of a live meeting isn’t just in keeping people informed, it’s in attendees walking away with a deeper understanding, fresh perspective and skills they can apply directly to their work. It’s about creating an environment where information sticks and new ideas feel actionable.
The best format isn’t one that dazzles momentarily – it drives engagement through learning. When thoughtfully designed, the format has the power to turn passive attendees into active participants and traditional meetings into personalised, impactful experiences.
Tried-and-trusted interactive formats that actually work
Some interactive approaches are simple yet effective, and they’ve become staples in live meetings for good reason. These formats deliver because they’re rooted in principles of effective engagement.
- Small group workshops: workshops are a go-to for creating high-impact sessions. They break information into digestible segments, facilitating hands-on engagement, open dialogue and real-time problem-solving
- Panel discussions with audience-driven Q&A: panel discussions can spark dynamic exchanges, especially when complemented with live audience input. Digital Q&A boards and polling tools enable attendees to vote on topics of interest or submit questions in real-time, transforming the panel into a two-way dialogue rather than a one-sided presentation
- Roundtable sessions: a roundtable approach brings everyone to the table – literally. Rich in peer-driven insights, they allow attendees to share experiences in a collaborative setting. This is particularly effective for promoting practical knowledge-sharing among experts and peers
- Humanising content through live patient stories: bringing patients to events or sharing their stories can have a lasting impact. Patient narratives can reveal the realities of living with specific conditions, providing clinicians with insights into the patient journey.
Beyond the basics: new formats that elevate engagement
A new wave of tech-driven formats is transforming how we think about interaction. These tools bring depth and novelty to meetings but need to be applied thoughtfully.
- Gamification: used strategically, gamification taps into people’s natural motivation to learn and improve. Well-crafted quizzes, real-life scenarios and friendly competition make information relevant, memorable and fun
- Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences: the promise of VR and AR lies in their potential for immersive learning. They have the ability to take the understanding of complex medical concepts to a new level and enable attendees to become active explorers, not just viewers – promising a hands-on experience that lingers long after the event
- Real-time content tailoring: allowing attendees to influence what they see, even in larger settings, empowers them to dictate what’s most relevant for their learning needs. Organisers can adapt presentations in real-time based on feedback, creating a customised experience that aligns with audience interests, helping to maintain engagement and improve knowledge retention
Avoiding the tech trap
With so many tools emerging, it’s easy to fall for flashy technologies that promise enhanced engagement but add little to the experience. The key is to ensure tools are chosen for a genuine purpose. Start by asking: does this tool help us achieve our educational objectives? Will it make complex concepts clearer or enhance audience information retention? Technology used purely for its ‘wow’ factor often falls flat because it lacks true purpose. The most impactful formats make learning feel accessible and relevant.
Creating meetings that matter
The future of live meetings in healthcare lies in interactivity that is thoughtful, purposeful and aligned with learning objectives. The goal is to create a real, lasting impact. By blending reliable formats with selective use of cutting-edge technology, events can transcend traditional meeting structures, providing high-value, memorable experiences that make a difference.
The most successful events will be those that turn attendees into active participants, with interactivity fostering genuine connection and driving meaningful learning. These are the meetings that will be remembered – influencing people’s work and shaping the future of healthcare.
At Emotive, we know how to create meetings that have a lasting impact – reach out to us beinspired@emotiveagency.com to find out more.
