Hybrid events may have had their heyday during the pandemic, but livestreaming still holds massive potential for meeting and event professionals looking to expand their reach. Even as in-person events are back in full force, many planners are sticking with streaming keynotes and other highlights — but are they truly getting the most out of this powerful tool?

MeetingMentor spoke with Ashray Urs, head of Streamlabs, a company known for providing user-friendly livestreaming tools for creators and professionals alike. Streamlabs — now part of Logitech — helps users stream from desktops, laptops, mobile devices, even gaming consoles, to platforms like Twitch, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook.

“As it’s become easier for anyone to stream with professional-level quality, we see huge potential for these tools to be used more broadly at events,” Urs shared.

Here are eight practical strategies he recommends to help elevate your event livestreaming experience.

Pre-Streaming Prep: Laying the Foundation

Pick the Right Tech Stack. It may seem basic, but double-check that your streaming software matches your device’s capabilities. Web-based options are great for mobility, while desktop versions may offer more advanced features. Choose the best fit for your event’s goals and production needs.

Prioritize a Solid Internet Connection. Nothing derails a livestream faster than poor internet. Invest in dedicated, high-bandwidth connections — especially at venues where shared Wi-Fi is common. Urs emphasizes: always test your connection and gear well before you go live.

Plan Strategically. Timing and location matter. Whether you’re on a buzzing trade show floor or in a quiet breakout room, think about your setting. Minimize background noise and invest in proper audio — often, your phone’s mic just won’t cut it. A professional microphone setup can make all the difference.

Engaging the Audience: Keep Them Hooked

Stream Across Multiple Platforms. Why limit your stream to just one channel? Broadcasting simultaneously to YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Twitch and more helps you tap into different audiences — and platform algorithms can do some of the discovery work for you.

Urs points out the value of dual-output tools that allow you to optimize for both horizontal (YouTube, Twitch) and vertical (TikTok, Instagram Reels) formats at the same time. “It’s a great way to expand your reach,” he said.

Make It Interactive. Use branding overlays and live chat features to pull attendees into the action. Pin viewer comments, create polls, and make it easy for them to participate in real-time. Engagement tools aren’t just bells and whistles — they keep your audience present and involved.

Add Visual Enhancements. If your event includes fundraising, consider adding live donation trackers. QR codes can guide viewers to more info or merchandise, and live widgets help highlight key moments. These visual touches can reinforce calls to action and create energy around participation.

Post-Streaming: Keep the Momentum Going

Repurpose Your Content. You’ve already done the hard work — now use it. Break your full livestream into short, vertical highlight clips for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Tools like Streamlabs even offer AI-powered editing to help identify share-worthy moments without combing through hours of footage.

Build Your Audience Beyond the Stream. Don’t just post the livestream — promote it. Share your stream schedule in advance across social media and email, and keep the buzz going afterward with highlights and recaps. It’s about building an engaged community, not just a one-time view count.

Start Small and Experiment

If you haven’t dipped your toe into livestreaming yet, Urs suggests starting with a smaller, low-pressure event. Experiment, learn what works, and build from there. The tech is evolving fast — and so should your approach.

“The key,” he says, “is to focus on producing great content. Once you’ve got that, these strategies can help you turn your livestream into an engaging, professional experience that connects with your audience wherever they are.”