Key Takeaways from 2020 NFL Draft - A Virtual Knockout

NFL Draft has evolved in the last decade from phone calls, and single-day TV broadcast, to red carpet events and extravagant event in Las Vegas. With the current global pandemic limiting in-person event opportunities, the NFL Draft took to the virtual world.


COVID-19 has put everything on hold, including sports since March, but the viewers and fans had a chance to be a part of one of the biggest sports events this April. However, there were no red carpets, no stage, and no fan cheering, as everything was virtual. The event was transformed into a three-day live event with fan meetings, online interaction with celebrities, and multimedia.

How 2020 NFL Virtual Draft Was a Complete Success?

The real-time and in-person factor is on hold in the event industry this year, and the NFL Draft took upon this opportunity to hold one of the biggest draft events in the history of the NFL. The draft was broadcasted on three networks, namely, ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network, and also took to mobile and digital platforms like Twitch and saw a record-breaking viewership.

This year almost 15.6 a million viewers watched the live broadcast of NFL Draft, which is up 37 percent as compared to last year's viewership. It is the "leagues most-watched opening round ever." This year's record of 15.6M broke the previous all high of 12.4 M in 2014, with only 11.4 million viewers last year, i.e., 2019.

Biggest Success Features of NFL Virtual Draft 2020

The question is, how can a virtual event be more successful than the previous in-person events? Multiple factors played in for the record-breaking success of this year's NFL Draft. The following are some of the key highlights to help you ensure the same level of success in your future virtual events.

Exceptional Use of Technology

One of the most important things that made the whole event successful is the use of exceptional technology. Considering all the variables in digital, the entire thing could have been an epic failure. Still, with the right technology and thorough planning, everything ran smoothly without even a single glitch.

The use of the right technology made it possible for the sponsors to run campaigns, e.g., Bud Light, the league sponsor, was able to run promotional campaigns during the broadcast. Similarly, the integration of technology made it possible for viewers to donate for COVID-19. Bud Light launched its campaign called "Boo the Commish," and for every hashtag, during the event, they donated $1 to NFL' Draft-a-Thon' to help frontline health workers.

The NFL Draft 2020 is proof that the virtual platform should not be seen as something problematic and tiresome. In this period of social distancing, you don't have to put a hold on your events, especially in this digital age, with endless possibilities. For your event to be a success, just like the 2020 NFL Virtual Draft, get in touch with event companies in Abu Dhabi and plan ahead of time, and use the best technology available.

Integrating Human Experiences in Virtual

Another the key takeaway from the event is that it was not just a long and tedious broadcast, but it also integrated human experiences in the event. The event was not a traditional TV broadcast with background stories, but it also showed the viewers the personal lives of players and their families' reactions upon selection. This was all too heart-warming and gave a personalized touch to the event.

The event planners were successful in creating a personalized feeling through virtual by showing the viewers glimpses into the private lives of NFL legends. This indicates that you can create a sense of real-time human experience in the digital world. There are many technologies out there like VR and AR that can help you set a mood for your event, so consult an event planner before your event. 

Highly Engaging

Even though social distancing proves to be the biggest hurdle when it comes to creating experiences and engagement, however, the 2020 NFL Draft was a success when it came to creating an immersive experience for its viewers. Let's take a look at some of the various digital platforms used by the NFL to make its event a mighty success.

 

1.   ABC Broadcast

ABC Broadcast offered a different point of view to the viewers with a more "up close and personal" content from player's private lives and homes. They also engaged the viewers with one-on-one interviews with different players and casual talks with their families.

 

2.  Yahoo Sports

The NFL 2020 Virtual Draft also took to mobile platforms like Yahoo Sports to give their viewers with multiple viewing options across all platforms. Yahoo sports offered a different experience to the fans as compared to the official TV broadcast. The viewers could view the live analysis of the Draft by multiple renowned celebrities and analysts.

 

3.  Bleacher Report

This was by far the most engaging mobile platform. Bleacher Report had a live broadcast featuring analysts as well as chat capability. It provided a wholesome and truly immersive experience, as fans could comment below the video.

 

4.  Twitch "Draft-A-Thon"

NFL partnered this year with Twitch to host a live event "Draft-a-Thon" to help raise funds for COVID-19 relief. The live stream included NFL celebrities like Rich Eisen and Deion Sanders. It enabled people to donate and chat with their favorite players. As Twitch targeted a younger audience, so the NFL invited celebrities like Lil Wayne and Kevin Hart to talk about their favorite teams. According to the NFL, the live stream had a whopping 7 million viewers!

Future of Sports Events is Digital!

Meticulous planning and incorporating innovative technologies, this year's NFL Draft was successful in engaging fans that have been waiting for this event for too long. With NFL and WNBA Drafts held online, the question is: could this be the future of the sports event industry? It's still too soon to conclude but one thing is for sure that the virtual platform offers a lot of opportunities for event hosting and brand awareness.

 

 

More Recommended:

5 Top Tips to Plan a Successful Corporate Event

Top Reasons to Rely on Destination Managers

Characteristics common in successful event planning companies


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