Read Me First!

Having your own backchannel is like having a plant — it takes lots of care and attention to grow up and provide a nice experience for the audience, presenters, and conference administrators. If you haven't already, you should take a look at our advice about how to setup and use backchan.nl. Integrating audience conversations in your event is a delicate balance that's much more about the expectations of your presenters and audience than it is about technology. Setting up an online space for conversation is just like trying to design an inviting coffee shop; comfy chairs and nice tables and internet access does not necessarily create the kind of space you imagine.

So while you set up this system, consider these questions:

• Is your audience going to have access to the system?
• Are you going to have time to address the conversation on the backchannel?
• Do your presenters/panelists want to hear from the audience?

With that out of the way — enjoy your new backchan.nl! Hopefully it helps you create the kind of conversations you're looking for.