Hosting a Virtual Summit: A Simple Guide to Grow Your Email List and Boost Visibility
Thinking about hosting a virtual summit but worried it’ll be too overwhelming or time-consuming? You’re not alone—but the good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Done well, virtual summits can be one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to grow your email list, boost your visibility, and establish your authority—all without burning yourself out.
Let’s walk through a low-lift approach to hosting a virtual summit that feels doable and delivers results.
Why Hosting a Virtual Summit is Worth It
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why.
Grow your email list with highly engaged, aligned subscribers
Position yourself as a go-to expert in your niche
Create meaningful collaborations with peers and potential partners
Warm up your audience for a future launch or offer
Repurpose summit content for ongoing marketing
Even a small, focused summit can make a big impact—especially when it’s built around your strengths and what your audience truly needs.
Start with Your Strategy
The key to a standout (and sustainable) summit? Clear strategy from the start.
Ask yourself:
What do I want this summit to do for my business?
Who do I want attending—and what will they walk away with?
What topic sits at the intersection of what I know and what they want?
When you’re clear on your goal and your audience, everything else—content, format, promotion—gets easier to plan.
Pick the Right Format
Not all summits need to look the same! In fact, the best summit format is one that suits you and your time, energy, and tech comfort.
Consider:
Pre-recorded video interviews (simple to schedule and less stress day-of)
Live Zoom panels or workshops (great for engagement and community)
Private podcast-style summits (perfect if your audience loves to listen)
There’s no one right way to do it—but keeping things simple (especially for your first summit!) is always a smart move.
Invite the Right Speakers
This is where the magic happens. When you invite guest experts who share your values and have complementary audiences, your summit becomes a win-win-win—for you, your speakers, and your attendees.
Make it easy for them to say yes:
Keep participation light (e.g., one 20-minute interview)
Offer clear promotional materials (like swipe copy and graphics)
Focus on relationship-building, not transactions
Promote Like a Pro (Without Burning Out)
Promotion doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is starting early and being strategic.
Give yourself 4–6 weeks of runway
Schedule regular emails and social posts
Ask your speakers to promote—but don’t pressure them
Repurpose your content: one post can become a reel, a story, and a newsletter blurb
Remember: your goal isn’t to go viral—it’s to attract the right people.
Make It Easy to Join and Enjoy
User experience matters. A few small touches go a long way in making your summit feel polished and professional:
Keep your landing page clear and focused
Use simple tech (you don’t need fancy platforms!)
Automate access emails or private podcast feeds
Provide daily recaps or quick links to sessions
A smooth experience makes your audience more likely to show up and stick around.
Turn Momentum into Long-Term Growth
Don’t let your summit be a one-and-done. After the final session, consider:
Inviting attendees into a free or paid offer
Asking for feedback via a short survey
Turning summit sessions into blog posts, podcast episodes, or freebies
Re-running your summit as an evergreen funnel
Your summit is just the start of a longer conversation.
Final Thoughts on Hosting a Virtual Summit
Hosting a virtual summit doesn’t need to be a massive undertaking. With the right planning, aligned speakers, and a streamlined format, it can be one of the most powerful tools in your business toolbox.
It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what works, in a way that works for you.
Thinking about hosting a summit of your own? Get started by taking my Event Genre Quiz to get matched with your perfect-fit event format!
