How to run a webinar

Whether you’re inviting a senior scholar to speak, or bringing young scholars together to present, a one-time webinar is a simple but effective option to explore a question that interests you.

6 steps to success:

Think

Define it

YSI does not focus on a specific method or school of thought; instead we try to ask the questions that have flown under most economists’ radar. That’s why you are encouraged to structure your webinar around a pertinent question: For example: “How Can We Deal with Climate Change in An Uncertain World?” instead of “Uncertainty and Climate Change”. Review YSI’s Guiding Principles for more guidance on this.

Consider finding a buddy

You don’t have to co-organizer your webinar with anyone else, but it might be nice, especially the first few times. If you haven’t found anyone interested, that’s ok. The coordinator of your working group might be able to assist.

Submit it

To get started, you will submit your idea to the coordinator of the group. At this stage, you don’t have to know all the details. Just a tentative title, and a one paragraph motivation/explanation is fine. 

Plan

Invite your speakers

If there is a senior scholar you would like to participate in your webinar, let them know you would really value their contribution. Note that YSI does not pay honorariums to speakers. All scholars who work with us do so because they believe it’s important. Make sure your communication reflects gratitude and appreciation.

Settle on the details

Once your speaker has confirmed, you can finalize the title, description, date, and time for your webinar. Most webinars run for one hour. Be mindful of timezones when scheduling.

Publish

Submit for publication

After carefully reviewing your title, description, and other details, you may submit your event for publication. If they agree everything looks good, they’ll give you the go-ahead, allowing you to click “publish.”

Spread the word

Share the link to your webinar page with your friends, academic network, related institutions, and mailing lists you have access to. When posting to social media, make sure to tag YSI.

Prepare

Prepare yourself

If there is a senior scholar you would like to participate in your webinar, let them know you would really value their contribution. Note that YSI does not pay honorariums to speakers. All scholars who work with us do so because they believe it’s important. Make sure your communication reflects gratitude and appreciation.

Prepare your speaker(s)

Make sure you have explained to your speakers how you will structure the webinar, which topics and questions you’d like to dive into, and answer any they have. 

Prepare your participants

Once your speaker has confirmed, you can finalize the title, description, date, and time for your webinar. Most webinars run for one hour. Be mindful of timezones when scheduling.

Go

Introduce

After carefully reviewing your title, description, and other details, you may submit your event for publication. If they agree everything looks good, they’ll give you the go-ahead, allowing you to click “publish.”

Moderate

Share the link to your webinar page with your friends, academic network, related institutions, and mailing lists you have access to. When posting to social media, make sure to tag YSI.

Close

Share the link to your webinar page with your friends, academic network, related institutions, and mailing lists you have access to. When posting to social media, make sure to tag YSI.

Follow up

Continue the conversation

Most webinars spark ideas, reveal common interests, and open up new questions. Continue the conversation with your participants on Slack, or via the forums. Perhaps you can plan your next project together.

Share the recording

If you chose to record your webinar, you can request that the Management Team add it to YSI’s YouTube channel. 

Give feedback

If you have any feedback on the webinar process, the Management Team is always eager to hear it. Don’t hesitate to share thoughts or concerns with ysi@ineteconomics.org