Why You Need a Run of Show for Your Webinar

You’ve nailed the webinar practice run — your delivery felt smooth, the slides were on point, and everything seemed locked in. But then you go live and suddenly, you lose your train of thought mid-sentence or you forget to share that must-see video.

It happens to the best of us. That’s why we swear by run of shows — they keep chaos at bay!

What is a run of show?

A run of show is a detailed document that outlines the entire flow of your webinar from start to finish. It breaks down the event minute by minute and specifies what needs to happen and which resources or slides to share at each step. Think of it as a roadmap that keeps everyone on the same page during the webinar.

Why do you need one?

Run of shows aren’t just for beginners — even the most seasoned webinar wizards use them. Here’s why they’re so beneficial:

• They help you feel more confident and prepared: Whether you’re hosting a small webinar or a large-scale event, a clear plan makes all the difference. With every detail laid out, you’ll feel more confident going into your event, knowing exactly what’s next and how to handle it.
• They keep your webinar running like clockwork: Staying on schedule is critical, especially when managing multiple segments or speakers. A run of show helps you stick to your timeline and avoid overruns.
• Everyone stays on the same page: If you’re working with a team — like a moderator, co-host, or producer — a run of show, a.k.a. a shared game plan, helps keep everyone in sync. This means smoother transitions, fewer missteps, and a more professional experience for your audience.
• You can keep your media and assets organized: The last thing you want to do during your webinar is hunt for the right link or video to share. With a run of show, all your media and assets are accounted for, lined up in order, and ready to go.
• They prevent repetition or missed details: By clearly outlining the talking points, a run of show eliminates overlap between presenters and makes sure nothing important is forgotten. Yep, no more awkward “Wait, didn’t we already cover that?” moments!

With a run of show, you’ll feel prepared, stay on schedule, and keep your webinar running smoothly. All that’s left is to focus on delivering a great presentation.

All-in-one Video Platform

Streamline Your Webinar Process

Learn more

What to include in a run of show

• A brief webinar description
• An outline of your talking points
• A link to your slide deck (if you’re using one)
• Videos you plan to share throughout the webinar
• Polls or resources you want your audience to engage with

Want to see an example of a run of show? Here’s one from our fake wizard-inspired webinar campaign in our Webinar Guidebook:

And here’s a minute-by-minute breakdown of the event:

Be prepared for your next webinar

With a solid run of show in hand, you’re ready to tackle any webinar like a pro. Just take a deep breath, stick to your plan, and have fun. You’ve got this!