When configuring the Schedule and Chat tabs of your eWebinar, we recommend picking from one of four common approaches — the one that most closely fits what you're trying to accomplish — and using it as a starting point. This is the third of the four scenarios.
To explore all four, see the Schedule + Chat Setup Guide →
What this scenario optimizes for
This model is best for teams who want to keep the same or a similar schedule to the one they followed when doing their sessions live but remove the burden of presenting (including not having to manage interactivity live). Chat response times are good, because chat only happens during scheduled sessions, which always have coverage.
Why this scenario exists
Sometimes teams moving from live sessions to automation initially keep the same schedule. This model supports that approach while allowing the content to be delivered automatically.
However, because availability is still limited to set scheduled times, this model will likely not increase attendance, engagement, or watch time. We almost never recommend this model.
How it manages chat expectations
Chat expectations are managed by limiting chat to only scheduled sessions.
Because attendees can only join at scheduled times in a fixed time zone, it is straightforward to cover the schedule with moderators. This reduces the need for broad availability and makes response times easier to control.
Recommended configuration details
Schedule tab
Event type: Recurring
Scheduled sessions:
- Recurrence: Weekly or less frequent, At least one day, At least one session time
- Time zone: Fixed (Your time zone)
On-demand sessions: Off
Just-in-time sessions: Off
Replays: Off (Read guide to replays)
Hours of operation: N/A
Chat tab
Chat preferences: Chat for scheduled sessions only
Note: If you wish to include replay links in your follow-up emails, you may want to only show an Email form (or disable chat altogether) just for replays.
Moderators: One or more moderators (coverage only during scheduled sessions)
Moderator notifications:
- Send email for first chat message: Optional
- Send SMS for first chat message: No
- Send email 15 minutes before a session: Yes
- Slack integration: Recommended (if relevant)
Welcome messages: Per best practices
Auto response: Yes
- Auto response message: Yes (As a failsafe only, per best practices)
- Auto response trigger time: 2 - 5 minutes
Tradeoffs
- Attendance will likely remain flat, since attendees still have limited opportunities to join.
- Scheduled-only availability can reduce watch time and engagement compared to immediate access, because it creates a delay between peak interest and viewing.
- Scale is limited by the availability of the moderator.
- Engagement and watch-time improvements depend heavily on how well you adapt your script for automation and interactivity.
Transition note (for nervous teams)
This model is a common starting point for teams transitioning from live sessions. Once you’re more familiar with eWebinar, we recommend switching to the Recommended Default or Strict Chat Coverage scenarios as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you will miss out on the greatest benefits of automation: scale, higher attendance, stronger engagement, and longer watch times.