Ever wondered about the evolution of online events?
Before slick virtual summits with HD video, there were telesummits.
They paved the way for today’s online events revolution.
Let’s break down what they are and how they compare to modern approaches.
Table of Contents
What is a telesummit?
A telesummit is an online event where a host interviews multiple experts on a specific topic primarily through audio channels.
Speakers share their knowledge via telephone or basic webinar platforms.
No fancy video production. Just valuable content delivered through audio.
Think of it as a virtual conference that happens over the phone.
Key characteristics of telesummits
Typical telesummits include:
- 5-30 audio interviews with industry experts
- Basic telephone bridge lines or simple webinar software
- Plain registration pages with opt-in forms
- Downloadable MP3 recordings
- Limited-time access to content (usually 24-48 hours per interview)
- Lower production value compared to modern video summits
The evolution of online summits: A brief timeline
The journey from telesummits to modern virtual summits happened fast:
2010-2012: Early telesummits
- Primarily audio-only formats
- Limited technology options
- Focused on information delivery
2013-2014: Transition period
- Health and wellness industry pioneered video summits
- Most marketing summits still using audio
- Better landing pages started appearing
2015-2017: Video revolution
- Video became the standard
- – Custom summit platforms emerged
- Production quality became a differentiator
2018-Present: Experience era
- Interactive community features
- Mobile-optimized viewing experiences
- High production values as standard
- Integration with other platforms and tools
This evolution shows why today’s audience expects quality video content and seamless experiences.
Telesummit vs. virtual summit: the practical differences
Let me show you exactly why modern virtual summits deliver better results:
| Telesummit | Virtual Summit |
|---|---|
| Audio-only (often poor quality) | Crisp 4K video (I use Riverside.fm) |
| Plain background or no visuals | Professional virtual sets or real studios |
| Basic landing pages | Premium designed websites with advanced UX |
| Lower production value | Professional-looking final product |
| 500-2,000 new subscribers (typical) | 5,000-25,000+ new subscribers (my average) |
| Limited engagement | Interactive community experience |
| Forgettable experience | Memorable brand-building event |
5 biggest telesummit mistakes to avoid
If you’re considering running a telesummit (though I’d recommend a video summit instead), avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overwhelming your audience with too many speakers Too many interviews = information overload. Quality beats quantity every time.
- Poor audio quality Even for audio-only events, invest in decent microphones and recording software.
- No clear transformation promised Vague summit topics don’t convert. Be specific about what attendees will learn.
- Weak call-to-action Having no clear next step after the free sessions wastes your lead generation.
- Bad speaker selection Choosing speakers based on follower count rather than content quality hurts your reputation.
The biggest mistake? Not making the leap to video when your competition already has.
The decision that transformed my business
When I discovered online summits in 2014, I faced an important choice.
I could follow what many were doing in the online marketing space with audio-only telesummits.
Or I could raise the bar with high-quality video content like I had seen in some health summits.
I chose the latter.
The result?
My first virtual summit generated $20,000 in profit.
The following month? Over $40,000.
Zero to six Figures: The AI for Creators Summit Case Study
Let me share something powerful.
I recently launched the AI for Creators Summit from absolute zero.
No authority in AI. No existing audience in this space. No previous track record in this niche.
Yet the results shocked even me:
- Six-figure revenue in record time
- Some of the biggest names in AI joined as speakers
- Created massive buzz in the creator economy
- Built authority in a completely new field practically overnight
The secret?
A premium virtual summit experience that positioned me as the connector of valuable knowledge.
People weren’t joining because I was an AI expert.
They joined because I created a high-value platform that brought together the right experts at the right time.
This is the true power of modern virtual summits.
The tech tack that delivers professional results
Want to host a modern virtual summit? Here’s my recommended setup:
- Recording: Riverside.fm for separate audio/video tracks in 4K quality.
- Editing: Descript for professional, AI-assisted editing.
- Website: WordPress with Thrive Architect or Kadence Theme.
- Sales / affiliate platform: ThriveCart or SureCart.
- Summit templates: Virtual Summit OS templates (the quickest way to launch with my proven done-for-you templates).
- Video Gear: Even a good smartphone can work to start (see my ultimate video gear guide).
- Email Marketing: Kit (formerly ConvertKit) for email marketing and automated.
The best part? You don’t need a huge budget.
With just a few affordable tools and the right templates, you can create a professional summit without breaking the bank.
My students have generated 6-figure results with setups that cost less than $1,000 all-in.
The key is strategic implementation, not expensive gear.
The win-win-win approach that revolutionized online events
When I pioneered modern virtual summits, I focused on creating triple wins:
- Win for speakers → They reach new audiences without dealing with technical hassles
- Win for attendees → They get premium, actionable content with excellent production value
- Win for you as host → You build your audience, authority, and revenue simultaneously
Real results: how my students transformed their businesses
Don’t just take my word for it.
Here’s what my students have accomplished with modern virtual summits:
“If there is ONE thing that has changed my life more than anything else online… it’s virtual summits. I’ve generated over 30,000 email subscribers and well over 6 figures in revenue using his Virtual Summit Mastery Method. I can’t recommend VSM enough!”
— Mitch Asser, 7-Figure Summit Host
“We grew an email list of over 60,000 new subscribers in about a week’s time and we generated $502,000 in revenue through our first virtual summit. If you want step-by-step instruction and you just want to get it done with as little stress as possible, then I would absolutely recommend everything Navid Moazzez is teaching.”
— Caitlin Pyle, CEO of Proofread Anywhere
“Navid gave me all the details I needed to run a very successful first-time online event. My Women’s Strength Summit fielded nearly 20,000 free registrations and 100’s of sales. More importantly, people commented on how valuable and professional the summit was, and that’s directly because of everything I learned from Navid.”
— Steph Gaudreau, Host of Women’s Strength Summit
“Navid helped me earn $370k+ and 30,000 email subscribers in less than 2 months… it completely transformed our business to a multi-million dollar online education company (the summit we did in 2016 was even bigger with almost 40,000 opt-ins!). It all started with the proven business and marketing strategies Navid shared.”
— Chandler Bolt, CEO of selfpublishing.com
The best part? None of them had large audiences before their summits.
These results would be impossible with old-school telesummits.
FAQs
Here are some answers to the most common questions I see people have about hosting telesummits.
What is a telesummit?
A telesummit is an online event where experts are interviewed primarily through audio channels (telephone or basic webinar platforms), with minimal visual elements and a focus on audio content.
How much does a modern virtual summit cost to produce?
With the right templates and tools, you can create a professional virtual summit for under $1,000. My Virtual Summit OS templates make it easy to launch without a massive investment. The ROI is typically 5-10x when done right. My first summit generated $20,000 in profit with minimal startup costs.
Can telesummits still work today?
Technically yes, but why would you? Modern audiences expect video, professional production, and seamless experiences. Using the telesummit format signals that you’re behind the times.
What should I use instead of a telesummit?
A professionally produced virtual summit with high-quality video, a beautiful website, and strategic promotion will deliver vastly better results for everyone involved.
How did telesummits make money?
The same basic model as today: free access for a limited time, then a paid all-access pass. The difference? Conversion rates were typically lower due to the amateur presentation.
What’s the typical conversion rate from free to paid for virtual summits?
In my experience, quality virtual summits convert between 5-15% of registrants to all-access pass buyers. My most successful summits hit around 12%, while some of my students have reached 15%+ with the right offer stack and promotion strategy.
How many speakers should I include in my first virtual summit?
Start with 15-25 quality speakers. Focus on finding true experts who deliver actionable content rather than chasing big names who might deliver generic interviews. Quality always beats quantity.
Do I need to be an expert in my summit topic?
Not at all! My AI for Creators Summit proved this. You just need to be a great connector and curator. Position yourself as the person bringing together the right experts at the right time around the right topic.
The bottom line: why this evolution matters
When I started out online back in 2013, I could have followed the crowd who hosted these outdated telesummits.
Instead, I chose to innovate.
That decision has generated millions in revenue and tens of thousands of loyal followers.
The truth is simple: How you present your content directly impacts how people perceive your expertise.
Premium presentation = premium positioning = premium prices.
Don’t settle for outdated formats when your audience deserves better.
Your business foundation deserves the best possible start.
Ready to host your own modern virtual summit? Start with the right foundation. Your future audience will thank you.
Whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you:
- The Navid Insider Newsletter (Free) – Get my best insights on self-discipline, business, and high performance.
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- The Ultimate Video Gear Guide (Free) – The exact video gear I use to create high-quality content.
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