As the globe continues to struggle with the COVID-19 epidemic, virtual events have grown in popularity. Virtual events have been available for a while, but the epidemic has caused many organisations to move their activities online. As a result, demand for virtual event platforms has increased. These systems allow organisers to arrange online events and interact with guests from a distance. In this tutorial, we will look into virtual event platforms, their advantages, and how to select the best one for your purposes.
What Are Virtual Event Platforms?
Virtual event platforms are internet solutions that allow businesses to hold online events. These platforms include a variety of features and capabilities that facilitate the creation, management, and promotion of virtual events. Some common characteristics of virtual event platforms are:
- Live streaming capabilities
- Video conferencing tools
- Chat and messaging features
- Virtual show halls and booths
- Networking and matching tools
- Audience engagement tools
What Kinds of Virtual Event Platforms Exist?
Virtual events have grown in popularity throughout the years as technology has advanced. Virtual events, whether a conference, seminar, trade fair, or even a wedding, allow you to attend from the comfort of your own home. However, with so many virtual event platforms available, it might be difficult to select the best one for your requirements.
1. All-in-one Virtual Event Platforms
Virtual event systems that are all-in-one provide a full solution for organising any sort of event, from conferences to trade exhibitions. These systems offer a variety of capabilities, including configurable virtual lobbies, virtual exhibit halls, and networking possibilities. They are simple to use and may be quickly customised to match the requirements of the event.
2. Virtual Event Platforms for Conference
Virtual event platforms for conferences often contain a variety of features and capabilities to help participants have an interesting and effective conference experience. The following are some of the common elements seen in virtual platforms for conferences:
- Tools for managing attendance sign-ups and payment processing, such as registration and ticketing.
- Tools for live streaming and video conferencing to broadcast sessions, presentations, and keynote addresses.
- Chat, Q&A sessions, surveys, and virtual breakout rooms to encourage guest interaction and networking.
- Sponsorship and exhibitor tools, such as virtual booths and tiering choices, to display items and earn income for the event.
- Analytics and reporting tools to give data for evaluating event success and making adjustments for future conferences.
- Integrations of the MarTech stack with other marketing technology tools, such as email marketing platforms and CRM systems, to improve event advertising and participant management.
3. Webinar Platforms
Webinar systems are particularly developed to hold educational events such as seminars and workshops. They include tools like Q&A sessions, surveys, and analytics to assist the presenter in engaging with the audience. Webinar platforms are inexpensive and an excellent method to reach a wide audience.
4. Social Media Live Streaming Platforms
Social media live streaming services like Facebook Live, Instagram Live, and YouTube Live make it simple and inexpensive to reach a huge audience. These platforms are perfect for presenting events like product debuts, interviews, and backstage tours. They are simple to use and allow for real-time audience involvement.
5. Virtual Reality Platforms
Virtual reality platforms provide participants with an immersive experience by allowing them to participate with the event in a virtual world. Customizable avatars, interactive displays, and real-time chat rooms are among the capabilities available on these platforms. Product launches, trade exhibitions, and training sessions are all excellent for virtual reality platforms.
6. Hybrid Event Platforms
Hybrid event platform include both in-person and virtual events. These platforms include elements like live streaming, virtual displays, and online networking. Hybrid events are perfect for reaching a bigger audience while still giving attendees with an in-person experience.
Features of virtual event platforms
Live video streaming: Virtual event systems provide live video streaming, allowing participants to view and participate in events remotely.
Interactive tools: Platforms include a variety of interactive features, such as live chat, polling, Q&A sessions, and surveys, allowing attendees to communicate with hosts, presenters, and other participants.
Customization options: Virtual event platforms offer customization options for branding, style, and content, allowing businesses to create a unique and memorable experience for their guests.
Networking opportunities: Platforms provide guests with networking possibilities, allowing them to engage with other participants, presenters, and exhibitors.
Analytics and reporting: Virtual event platforms give analytics and reporting on attendee behaviour, allowing hosts to analyse attendance, engagement, and other crucial indicators.
Security features: Platforms include security measures like as authentication, data encryption, and firewalls to safeguard participants’ and hosts’ privacy and security.
How to choose a best virtual event platform?
Choosing the best virtual event platform for any event requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some steps you can take to make an informed decision:
- Determine your event’s goals and requirements: Before choosing a virtual event platform, determine your event’s goals and the features and capabilities required to meet those goals.
- Investigate your options: Investigate and contrast several virtual event platforms to see which ones best meet your event’s objectives and needs. Examine evaluations and ratings from previous event organisers to get a sense of their experiences.
- Assess the features and operation of the platform: Look for a virtual event platform that has the most crucial features and capabilities for your event, such as live streaming, interactive tools, sponsor/exhibitor tools, and analytics and reporting.
- Evaluate the user experience: Test the virtual event platform’s user experience for both attendees and event organisers to verify that it is intuitive and simple to use.
- Think about technical assistance: Make sure the virtual event platform offers dependable technical help to troubleshoot any difficulties that may develop during the event.
- Examine security and privacy measures: Make sure the virtual event platform has strong security mechanisms in place to secure participant data and prevent unauthorised access.
- Think about customization options: Look for a virtual event platform that enables for customization of event branding and user interface to offer guests with a smooth and immersive experience.
- Price it out: Consider the cost of the virtual event platform, including any extra costs for features and services, and make sure it falls within your event budget.
- Integration with other tools: If you intend to combine the virtual event platform with other marketing technology tools, such as email marketing platforms or CRM systems, make sure the platforms are compatible.
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FAQs
Ques. What is a virtual event platform?
Ans. A virtual event platform is a piece of internet software that allows organisations to conduct and manage virtual events like webinars and conferences.
Ques. What kinds of virtual events can be hosted on a virtual event platform?
Ans. Webinars, conferences, trade exhibitions, product debuts, and online training seminars are all examples of virtual events that may be hosted via virtual event platforms.
Ques. What technical requirements do I need to host a virtual event on a virtual event platform?
Ans. To host a online virtual event on a virtual event platform, you need a reliable internet connection, a computer or smartphone, and appropriate software or applications.
Ques. Is it possible to conduct a virtual event on my own website?
Ans. Yes, you may hold a virtual event on your own website, but this takes specialised software and technical knowledge. Using a virtual event platform can help to simplify the process while also providing extra features and capabilities.
Ques. What are the advantages of utilising a virtual event platform?
Ans. Virtual event platforms provide a number of advantages, including cost savings, expanded audience reach, higher engagement, enhanced data collecting, and decreased environmental impact.
Ques. How can I make my virtual event more participatory and engaging?
Ans. Consider presenting a combination of live and pre-recorded sessions, utilising interactive tools such as polls and quizzes, promoting networking and conversation, and offering incentives for participation to make your virtual event interesting and dynamic.
Ques. What features do virtual event platforms often provide?
Ans. Virtual event systems provide a variety of features such as registration and ticketing, live streaming and recording, interactive sessions, networking and chat, sponsor and exhibitor booths, and analytics and reporting.