Events have been a part of business for the longest time. The main reason for the use of these events has changed over time and after the pandemic, companies had to adjust their way of thinking about planning and hosting live events.
There has been a shift in the type of events companies host. The future of virtual events is, however, being questioned by many. The use of these types of events throughout the pandemic has been great, but many argue that live in-person events will come back in full force.
The future of events is facing immense growth, with companies indulging in the availability and use of both in-person and virtual events. There are many benefits to both of these forms of events, however, the use of virtual events might have a bigger impact across the world. This will allow companies to enhance their reach and advertise and educate more customers for a smaller price.
How Does Virtual Event Work?
Virtual events are an event type that allows individuals or corporations to join an online platform where they can view and gain information from speakers. This virtual event platform will allow the individual to join the platform via a link sent to them by the host which will allow them to enter the event.
Virtual conferences are a great tool that companies can use to ensure that all potential clients or customers join an event that they host. These events will allow virtual event attendees to join anywhere in the world.
Not only will they be able to join virtually, the individuals will be able to provide input and information throughout the session. These online events were created to substitute in-person events during the Covid-19 pandemic times. Thus recreating an in-person event, through cameras, online platforms, and many other materials.
There are many platforms companies can choose from. Every platform will have its benefits and cons. The focus here should be placed on what the company wants to achieve, as well as how many guests will be active on the server. Event organizers will take charge and capitalize on the lack of physical events by planning and hosting an event online.
With many similarities between a virtual conference and an in-person event. The focus behind the virtual event is to ensure that distance and finances should not be standing in the way of individuals attending events. The company has made it clear that by allowing more individuals to access the event, their reach and opportunity for success are drastically hiring.
Benefits of Virtual Events
Events can have a great impact on attendees’ way of thinking. Thus using these events for their benefit is of utmost importance. This, however, can only be done once companies understand and are aware of the great benefits live online events have to offer.
Audience Reach
One of the biggest key benefits of live events is the wider reach that companies have access to. With the growing internet, many have access to multiple online platforms. Companies can now access potential customers worldwide by simply allowing them into the virtual event. The wider reach will allow businesses to widen their target market and grow their business in multiple ways.
Saving Time and Money
In-person events are a great way to ensure that all parts of the company come together under the same building. Customers, staff, stakeholders, and potential clients. The main problem that occurs is the spending of finances. Many spend money on travel costs, such as flying or traveling to the conference, and book accommodation to ensure that they can attend multiple day’s events.
Online events will allow customers and clients to save money by simply allowing them to access the event from their living room or office. This individual will have the opportunity to save money on food, traveling, and accommodation by simply attending a virtual event. This is even more true for individuals that have to travel from a different country. The time saved on traveling can now be spent in the arena on an online event platform.
Wider Options for Keynote Speakers
Keynote speakers are an important part of any event. By simply allowing individuals on top of the field, individuals can learn and grow through their stories. The speakers will provide bullet points and information that will be used as guidance for the attendees.
The virtual event will provide companies with greater options of keynote speakers that can attend and deliver information at the event. A professor or industry leader can join the platform from another continent to provide all the attendees with the knowledge they hold.
Better Feedback from the Audience
Obtaining feedback from the audience is a key part of the event that will assist the team in improving any future events they will host. The team can create a survey or questionnaire that will be sent to all attendees throughout the event. This can be done at the end of the event, right before the event come to a close.
The team will have the opportunity to receive feedback from the entire group of attendees. This information will be used as guidelines to ensure that any future virtual events are an improvement from the last event. These feedback forms can have a detailed questionnaire to ensure that as much information possible is gained through the forms.
How to Execute a Virtual Event?
As with any event, the business must identify clear and concise goals. The team must identify the main reason for the event and the desired results they want to achieve throughout the event. The SMART technique is a great method of identifying and elaborating on event goals. Setting clear goals will build the foundation for a successful online event.
The second focus point for the team will be to determine the platform they want to use to host the event. The team must identify how big the target audience will be and what type of event they want to run. Some platforms will allow attendees to raise their hands for questions, while others will allow all attendees to chat and communicate throughout the event.
The team can identify what type of access they want to provide and decide on a platform that provides these exact privileges and tools. Some virtual events have break-out rooms; thus, choosing a platform must fit the team’s goals and direction of the event.
Promoting and reaching the target audience is one area where the team can not fall short. This will allow the audience to recognize the need for the meeting. They will inspect the event marketing and advertisement created by the marketing team, drawing them into registering and attending the meeting.
If there is no event promotion, the target audience will not witness and identify their need for this event. Marketing is the tool companies use to advertise the product and the need thereof to the customer.
Check Out A Guide to Running Your First Virtual Event:
The marketing team can use the keynote speakers that will be present at the event as a tool to attract more customers or to target a completely different individual. The speakers will have their following, and the team can draw them to the virtual event by advertising the speakers.
After the marketing campaigns are set and running, the event team will have time to create an agenda for the meeting. This will provide all attendees and speakers with the layout and progression of the entire event. This document must be sent to the attendees when they have registered.
The last part of the execution is to host the event. Here the team and speakers will have the opportunity to share their knowledge with all the attendees. This is what everyone has been waiting for. The event is now in action and all the planning has paid off. The team can arrange giveaways for participation throughout the event.
After the event is done, a post-meeting survey or document must be completed by the attendees. This is a simple method of gaining valuable input from the attendees. They can share their experiences and what they thought lacked within the virtual event. The post-event survey will provide the team with the necessary tools to improve their future events.
Current Trends of Virtual Events
As with any direction in business, virtual events have specific trends that will impact the themes, use, and running of virtual events. The event planners had to be creative to ensure that successful events were still possible within the event industry
In-Person, Events are Returning
The number one competition for virtual online events is in-person events. After the Covid-19 outbreak, companies have returned to their traditional ways. The live in-person events have been on the return. This, however should not be seen as a problem. Companies can now make use of hybrid events to ensure that both in-person and virtual event benefits are reached. Virtual events are still a growing market, and many will find different methods to incorporate them into the events model. Companies are still finding their feet trying to incorporate and introduce hybrid events to their wider audience.
Virtual Event Fatigue
As companies dive deeper into the world of virtual events, many planners and organizers have felt the fatigue. Virtual event fatigue refers to tiredness and struggle planners find to keep new ideas flowing. The team will struggle to keep the audience entertained or find it difficult to find new information to share.
Event fatigue can lead to companies hosting and running the same events or to attendees leaving early due to the lack of knowledge or information being shared. There are many ways to counter this fatigue. The key, however, is to overcome it as quickly as possible. To ensure that online events can reach the goals set by the management team.
Virtual Event Calendars that Run All Year
Another trend that companies can follow is hosting multiple events throughout the year. Companies can launch and advertise many events throughout the year, all dealing with different problems or opportunities. This will build excitement within the audience to ensure that they book and share their space in the next event.
Eco-friendly Gatherings
Going green has taken over the world. Many individuals are using new and improved ways to ensure that they can keep the environment green. Virtual events will be of great assistance to this cause. Attendees will impact the environment in a positive matter due to the lack of air pollution that transport adds to the environment. Virtual events will save the company on paper, transport, throwing away cutlery, etc. All enhancing the carbon footprint of the company.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
With the rapid growth of event technology, companies can take advantage of the tool, which will allow them to grow and enhance their virtual experience. With the use of augmented and virtual reality, attendees can attend and walk around the event without leaving their rooms. This will allow the attendees to experience the event in person with others without setting foot on the premises. This will take more time to plan and create, the results, however, will be of great value.
Live Translation
With the great language barrier, attendees might differ in attending specific events. The great solution to this problem is live translation. This will ensure that all attendees will receive the information in their language. This will increase the understanding of the attendees, which will lead to a greater impact on every individual that attends the event.
People Will Attend Virtual Events Through Their Mobile Devices
The internet’s beauty is that anyone can attend a meeting from anywhere in the world. With the amazing development of mobile devices, attendees can log in through these devices. No need for laptops, computers, or any other desktop format. The attendees can access and display their faces through the use of modern mobile devices.
Is Virtual Event The New Normal?
Virtual events are here to stay. With all of the benefits and a limited amount of downfalls, these conferences and meetings ensure a quick and easy method of accessing any event from anywhere in the world. With the pandemic coming to an end, in-person events might pick up again; this, however, does not mean the end of virtual events.
The virtual event revolution is just starting, and as many start to experiment and evolve, virtual meetings, platforms, and industry leaders will ensure to create of a system that will work for anyone. This will provide a multidimensional platform that can be used for any type and sized event.
How to Promote Your Virtual Event?
A virtual event can be promoted in the same manner as an in-person event. The big difference will, however, be, that the company will advertise on social platforms. The focus should be to ensure that attendees register online. Virtual events will have no in-person registration, which can lead to confusion.
This, however, should not influence the promotion of the event. Companies can target the audience through popular social media platforms and influencers or by simply advertising through their website or email marketing. There will not be a physical location connected to the promotion, but downloadable content that will explain the entire virtual event to the event attendees.
FAQs
What Are The Difficulties of a Virtual Event?
Finding a platform that will allow the team to provide access to their attendees. Another difficulty could be technology problems such as connection errors and faulty devices. These tools can stand in the way of the attendee enjoying a professional event. Another problem that can occur is audience engagement. Virtual audiences struggle to engage with the speakers on digital platforms.
What Is The Concept Of A Virtual Event?
This is an event that will allow attendees to communicate and receive information through an online platform. This will allow individuals to experience the event from the comfort of their office or living room.
What Will The Future of Meetings and Conferences Look Like?
There is no definite future indication of what virtual online events might hold. There is however a growth in popularity and many companies prefer to use these types of events. Thus displaying that these events are here to stay.
Final Considerations
With the rapid growth of technology, the events industry is exploding. Companies are taking charge through the use of virtual online events to ensure that they reach their target audience. Sharing knowledge, expertise, and information to the company’s target audience.
No one is ever completely confident with what the future might hold for these events, the upside however is that many companies are indulging in the various methods of growing and building their online events. Online events have many benefits, and leading companies in various industries are capitalizing on these forms of events.
