Virtual events have technically replaced physical events in 2020. This mostly due to the coronavirus pandemic that has made it impossible for several physical events to be held. However, they just might be here to stay, long after the pandemic is over.
The reason why virtual events are so popular is that they provide a low-cost option of hosting a gigantic event and come with multiple benefits such as better tracking and analytics. Read more about virtual events vs physical events.
In this blog, we’re going to take a quick at the types of virtual events that you can host today!
What are Virtual Events?
So, what are virtual events?
In general, any event that is hosting in the virtual space can be called a virtual event. Today, a virtual event can actually provide the experience of an actual physical event with powerful virtual events solutions that make it easy to create engagement and provide value to your attendees in the virtual space.
When it comes to what you can do with a virtual event, the possibilities are endless. For example, you can host a trade show, product launch, expo, AGM, and more in the virtual space with a good virtual event platform.
Types of Virtual Events
As mentioned above, a virtual event can serve multiple purposes and the possibilities are basically endless with virtual conferencing technology that’s available today.
The right virtual conference platform helps to create a wide range of event types and even custom events based on your particular needs.
What are the Different Types of Virtual eEvents?
So, what are the different types of virtual events available today? Let’s take a quick look at the different use-cases for a virtual event in 2020:
Virtual Meetings
Virtual meetings are probably one of the most well-known uses of online video software. In a virtual meeting, the number of participants is usually pretty low, and to be technical, these meetings are much more limited as compared to a virtual event.
Most companies and organizations use a dedicated virtual meeting platform when it comes to conducting their virtual shareholder meetings, AGMs and townhall meeting operations.
Virtual Product Launches
Virtual product launches have definitely been on the uptick as many different organizations and companies had to unveil their new products over the virtual realm.
A virtual product launch also helps you get a global audience and increased exposure for the launch. This means you can get a much larger reach for your event when it comes to virtual product launches as opposed to physical events.
Virtual Trade Shows
Another example of events that you can host online is virtual trade shows. A virtual trade show is essentially just a physical trade show conducted online.
The objective of virtual trade shows is the same as physical trade shows such as demonstrating and exhibiting the goods and services of your company.
With today’s virtual events solutions, it is possible to create an immersive virtual experience for the attendees of the show.
Virtual Exhibitions
Virtual exhibitions are another type of virtual event that you can host. With virtual exhibitions, you can reach a huge audience and demonstrate the use of your products and services.
With virtual exhibitions, you can actually get feedback on the spot from the attendee of the exhibition and also check relevant statistics such as how much time they spent looking at each part of the exhibition and many other stats. Here is more on key success factors of virtual exhibitions.
Virtual AGMs
With the right virtual conferences and events platform, it is also possible to host the annual general meetings or town hall meetings of your company online too.
Virtual AGMs are actually not that hard to pull off as most platforms for hosting a virtual event provide a lot of engagement features like Q/A, polls, and more. These features can be used to make the meeting interactive.
Additionally, virtual AGMs can also lower the cost of hosting these events as you eliminate lots of additional costs such as venue and travel costs. Here is a brief guide to hybrid AGM, check this out.
Virtual Expos
Virtual expos are another type of virtual event that you can host. While it might not be possible to host the expo online depending on the product or service you offer but in general, most expos can be hosted virtually with the right approach.
Additionally, as with the different types of virtual events, most virtual event platforms come with a list of features that help you in setting up a virtual expo in just a matter of a few clicks!
Hybrid Virtual Events
Lastly, hybrid virtual events are events that contain both a physical aspect and a virtual aspect. Mostly, these events are used to provide an experience not only to the attendees of the physical event but also to the people watching online.
Hybrid virtual events are relatively easy to set up as the virtual aspect supplements the event and not be the sole focus of the event.
Importance of using the right Virtual Event Platform
Regardless of the type of virtual event that you want to host, using the right virtual event platform is really important.
There are certain things you should look out for when it comes to picking the right platform. Here’s a quick checklist to help you make the right decision:
- Ensure that the platform has all the features that you would need to host the virtual event you’re planning. For example, you should check out the different engagement features provided, the different streaming options available, etc.
- Ensure that the platform provides timely customer support. You don’t want anything to go wrong right in the middle of the virtual event. This is why it is important to have customer support available at all times.
- Ensure the platform is cost-effective. The entire point of virtual events is to lower the costs and this is why it is important to pick the platform that’s right for your budget.
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