The Complete Guide To Virtual Events in 2022
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Loading... - Idrissou Ousmaila
- 30 Aug 2022
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The value of face-to-face interaction will never go away, but there are times when going virtual is a necessary part of your event program. But how do you turn a multi-day conference, filled with networking opportunities, educational sessions, and the attendee insights they generate into virtual events?
And once you do, how do you ensure attendees are engaged throughout the event?
Hosting a virtual event requires the same care and attention as an in-person event. In both cases, you need to craft an event strategy to effectively promote the event, engage your attendees, create memorable moments for attendees, and prove event success.
The only thing that’s missing is the venue and the attendees on-site. But, by thinking of virtual events not as small one-off presentations or as a webinar, but as value-added, engagement-driven experiences, you can create an impactful event that extends well beyond a computer screen.
In this post, we'll cover:
What is a Virtual Event?
7 Main Types of Virtual Events
Why Host a Virtual Event?
In-person or Virtual - The Fundamentals Matter
But In-person Events and Virtual Events Aren’t Exactly the Same
Virtual Event Elements
Event Technology and Virtual Events Platforms to Host a Virtual Event
The Basics: How to Host a Virtual Event
Preparing Attendees for Virtual Events
Attendee Engagement at Virtual Events
Networking and Connecting During Virtual Events
Data from Virtual Events
Proving Virtual Event Success
How to Turn Your Live Event into a Virtual Event at the Last Minute
Virtual Event Ideas
Virtual Events as Part of Your Meeting and Event Program
What is a Virtual Event?
Odds are you’ve attended a webinar online, watched an on-demand workout class, or joined a meeting using a video conferencing tool. You might even have attended a conference from the comfort of your desk. These are all examples of virtual events. A virtual event is one where individuals experience the event and its content online rather than gathering in-person. According to Google Trends, the world is pivoting to virtual more and more.
7 Main Types of Virtual Events
When it comes to your total event program, virtual events can be added to the mix of events you host, events you attend, and your internal events. Virtual events are not a replacement for other types of events, but a new type to add and to enhance your entire program. Below are the four main types of virtual events
1. Webinars
What is a webinar? Webinars typically last somewhere from 30 to up to 80 minutes. The advantage of hosting webinars is that they allow attendees from around the world to join in and listen as one or more speakers present the content. Companies can charge attendees to join webinars using online payment services or can be offered for free. Webinars typically use video conferencing tools that allow Q&A, the ability to present live or a pre-recorded video, and be offered as on-demand after the fact. Due to their one-off educational nature, webinars have thrived with 100% virtual attendance. These can also include internal and external training.
2. Virtual Conferences
Much like in-person conferences, virtual conferences are built around a live, complex agenda that includes keynotes, sessions, breakouts, and more. Virtual conferences include multi-session content and can involve community engagement tools. While not as effective in terms of lead capture and networking as an in-person event, virtual conferences allow attendees to view keynotes in real-time, build their own agenda from relevant, on-demand content, and interact with other attendees.
3. Internal Hybrid Events
These are town halls, sales kick-offs, companywide events, trainings, department meetings, and more. For organizations that span countries, even continents, internal hybrid events are used to share a message to the entire company when employees are not all gathered in the same place. While it would be great to fly every employee to your organization’s headquarters, it would be incredibly costly, and the scheduling required would be time-consuming. The next best option is to host events that are part in-person, part virtual. Virtual team-building activities can work well at internal hybrid events.
4. External Hybrid Events
These events are held for those outside of your organization. They can be user conferences or industry conferences. These events require higher levels of video production so that virtual attendees are provided a similar quality to in-person attendees. These events allow attendees who are unable to travel to the event to participate and learn. It is challenging to provide the same value at external hybrid events, as in-person attendees are able to network more freely and engage easily with content than those attending virtually.
5. Virtual Exhibitions
Putting aside the fact that many may have felt forced into trying this new way of approaching events, there’s actually a whole host of fantastic benefits for everyone involved, and plenty of ways that virtual exhibitions can provide an enhanced experience for both your audience and for you as marketers or event organizers. As is the case with other virtual events, your ability to attract a wider audience via digital has become very popular worldwide. Read More...
