The Complete Guide to Virtual Events

1. The Complete Guide to Virtual Events (2021 Edition) What Are Virtual Events? Virtual events are events that are hosted online, typically resembling a physical event. These events can be attended by people across the globe without any geographic barriers. Online events bring people together to share ideas, engage, network, and trade. How Do Virtual Events Work? Virtual events are very easy to attend and simple to host. For visitors, all that is needed is a working device and a reliable internet connection. Likewise, from an organizer’s perspective, a dependable virtual events platform is needed with some minor training, and heavy marketing.

2. Whether it is event planning or event sales, online events should be treated similar to physical events. The same steps apply to both. Events typically include: defining goals and budget building an events team choosing the look and feel of the event, venue and date developing event agenda and branding finding and confirming event sponsors, exhibitors and speakers creating a marketing plan and pushing it to your audience determining event metrics to analyze ROI Very frequently, event organizers tend to skip a few of these steps since the event is occurring digitally. This can greatly affect your event and reduce event turnout. For optimal results, give your virtual event the same time and attention as physical events. What Are the Types of Virtual Events Platforms? Virtual events come in many forms, and their functionalities highly depend on the platform used to host the event. Some digital events are simple webinars hosted on video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Teams. Other online events are hosted on virtual interactive websites. These include connecting individuals on a 2D website where they view clickable videos played on loop. These kinds of platforms allow users to interact, however, they are unable to provide true engagement (similar to a physical event). Finally, the most-advanced form of virtual events is ones hosted on 3D multi-user events platforms. These state-of-the-art software’s allow users to experience almost everything that is available in real-life events. An example of a 3D virtual events platform is HoloFair. To learn more about the different types of online events platforms, read our detailed blog article here. What Are the Types of Virtual Events? Events are an indispensable part of any organization. They help establish a brand name, stimulate networking, develop a trusted clientele, and lots more. Virtual events are the online version of such events. They take place on a virtual platform instead of a physical location, and use a digital interface. Every business or organization desires to host events that are not limited to a single venue and can reach a vast global audience. However, there are shortcomings such as financial barriers and limited reach. Virtual events are a great way to overcome such drawbacks and bring in many more additional benefits. Virtual events can be of many types. From casual get-togethers with employees to corporate exhibitions, virtual events have incredible potential. So, let us delve deeper into some of the different types of virtual events:

3. 1.Virtual Conferences Virtual conferences are just regular conferences taking place online using a real-time digital platform. With the help of virtual conferences, you can shoot up your engagement while saving a ton of organizational costs. They are a great way to network with a large audience using just a device and internet connection. Another huge advantage of virtual conferences is inviting well-known people and keynote speakers, who would otherwise be unable to show up physically. 2.Virtual Exhibitions, Trade Fairs, and Product Launches These forms of virtual events enable traders and exhibitors to display their products and latest launches, and reach a massive audience on a global level. Webinars, chat tools, live calls, and virtual booths are beneficial for maximizing profits without going through the hassle and expenses of physically organizing these virtual events. It is also a great way to showcase your services and keep up with the dynamic ROI opportunities. 3.Virtual Training Workshops Thanks to technology, it is now possible to shift workshops on comprehensive virtual platforms. Attendees can be educated using simple tools like presentations, jam boards, live sessions, etc. It is a swift and effortless way to impart knowledge to those willing to learn. Some virtual events platforms even allow you to virtually replicate physical workshop locations. 4.Virtual Job Fairs and Onboarding Programs One-to-one interviews are no longer limited to physical meetings. You can now hire professionals and skillful employees by conducting virtual career fairs. It does not only allow to reach a large number of potential applicants, but also houses several tools to assess their skills and quality of work. Virtual onboarding fairs are a great way to train and direct your new employees to build them into valuable assets for your company. After all, proficient employees make a successful business. Video chats, webinars, and interactive games are among the many tools you can use to conduct a fruitful onboarding fair. 5.Virtual University and College Fairs These forms of virtual events are an excellent opportunity for colleges and universities to unveil their infrastructure and courses to students from across the world. Educational institutions are able to present the many reasons why students should join their institutions and speak to individual students virtually. As you may have realized by now, the possibilities of virtual events choices are endless. Whether you want to host a virtual exhibition with 2,000 exhibitors or a virtual gathering for employees in international branches, it is possible with online events.

4. Why Host a Virtual Event? Virtual events are a helpful tool for organizations and companies across the globe. The advantages and benefits of online events are truly incomparable. How to Plan a Successful Virtual Event? 1.Keep Your Objective Clear No matter what kind of virtual event you are hosting, keeping a clear objective shows you the path ahead and helps you execute a successful event. Defining your target audience and user journey will help you understand what kind of venues you need, what content to create, what functionalities to incorporate in your event, and much more. 2.Plan Ahead Virtual events are less time-consuming to organize compared to offline physical events, however, it is necessary to still give event planning enough time and attention. Sketch out a detailed plan to organize and manage the various activities that will take place. Setting up a date and contacting keynote speakers in advance will save you from the last-minute hassle and confusion. 3.Choose the Right Virtual Events Platform Picking a virtual events platform that can support and run your event without any glitches is important. The online events platform you choose must be compatible across all devices and operating systems. The features available should support the activities of your virtual event, such as interactive games, live chats, webinars, 3D venues, etc. Additionally, they must be equipped with tools for interactions and engagement between the host and the audience. 4.Quality Content is Everything The power of strong and impactful content is unmatched when it comes to virtual events. Here are a few points to keep in mind while planning out meaningful content for any online event: Keep the content original and relevant to your business and event goals. Visually appealing presentations, informative webinars, and workshops are recommended. Understand your target audience and build the content around their needs and requirements. Adding extra information that will enhance their knowledge is the key to hosting a lucrative online event. Incorporating fun and engaging elements such as games, quizzes, questionnaires, polls, debates, will keep the audience attentive and make them genuinely enjoy the virtual event.

5. 5.Invest in Heavy Marketing and Promotion A virtual event loses its objective of reaching a large audience if there is insufficient marketing. In order to avoid this, strategic promotions and adequate marketing are a must. Creating a buzz social media, investing in public relations, sending out invitations, and setting up a comprehensive landing page are great ways to spread the word about your virtual event. Designing an eye-catching landing page is very persuasive and will attract a huge audience. After all, first impressions are everything! Therefore, your landing page must be up-to-date with all relevant information such as event dates and timings, activities, and registration portals to make the process very seamless and comfortable for your audience. To learn more about the different ways in which you can promote your virtual event, read our detailed blog here. Conclusion Online events have proven to be extremely handy for businesses from a wide array of industries, and across different sectors. Their inclusive nature to boost reach and elevate revenues has already been established. Its perks and benefits are certainly undeniable. To learn more about how you can host your virtual events on our 3D virtual events platform, HoloFair, contact us directly. Visit our Portfolio, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn to view previous events and learn more. Source Link: https://bit.ly/3hWgBDC