Since ages, business events have been a constant on company calendars. Given the era of disinfectants and government laws, however, in-person gatherings are a thing of the past. Since the world fell into lockdown in reaction to the Covid-19 outbreak, virtual events have risen in popularity, replacing in-person events.
Online conferences allow businesses to continue advertising their products or services while also networking with worldwide clients, even if their offices are closed and they are learning to adapt. Online events provide a variety of benefits, including convenience and revolutionary technology that allows presenters to engage with their audience in several ways.
Want to know how? Continue reading!
A large target audience
Many conventional limitations arise when conducting a physical event, such as geographical limits or venue capacity. Due to time constraints or geographic constraints, some people will be unable to attend the event. Space, seating capacity, and location access are all factors to consider while planning a physical event. Due to restricted capacity, some people lose out on being present at an event.
Such restrictions do not apply to virtual events. Attendees can attend an online event as long as they have access to the internet. This implies that your event will be able to reach people all around the world.
Customers may learn, grow, and meet new people at events that raise brand recognition. All of this is possible with a virtual event, but on a far greater scale. You may convert your internet audience into devoted brand followers from all around the world if your virtual experience is done correctly.
Offering a live streaming option and recording keynotes to share afterwards will be a method to reach crowds far greater than any arena could ever accommodate, even once in-person events restart.
Save time and money
It really is no surprise that events are costly to pull off. There are several elements to consider, ranging from venue to food to medical personnel, and they all add up over time. A cost-effective conference will be poetry to their ears at a time when firms are experiencing recession-level financial challenges.
Event planners with tight budgets may find virtual events to be a viable choice. Virtual events are often 75 percent more cost effective than in-person events. Organizers are able to save money on venue, setup and cleanup, lodging, food, travel fees, and other expenses. The only thing conference planners need to be concerned about is the expense of their virtual meeting platform.
Virtual events may need some preparation time and additional coordination with speakers. However, they are far less time consuming than in-person events. Virtual events are a wonderful choice for groups who have a limited budget or require a short turnaround time.
Interaction
In a study conducted by Lifesize, it was revealed that 98% respondents say that virtual events have improved communication and collaboration. This has further led to an increase in productivity. In another study, it was revealed that 90% of the people say that video conferencing helps them to get their point across easily.
When compared to in-person events, online events allow for more audience participation due to their digital nature. It may be difficult for presenters to form meaningful relationships with audiences at huge venues, where individuals and their questions might get lost in the sea of seated attendees. Every viewer at an online event is on an equal footing.
To make a lasting impression, webinars frequently include live audience engagement, such as polls or Q&As.
Interactive activities you can use to keep your audience engaged:
- Polls & surveys in real time.
- Quizzes and live discussions.
- Live chat.
- Q&A’s.
- Break-out rooms.
Networking
The importance of communication at any event cannot be overstated. It is one of the most important factors that can determine whether the event succeeds or fails. Virtual events provide fantastic networking chances for attendees, organisers, and presenters to interact and network in real time. Sounds like a compelling reason to attend the virtual event in order to avoid missing out!
Navigating through a throng of hundreds and having conversations with both sides is not always doable at physical events. Long lines might sometimes be expected, or a person may be unwilling to ask their questions face to face.
Virtual events provide a wealth of networking possibilities, allowing you to connect and network from the comfort of your own home.
In a survey conducted by Markletic, according to 49% of marketers, audience involvement is the most important aspect in a successful event.
Feedback
For all sorts of events, collecting and monitoring feedback and involvement is critical. However, getting people to engage and really use technologies to help measure such crucial KPIs, such as mobile event applications, surveys, and so on, is a struggle for in-person events.
Here is where virtual events excel. All attendees need to do is log on to your online platform and utilise all of the engagement tools to participate. It’s all done in real time for everyone!
Even though the data generated by virtual events vary based on the platform and event management software used, gathering some data about your event and attendance should be easier during a virtual event than during an in-person event. For instance, you can see,
- When and from where your guests signed in?
- The amount of people that are attending.
- How are they paying?
And much more.
Hosting a virtual event has several advantages than those listed above. Virtual events provide you the chance to meet global businesses and experts on a real – time basis and have open dialogues with them. From the comfort of your own home, share expertise, debate the newest technologies, and network with worldwide participants.