Virtual events platform

Finding the right virtual event platform

Finding the right virtual event platform is quite a challenge for many event planners. The market for virtual event platforms has developed strongly in a short period of time, and we expect this evolution to continue in the coming period. 2020 has taught us that we missed out on in-person events or physical events, but at the same time, online events and hybrid events can no longer be ignored. Hybrid events, in particular, will remain popular! This will allow more people to attend your event without having to move. Finding a virtual event platform that you can rely on and that has the right options is, therefore, indispensable for your event management!

A virtual event allows you to record the content and make it available to the public after the event has ended. Sessions can be replayed at specific times (and afterwards, if the event host so wishes). These are incredible opportunities that virtual event platforms offer, especially to attract more leads by reusing your event content online. But there is more, ...

Well-known tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet are mainly aimed at smaller groups of people. Virtual event software is different because, as an event organiser, they offer you various ways of communicating with your participants. For example, through waiting rooms, polls, Q&As, live chats, and more similar engagement features. While the aforementioned tools place all users together in one room, with a virtual event platform, the intention is to give the speakers the stage and the participants – often with microphones off – to be the audience.

What should a virtual event platform be able to do?

Obviously, your online events must be hosted on the platform. It is quite different whether you organise a small event for a select club of participants or an event where many visitors worldwide attend your event. But there are also many features that you want to bring from personal or physical events to your online event. Think of features related to communication, interaction, and data.

Live streaming

It is, of course, essential that your virtual event platform allows you to host events on a specific website and to be able to stream your sessions to various social media channels and YouTube. By integrating your event platform with social networks, you can reach and engage more people.

Q&A sessions

A good virtual event platform has a Q&A. This allows visitors to ask their questions to the speakers during the event (at specific times). During an online event, audience engagement is very important. You certainly want to offer this option at your online or hybrid event.

Chat

Don't forget the mutual connection between the participants. The great thing about events is networking and chatting with like-minded people. This can be difficult in a digital environment. With a live chat function or even 1-1 video conversations, participants can talk to each other and this will improve audience engagement.

Interactive workshops

The well-known breakout sessions, where specific topics are discussed and there is more interaction than the larger keynote sessions, also have added value during virtual events. Especially when the participants turn on their microphone and start the conversation, this feels like breakout sessions at a 'real' event.

Event marketing options

If you don't promote your virtual event, no one will attend. Fortunately, many virtual event platforms have marketing tools that you can use to attract your audience. Check if the platform of your choice has registration software on board. But also creating email lists based on registration forms and sending automated (reminder) messages for your online conference, workshop, or seminar is super handy. Links to social media and tools for sending out newsletters complete the picture.

Data

The big advantage of events that partly take place online is the data you collect about your participants. You can see exactly who viewed what and how long certain sessions were followed. This way you collect a lot of data to organise your next event and to better respond to the interests of your target group.

Most online event software platforms have video streaming and webinars as core functionality. However, opt for a user-friendly virtual event platform that contains all the features you need. This way, you avoid having to work with different tools. Good luck!