It might be difficult to design online experiences because we are accustomed to organizing activities that take place in person. People will want to learn this new ability if they want to increase their reach and benefit from virtual events. But how can they accomplish that without expending excessive time and energy? The solution is easy: The mechanics of preparing a virtual event are comparable to live events, notwithstanding differences.
You still need to set up a registration process, connect with your attendees, present the program, and develop an event website. You’ll also need to build an online space where people can interact, listen to your speakers, ask questions, engage, and network rather than looking for a location. Using the appropriate virtual event solutions is the most effective method to accomplish that.
And with so many digital tools for virtual events emerging, it’s important to understand how to compare all of your alternatives and choose the one that best meets your needs. You can choose the best planning platform for your virtual events by following these suggestions:
Things to consider while choosing a virtual event platform
Easy to use
Now let’s examine the actual virtual event platform. This is the website that participants in your online event will log into in order to access the speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors. It resembles the new location of your event in many ways. Whether it is a virtual exhibition, Virtual Conference or virtual trade show, a reliable and effective platform is required in order to host the event effectively.
You want a system that is straightforward to use and relatively quick to set up as the organizer. You also want to ensure that it has a clear, user-friendly interface that is simple for your attendees to utilize. Keep in mind that they will be using this platform for the majority of their event experience, so you don’t want them to waste time trying to figure out the technology. Even when they haven’t paid for attendance, it’s already far harder to keep people interested in an online context than it is in a physical one. Avoid taking a chance.
Make the transition from one part of your virtual event to the next as seamless as you can by keeping in mind the user’s journey. You should consider how your virtual event platform will seem and function on many displays because many people will be logging in through multiple devices (especially if your event lasts for a while).
Support live and on-demand content delivery
Your virtual event platform must enable you to stream both recorded and live content, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, debates, seminars, and other events. Although some claim that recorded sessions don’t generate as much interaction as live content, each of these formats has a unique set of benefits. For instance, live broadcasts have the advantage of allowing audience participation. You have the option to include numerous presenters, operate live polls, Q&A sessions, and much more.
A pre-recorded video of your keynote speech, however, might be far more effective because it enables you to edit and polish the presentation and reduces the possibility of last-minute hiccups. You can record your virtual event and broadcast it online thanks to the virtual event service providers. It will assist you in expanding your audience and improving brand recognition.
Virtual Event Audience engagement tools
Achieving the same degree of attendee involvement as you would at a live event is a key objective when conducting a virtual event. Fortunately, if the platform you select offers one-on-one virtual engagement, your participants will be able to communicate face-to-face as if they were present. Remind guests to network at all times by commenting in chat or providing instructions on the Stage in between presentations.
Look for engagement elements like multi-tiered chat, gamification, and live polling if you want to conduct a virtual trade show, virtual conference, or other virtual events. A powerful virtual trade show platform like Dreamcast generates a networking opportunity and gives participants a download of everyone they interacted with for post-event follow-up. Along with advanced event analytics and lead-generating information, this attendance and engagement information is valuable for you to share with sponsors as the event organizer.
Networking tools
Another significant one is crucial to maintaining audience interest. The majority of individuals go to events to learn and develop important new relationships. The virtual world is no different, but it does present certain challenges for networking and in-person interactions.
Discussion boards and live chat feeds are obvious answers for networking, but as people, we learn so much and feel so much more connected when we can see someone’s face. A wonderful method to emulate some of the benefits of an in-person event is to allow live video calls within your virtual expo platform, either one-on-one or in a group.