Not only do virtual events help planners expand their audience and promote inclusion, but they can also be an effective way to increase revenue and track key data about their audience. So, like you, I have attended several virtual conferences this year. Two stand out for their creativity and the hard work of the organizers to create an experience, not just deliver content. They're not traditional B2B tech events, but they have a lot to teach us.
I contacted the organizers, participants and sponsors to get their opinions on the benefits of virtual events. A virtual event provides a platform for audiences, exhibitors, presenters, influencers and brands to communicate. They can share ideas, discuss different topics and new products, and share the same experience virtually.
Virtual events
allow you to scale things like event design, attendee capacity, networking rooms, etc.This frees up time for event organizers and marketers to focus on event participation. Or plan a better, more immersive experience to represent your brand. Virtual event platforms do the heavy lifting of expanding events. And it means that marketing teams can be sure that they will later be able to expand their events to serve a wider audience.
In addition, scaling up virtual events doesn't require a commensurate increase in effort and budget. All the time and effort required to manage the logistics of an in-person event doesn't appear on the to-do list of a virtual event. Just like an in-person event, virtual events benefit from the use of a comprehensive event technology platform that helps you promote, execute and manage your event. Make sure that the platform allows you to incorporate social media channels when it comes to marketing and promoting the event itself.
Even though vaccines are being rolled out around the world and in-person events are returning in specific areas, you may still have a long wait time before welcoming attendees in person. Making your virtual event stand out from the rest means refining your strategy, which is imperative for B2B companies to stay ahead of the curve. In-person events are slowly returning in many areas, but the continuing uncertainty surrounding the pandemic combined with a possible decrease in audience appetite for travel and staying days at events have led me to conclude that virtual events are going nowhere. Typically, these events have been used to showcase product offerings in intimate settings such as restaurants, in person.
When deciding whether you want your event to be virtual or not, consider what you hope to get out of the event and how well those goals can be achieved virtually rather than in person. Popular networking features include live chat, one-on-one audio and video meetings, virtual coffee rooms, and even games. However, by thinking of virtual events not as one-off small presentations or webinars, but as value-added and participation-driven experiences, you can create an impactful event that extends far beyond a computer screen. These events are part of campaigns to reach a wider audience, attract people looking for work, or introduce new products.
