We’re in the last quarter of 2020 and it’s time to make some decisions. It’s hard with all the uncertainty, to know whether you’ll be able to have a live event or should plan for a remote one.  

 

Here are some of the most frequent questions asked about virtual events:

 

What kind of virtual events formats are there? 

  • Conferences: have speakers but not always discussions. 
  •  Summit: These events are usually catered to top level executives. This is a more formal event to share ideas and attendees are expected to attend every session.  
  • Webinars: A stand alone seminar, presentation or demo.
  • Exhibitions/Trade Shows:
  • virtual exhibit halls, virtual booths, galleries, avatars. Basically a real space can be rendered virtually and members can engage and interact as if there (but without having to walk from one side of a conference hall to the other).

 

Although these top definitions are general, some networking/engagement formats in the virtual event space include breakout sessions, fireside chat where a moderator and the audience can have conversations, Q&As or AMAs (Ask Me Anything), panel discussions, speakers and presentations. You can have pre-recorded content or host live sessions followed by Q&A. Keynote presentations, case studies; customizable booths, breakout rooms for networking.

 

What is the biggest difference between in person and virtual?

Well, of course one is face to face and the other happens exclusively online. But the  biggest difference on the organizational level is revenue. You probably won’t be able to sell tickets at full price and have to assure your vendors or exhibitors that it will be worthwhile for them. You cannot just get an expensive platform and recreate your live event with halls and avatars, you have to make sure it will be something your attendees will enjoy.

 

How do you monetise your virtual event?

Ticket sales, membership subscriptions, sponsorships. But it can be more than generating revenue, there are also marketing benefits like collecting attendees data (lead generation) and increasing your brand awareness.

 

What are some of the challenges that can be expected during a virtual event?

  • Video and live streaming issues.
  • The platform not being accessible, inaccurate close captions, 
  • The system is not being user friendly. Platform not being compatible with some system/devices.
  • Gaining access to the platform is cumbersome, too many steps, 
  • Equipment failure – presenter equipment, low video or sound quality, etc

 

How long are virtual events?

Do what is right for your members. Will they benefit from a full day or breaking it up into shorter sessions over a few days?

 

What is the most overlooked aspect of virtual events? 

It probably is marketing. If you don’t market your event right, you could miss out on revenue or attendance. Your marketing plan should cover all information registrants need to know. What, Where, How, Why, When? Choose your marketing channels wisely. You wouldn’t spend your marketing budget for your professional event on TikTok ads (an app for teens).  

 

How do you keep attendees engaged?

A well planned program and excellent content. Offer a variety of live presentations. Feature great content in different formats: expert speaker presentations, panel discussions and quizzes or polls.

 

What to do after the event?

You can package the content and give members access after the event. Offer at premium for those that did not attend. 

 

We’d love to hear about your virtual events

 

Do you have another question about events?