We know that nothing beats the impact of a face-to-face interaction. But when interactions are restricted due to unavoidable situations like the pandemic, people must innovate in this respect. In this article, we discuss how virtual events are taking over traditional forms of interaction and the value it brings to businesses.
WHAT ARE VIRTUAL EVENTS?
In its simplest definition, virtual events are events held online using web-based platforms. Virtual events facilitate interaction, intimacy and two-way conversations. It boosts engagement between attendees and the host through FAQ’s, polling or chat boxes. The most popular platforms to host such events are currently Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams.
Business across industries have taken a hit due to the outbreak. In Europe and the US, many organisations have switched to virtual events. Consensus, Coindesk’s event that focuses on Blockchain, switched to virtual reality instead of staging an event in New York in May 2020. In India, BookMyShow rose to the occasion by launching virtual events such as ‘Live From HQ ’and #LiveInYourLivingRoom,’ involving participation from various artists across the country.
Virtual events can be just as powerful as physical events if done right. By shifting to virtual events, your business can make the most of the situation. You can continue to generate revenue, make connections with valuable partners, potential clients and transform your business.
WHAT CAN YOUR NEXT VIRTUAL EVENT LOOK LIKE?
With more and more companies shifting to virtual events, Team Luxeveda has compiled a list of the types of events that you can host for your organisation:
#1 ONLINE CONFERENCE
This is a great way to educate your audience from all over the world. You can host different sessions throughout the day with time slots that your attendees can pick just like in a regular conference. A great example is, the BoF Professional Summit that was held in June 2020 by Business of Fashion where experts from a wide spectrum of industries came together to speak on ‘How to Build a Responsible Fashion Business’
#2 WEBINARS
A webinar is a great way to get your message out to the audience. It is a short live online event that is equally effective. The rate of engagement is higher since the audience can ask questions in real-time. They also serve as great pieces of content that could be posted on social media profiles after.
#3 ONLINE WORKSHOP
Whether you are showing your attendees how to dance or helping them meditate you can have an effective impact on your audience through online workshops. It is a great way to engage and stay in touch with your audience.
ADVANTAGES OF THE VIRTUAL TRANSITION
#1 LESS EXPENSIVE AND SAVES TIME
Removing the need to travel to a physical location reaps benefits to the organiser and the attendees. Virtual events are often shorter as the content ensures that the key messages are delivered concisely. For large businesses and event planners, bigger audiences are not a plausible option anymore. Virtual events solve this roadblock in a cost-effective manner. All your audience now needs is a device and an internet connection.
#2 IT’S GLOBAL
Companies are always trying to increase their reach to engage with more people. With geographical limitations out of the way, attendees from Berlin to Sri Lanka can join your event with ease. Promoting your event is much easier as it is simply a click away for those interested. With the right virtual partner, you can connect to the world.
#3 EASY TO MEASURE RESULTS AND GET FEEDBACK
Data is king, and virtual events make it easier to access this data. Since everything is online, you can track when and where your attendees logged on to the event. Attendee feedback is invaluable. You can access their feedback through real-time polls or surveys in sessions. This will help you measure how each of your session was and help you monitor overall success.
# 4 ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
While hosting any event, the resources spent on putting the event together leave a carbon footprint. Virtual events are a great way to leave no impact on the environment. Besides, advertising an event as an eco-friendly one will certainly attract more attendees leaving a positive impact on your brand values.
Clearly, the interest in virtual events has spiked, and virtual events will increase in number even in a post-COVID world. This period has pushed consumers to change their habits, paving way for businesses to venture into new ways to expand and reach your audience.
So, instead of postponing or cancelling your event, host it online!
Don’t fear the transition we are here to help.
