A virtual event is an event that involves people interacting in an online environment on the web, rather than meeting in a physical location.
A Linkedin study shows that approximately 67% of marketers have increased the time and money invested in webinars and other virtual event solutions. In another report, 75% of event marketers worldwide say they plan to continue running virtual events over the long term.
What are the benefits of virtual events?
Larger pipeline: Since there is no limit on the number of attendees, you c
Generate more leads: The attendees of a virtual event can be much larger than any in-person gathering could feasibly attempt. The larger number likely means a higher participation number
Lower Costs: You save on venue, security, catering and travel costs for virtual events.
Easier access, higher attendance: Virtual events remove the financial and logistical barriers that prevent people from attending an in-person event.
Attendee insights: It can be difficult to track how attendees spend their time at an in-person event and the content with which they are engaging. Registration information is often the sole data gathered. If an event is held virtually, organizers can collect polling, contextual, and behavioral data, including which seminars they watch and how long they watch. The insights can then be used in targeted marketing campaigns and to improve future events.
Recordable, shareable content: Virtual events can be easily recorded, expanding their lifespan past their date and time. People who have to miss the event as it happens can instead review a recording at their own leisure. The recorded video can also be used in follow-up marketing content.
What are the drawbacks of virtual events?
The larger disadvantage of virtual events is the financial benefits for local businesses and economies.
It is impossible to replicate everything about an in-person experience when using virtual channels.
A remote attendee’s environment can sometimes prevent them from giving their full attention.
Keeping a remote audience engaged requires different skills and knowledge than keeping the attention of a crowd right in front of you.
Current Virtual Events Trends
Virtual events are going mainstream
mainly due to the cost effective nature of virtual events.
Virtual events also offer global access to content creators and industry peers without the stress of travel.
As people get used to networking online, virtual events are getting more popular.
The metaverse will change the way we engage
With the metaverse growing virtual events have a whole universe at our fingertips. The possibilities are endless for virtual events.
Hybrid Events are the New Normal
Hybrid events are smashups between virtual and live events.
Thanks to technology, virtual gives distance participants numerous options for engagement.
Hybrid events cover everyone’s wants and needs. Those who prefer in person events and those who can not make it to the in person event.
Interactive Setting
As routines change, more interactive activities are being introduced in virtual events. Event organizers are thinking outside the box to offer unique concepts designed to blow audiences away. An example would be augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) which are gaining traction in virtual events.
Event Apps
Apps are gaining popularity in the event space. They are mainly used to boost engagement and communication during virtual events.
The most notable advantage of using event apps is that you can personalize delegates’ experiences.
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