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When it comes to expanding their reach internationally, businesses now must employ virtual event platforms. Many fields have been impacted by the pressing necessity to move everything online. Businesses have shifted their focus to online shopping, making improvements to their websites, the usability of eCommerce search, the speed at which their businesses operate, etc.
The event industry as a whole has to adjust to the new standard. There are several advantages to hosting an online event. How easy would it be, for instance, to bring together viewers from all over the globe in a single location?
However, planning is essential for a virtual event. The first stage is to provide a setting where people may talk to one another, listen to presenters, and interact with the group via questions and comments.
To successfully manage online experiences, you need to sift through all virtual event platforms and choose the one that fits your exact needs. However, you need to decide which solution is best for you. In this post, we’ll look at a few key factors that influence the performance of a virtual event platform that will assist you in making the correct choice.
Features That Assist Your Event’s Objective
The road to the ideal platform is not a smooth one, but you may ease your way there by mastering the basics first. Just why are you organizing this gathering? It’s not a one-size-fits-all procedure, so once that’s established, you can start looking. You need to know the rough contours of your event planner to test out several platform possibilities.
If you’re organizing a virtual fundraiser, for instance, you should choose a virtual event platform that makes it simple for people to make a gift, such as one that includes a fundraising thermometer. Contrarily, a platform that provides virtual reality demos might be ideal for a new product’s introduction.
Minimal Entry-Level Requirements
Due to the nature of virtual events, registration is not as easy as turning up and reporting to the closest iPad; if a guest loses their login details, you may not see them again. Instead of having participants check in through a different browser link, prioritize systems that include registration and ticketing choices as part of their functionality.
Networking Capabilities
Prioritize virtual event systems that enable participants to connect. This not only gives people a chance to network at the event but also gives them something to do once the event is over. In addition, networking events may provide a welcome respite during otherwise monotonous presentations or seminars.
Live Chat for Attendees and On-Demand Help for Organizers
Even minor technological issues such as a slow connection, a power outage, or a weak Wi-Fi signal, may have a significant impact on the event’s success and the audience’s interest. Consider the usefulness of having an on-call support staff for the event organizer to contact if tech difficulties emerge, as well as a live chat help function for the attendee to use if an issue arises. Having tech support take care of the nuts and bolts means you can put all your attention into making your event spectacular.
Options for Customizing the Event to Your Specific Needs
Another critical feature of any useful product is the ability to personalize your experience. Adding a personal touch shows visitors that they’ve found the ideal spot to spend their time. Trade shows for different industries have their unique characteristics, such as the difference between a gaming trade show and a medical conference.
So, look at the tool’s personalization options before committing to it. Through the use of dedicated chat rooms, emails, and landing sites, they convey the platform’s brand voice and message.
Additionally, the program has to be host-adaptable. Agendas, meetings, and calendars may all be personalized, and access to certain types of material can be restricted. For example, you may restrict access to some conferences to your most important clients.
Engaging Attendees Individually
To prevent “Zoom fatigue,” choose a platform that encourages interaction among participants and during the event’s more engaging segments, such as panel discussions and fireside talks. This aids in recreating the welcoming atmosphere of actual live events. For the more outgoing person, a hand-raising option may be most useful, while the more reserved member may prefer a live polling function. Attendees of both groups had a positive experience, feeling that they contributed to the event and learned something new.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the components of an ideal event management system. Add any more qualities that are important to you to the list of must-have characteristics. The solution shouldn’t only allow you to use your webcam to have a conversation. Its purpose is to transport viewers into another world and hold their attention.
Image Credit: Photo by Libby Penner on Unsplash