Virtual Events gaining popularity
The advent of advanced virtual and online technology means that you can now participate in both global and national markets without the high costs usually associated with it. Meetings, training sessions, collaboration and events you thought you could neve
The kit required to capture a hybrid event has become simpler as technology advances. It includes a PC, a simple broadcast camera(s) and a stage microphone. The camera(s) can be plugged directly into the PC and can send the stream to the remote audience live
What is an online event?
An online event is a gathering of people, where some or all of the attendees may not be in the same geographical location but are connected by a common virtual environment. These can either be delivered as standalone virtual environments or to run alongside a live event as a hybrid solution.
They are highly interactive; looking and feeling a lot like their physical counterparts. Many of the recognisable attributes of live event also feature in online events.
What are the benefits of an online event?
In an online event, attendees take part in secure environs, occasions and meetings from the comfort and convenience of their home or office. Since participation is so quick and easy, they’ll also benefit by reaching those people who, for budget or scheduling reasons, could not attend a physical event or session.
A virtual event can also remain available online, way beyond the end of its live counterpart, allowing for significant “afterburn” with show-goers and event attendees able to access a variety of valuable resources including presentations, uploaded content and brand collaterals.
In the traditional event format, visitors focus on a single diary date on the horizon, arrive at the event and are treated to a huge explosion of content and numerous networking situations all at once. In an online event, the format can include a whole series of pre–event experiences including networking events, interaction sessions with exhibitors, brands and sponsors and giving access to faster webcast and video content.
“Allowing visitors to consume content in bite sizes and at a time that suits them has proven to be a huge success. These pre-event sessions help establish some useful relationships that can be built on either during the live event or the main online event when it happens. The only reason that events have been run over one or
two days in the past is that there was no other option due to cost. Online events allow us to rethink how events can be delivered. This is a paradigm shift in the industry”,
says Gavin Newman, MD of iVent, UK’s leading online event provider.
What about a Hybrid Event?
An engaging online event can also support a physical event. This is called a ‘hybrid event’ and it means that a brand can engage with a significantly greater audience by offering the best elements of a live occasion with a virtual version, thus giving each attendee an opportunity to visit an event or meeting in a way that suits them.
By using readily available technology, it is possible to successfully connect both virtual and live audiences in synchronous activities. Smartphones, social media and improved internet connectivity mean that a member of the online audience can successfully interact and network with a visitor at the live event. This creates a new and unique value to any event programme. Reaching previously untapped audiences is going to be a huge business in the coming five years via online event platforms.
Most event committees are happier to dip their toe in the virtual event water by going ‘half way’ and producing a hybrid event to begin with. This is an excellent way for them to assess the value of online events going forward.
The skill of a well-run hybrid event is the ability to connect both audiences via the online event platform. Question submissions to speakers, audience interaction and visitor networking during the event are all important parts of a hybrid event. The added benefit of leaving the virtual part of the event online after the live session has finished pays huge dividends by allowing the ongoing community to continue to ‘talk’. Sponsors are starting to see the real value in supporting hybrid events as it gives them the traditional presence in the live arena and achieve brand omnipresence through the online event with all important data capture. Relationships forged in both versions of the events can be maintained through the extension of the community online. The platform can remain open and the content captured at the live event can continue to be consumed by new visitors.