Virtual Events
Did you know that in response to the current situation prompted by the COVID-19 crisis, over 90% of companies found themselves compelled to conduct their events virtually?
Virtual events involve digitally and virtually simulating a physical meeting or event, bringing together diverse individuals communicating through digital channels. These events should not be undervalued alongside physical ones, as they share the same objectives: conveying one or more messages to a group interested in acquiring specific knowledge.
Among the advantages of hosting this type of event are:
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Significant reduction in event costs and logistics.
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Real-time interaction.
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Attendees can access the online event from anywhere, presenting a valuable opportunity to expand market reach.
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More precise audience analysis facilitated by technology.
The disadvantages of these events include:
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Requirement of basic equipment and technological knowledge that not all attendees possess.
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Lack of social interaction among participants, which may have a negative impact on the event.
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Inability to control the environment, leading to constant challenges in maintaining audience engagement.
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Greater difficulty in securing sponsorships compared to in-person events.
The impact of these events is measured through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), such as the number of visits, peak audience numbers, satisfaction surveys, and participant inquiries.
Capturing and retaining audience attention is crucial yet challenging in these events. Success requires careful consideration of several factors:
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Understanding the participating audience to tailor the event accordingly.
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Promoting the event across various company channels.
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Delivering content naturally to capture audience attention and understanding.
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Offering topics and guests that genuinely interest attendees.
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Maintaining a dynamic pace with agile formats.
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Encouraging audience interaction throughout the event.
Efforts to engage the audience and establish a relationship with them are paramount in these events.
According to a study by Markletic, 71.1% of event organizers cite bridging the gap between in-person and virtual audiences as their biggest challenge. Converting live events into virtual ones poses risks due to technological limitations, leading to the emergence of hybrid events that combine physical and digital elements.
Virtual events resemble interactive television, attracting a specific audience and potentially limitless attendees. However, they lack interactivity and may lose value as viewers can replay them at will.
Hybrid events combine the creativity of physical gatherings with the scalability of digital platforms, offering unique experiences that leave lasting impressions on attendees.
Looking ahead, distinctions between hybrid and virtual events may blur as digital components become integral to all events, as suggested by events magazine eventscase.
To facilitate such events, virtual booths are created as quick, easy, and cost-effective ways to reach mass audiences. These digital environments, simulated in 3D, offer interactive spaces tailored for the internet.
In virtual events, environmental impact is significantly reduced as most tools are digitized. Planning hybrid events may involve developing new sustainability-focused tools, such as:
- Selecting eco-friendly venues.
- Offering recycled materials for gifts
- Utilizing natural lighting and renewable energy sources.
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