How to Streamline Digital Event Management
Digital events are here to stay, and mastering the art of managing them can truly set you apart as an event planner. A study revealed that 72% of businesses plan to continue hosting virtual events long-term, underscoring the increasing significance of this format. However, 38% of virtual event organizers regularly face technical challenges, which makes effective management even more crucial. If you want to deliver seamless, engaging, and successful digital events, this guide will show you how to optimize your digital event management process, offering practical steps and insights along the way.
What is Digital Event Management?
Digital event management is the art of orchestrating events that happen entirely online. It’s about creating engaging experiences where attendees can join from anywhere with just a device and internet connection. These virtual experiences can take various forms, including:
- Webinars
- Virtual conferences
- Online workshops
- Digital trade shows
- Live-streamed performances
At the heart of it all are platforms like EventsAir. These all-in-one solutions streamline everything from registration to analytics to ensure attendees are engaged, sessions go smoothly, and you gather all the data you need to improve future events.
Steps to Optimize Your Digital Event Management
Step 1: Define your goals
Every event is built on goals. These can be very high-level (think: increasing brand awareness or supporting a cause)—or more specific, like increasing sales, driving website traffic, or even providing a more accessible, virtual version of an in-person event. The important thing is that you have clearly defined goals guiding your decisions.
Step 2: Choose the right digital event management platform
Digital events are highly reliant on technology. The platform you choose to manage and run your digital event tends to determine more about the attendee experience and event structure than it would at an in-person event—for example, it determines:
- What interactive features are available
- How attendees can network and connect
- How sessions are scheduled and delivered
- What registration and attendance look like
Your event management solution streamlines the complex event organization process and is the backbone of your event. Whether you opt for an all-in-one solution or a virtual-first platform, choosing software that aligns with your event goals and enhances the attendee experience is crucial.
Step 3: Plan your content
Content is king in digital events. To keep attendees engaged and interested, you need to have a compelling lineup of presentations, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities. Start by identifying the formats your digital event management software supports.
Leading Event Management Platforms
To ensure your events are not just successful but spectacular, consider these top event management solutions:
| Platform | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 6Connex | San Antonio, TX, USA | AI Matchmaking, AI Content Suggestion, and open universe integrations. |
| Eventcube | London, United Kingdom | White-label platform, custom ticket stores, and virtual stages with HD streaming. |
| b2match | Vienna, Austria | AI-powered networking and specialized b2b matchmaking features. |
| Bizzabo | Data-rich platform | Smart wearables, AI-powered networking, and event site builder. |
| Canapii | Award-winning software | Translation into over 70 languages, gamification, and SimuLive. |
Case Study: Girls Tech Australia (GiTAU)
In 2020, Girls Tech Australia faced a huge challenge when the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to cancel their conference. They transitioned to a fully virtual experience for all 800 registered attendees. With EventsAir, GiTAU was able to:
- Simplify the registration process for attendees
- Provide a clear and organized agenda
- Offer fun and interactive activities like four-way video chat sessions for networking
- Create a virtual exhibition hall with 13 exhibitors
The result was an engaging digital event that achieved GiTAU’s original goals despite the rapid transition.
The Evolution of Event Management
Event management has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, adapting to the fast-paced demands of the digital world. The rise of virtual and hybrid events has redefined how organizers approach planning, necessitating a broader understanding of in-person and online engagement strategies. Effective event management can differentiate a brand and contribute to its success in today’s competitive landscape.