4 Types of Virtual Events Companies Can Host In 2020

Have you noticed lately how virtual events are gaining popularity so quickly, especially as the entire world continues to deal with the coronavirus? Even though the true value of face-to-face interactions will never fade away, however, there are times when cancelling an in-person event and going virtual is the need of the hour! Fortunately, widespread access to the latest technology has made it feasible for modern companies to host virtual events that can rival their in-person versions, and this is benefiting both attendees and event planners in many ways.

What is a Virtual Event?

By definition, a virtual or online event is an interactive meeting that takes place online. Unlike in-person events, such meetings aren’t restricted to a fixed single location. Anyone with access to a reliable internet connection and an invitation can join the meeting and participate as a remote attendee, from just about anywhere in the world! If you have a corporate event coming up later this year and wondering if your event will be organised as planned, switching your in-person event to a virtual one may possibly be the best option for your organisation.

4 Types of Virtual Events for Corporates to Host in 2020

In this article, we take a look at what virtual events and hybrid events have to offer and what are the different types of virtual corporate events you can host:

1. Webcasts

A webcast allows event hosts to effectively broadcast their media presentation online via video streaming technology. It’s the most suitable online alternative for in-person corporate events that don’t require interaction between the host(s) and the attendees (or delegates), especially in case of large audiences – like product launches, company-wide announcements, and employee conferences, for example. Now, it’s possible to utilise an easy-to-use webcasting platform that allows businesses to showcase their content, along with their logo and branding.

2. Webinars

Originally labelled as online ‘seminars’, webinars are a great option to allows attendees from around the world to join in virtually and listen to one or more presenters deliver the content. With the option to add multiple speakers, all of whom can join in from virtually any location, it can also help the presenters to avoid commuting. Webinars coupled with live Q&A and audience interaction helps attendees make better decisions, which is why countless companies use it for collecting leads, or getting signups and pre-orders.

3. Virtual Conferences

With much in similar with their in-person version, virtual conferences are also designed around a complex agenda that includes multiple sessions, keynotes, refreshers, breakout rooms, and much more. While they may not be as effective as in-person conferences in terms of networking opportunities, virtual conferences still allow the attendees to build their own agenda, view keynotes from their choice of presenters in real-time, and interact with other attendees if they wish to.

4. Hybrid Events

Live streaming technology is making it possible for companies to host hybrid live and virtual events. Primarily, there are two types of hybrid corporate events you can host:

• Internal Hybrid Events: Planning company-wide events, or perhaps department meetings like group training or sales kick-offs? These can help you organise these events when employees are all at their remote locations.
• External Hybrid Events: These corporate events are held for those who are outside of your organisation, like industry conferences, for example.

Why Virtual Events are Worth the Investment

Thanks to virtual corporate events, participants from all over the world can attend various meetings via computer, tablet or phone, sitting comfortably in their chairs. Removing the barriers caused by location contributed to increasing the popularity of virtual events both among participants, organisers, and business persons. Valuable content and professional organisation is the key to reaching your target group, inspire their trust, build brand awareness and convince users that it's worth choosing your services, or products.

Benefits and Interactive Features:

• Environmentally friendly: Online events create a more environmentally friendly world by reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere and using fewer materials like paper, PVC, plastic, or wood.
• Engagement tools: 1:1 meetings, chat, surveys, quizzes, and contests make it possible to keep participants' attention and address their needs.
• Professional Support: It is possible to benefit from technologically advanced platforms and tools that allow organisers to tailor strategies to the type of organised virtual event.

Zero carbon is easier than you think and much more achievable if you move your events to the online world! Nowadays, virtual events such as webinars, galas, festivals, and scientific conferences are growing in popularity and help you achieve your business goals.