An Introduction To Virtual Events

For starters, the global pandemic is ravaging across the world with no end in sight. This means, one of the primary concerns for event-goers now, for an indefinite period of time we may add, is their health.

Moreover, healthcare experts, including the WHO, suggest that even after a vaccine is developed and made available to the masses, it is highly unlikely that the virus will just disappear. This means social distancing and masks will be a part of our lives for a long time and in-person events will be a no-go for the foreseeable future.

But thankfully, we have virtual events.

A study by IMPACT, a digital sales and marketing firm based out of the US, reported that video content will be the source of 80% of all internet traffic by 2021. The study also concluded that a total of 86% of participants in online meetings report an equal or higher level of engagement compared to in-person meetings. Hosting online events reduces pollution, eliminates travel costs and allows hosts to invest more on the speakers amongst other advantages. However, the cherry on the cake is the fact that using the right platform to host virtual events can help business owners generate real-time analytics.

So yes, hosting a virtual event comes with a lot of benefits, and eliminates a lot of disadvantages, and can be a massive bang for the buck, if done right.

Ultimate Guide To Virtual Events: Types

It would be wrong to declare that physical events will never be back, because let’s be honest, face-to-face interactions have a charm of their own. But virtual events offer a worthy alternative to in-person events, which bear the same results, at a fraction of the cost and without the risk involved in hosting traditional physical events.

As part of our ultimate guide to virtual events are, let’s explore some common Types of Virtual events and why they are hosted.

Business Networking Events

Today’s virtual event platforms allow business owners to host Virtual Conferences, Virtual Town halls, Virtual summits with keynotes, breakouts & networking sessions and much more. It allows you to connect with attendees through rich interactive features like audio & video chats, polls, games, webinars, and Q&A sessions.

Another highlight feature of virtual events is that you can also augment people into the screen to provide a more realistic experience to your audience.

Hosting Virtual conferences and Virtual summits is an important business activity, especially in a modernized world that we live in now, where businesses are global, and nurturing and educating leads constantly, is mandatory.

To sum up, The most popular type of Business Networking Virtual Events are:

• Virtual Conferences
• Virtual Summits
• Virtual Keynotes
• Virtual Meetups
• Virtual Webinars
• Virtual Awards, Rewards and Recognitions

Also read: How Organizations around the world have leveraged Samaaro as a Virtual Conference Platform and hosted some of the best virtual events to engage and connect with their audience.

Education, Career and Training Events

Ed-tech had been on the rise, even before the pandemic stripped the well-woven tapestry of the modern education system. The arrival of the pandemic, however, was just a shot in the arm, so to speak.

Online or Virtual classrooms are one of the most popular types of virtual events to emerge from the pandemic, where trainers can solve queries via live Q&A sessions, present the content using share screen feature, and have one-on-one discussion with the students. Students also have the option of attending online classes that offer course material in the format of videos, exercises, and practice mock tests.

Virtual job fairs are another type of event that can be used by the education industry, which provides job seekers and employers a platform to interact, discuss employment opportunities and more.

To sum up, the most popular type of Education, Career and Training Virtual Events are:

• Virtual Classrooms
• Virtual Workshops
• Virtual Hackathons
• Virtual Trainings
• Virtual Ask-Me-Anything
• Virtual Career Fairs

Also read: How Organizations around the world have leveraged Samaaro as a Virtual Fair Platform and hosted some of the best Virtual Career Fairs to engage and connect with Students, Recruiters, Employees and Trainees.

Sales and Marketing Events

Virtual marketing events are a great way to stay connected with your audience and show them that they matter, because, if a global pandemic can’t stop you from reaching your audience, then what can?

Although hosting events virtually for sales & marketing is a bit of a challenge, they have jumped on the bandwagon these past couple of months to great success. The major reason why sales and marketing virtual events were not very popular is because they largely revolve around activities like showcasing products and services, and providing customized demos.

But modern technologies have caught up, and there are many platforms that offer unique features that bring events like product launches and sales conferences to life. Features like a virtual booth, where exhibitors are listed and attendees are able to click through to visit the different booths, are helping attendees have an immersive experience while allowing exhibitors sell their story, (and the products) effectively.

To make the events more interactive, the platforms also include event spaces such as lobby and auditorium to add a dynamic feel and familiar elements to the event.

To sum up, The most popular type of Sales and Marketing Virtual Events are:

• Virtual Product Launches
• Virtual Fairs
• Virtual Sales Conference
• Virtual Distributors Meet
• Virtual Press Meet

Also Read: How Organizations around the world have leveraged Samaaro as a Virtual Product Launch Platform and hosted some of the best virtual exhibitions to engage and connect with their dealers, suppliers and audience.

Industry Events

Due to the surge in demand, various industries are adapting to digital events, and today’s versatile virtual events platforms make it possible for organizers from diverse industries to host a variety of virtual events.

Infact, the world’s most successful and innovative companies are leveraging the latest technologies to host Virtual Tradeshows, Virtual Exhibitions, Virtual Expos, Medical conferences and more to reach more prospects through virtual events. Interactive features like polls, quizzes, gamifications and integrations make it possible for organizers to make digital events ever so engaging.

In fact, Apple hosted its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) virtually this year. Apple’s reactive response concerning the hosting of its WWDC convention is just one of a string of companies taking a similar path.

To sum up, The most popular type of Industry specific Virtual Events are:

• Virtual Exhibitions
• Virtual Fairs
• Virtual Tradeshows
• Virtual Expos
• Virtual Industry Conferences

Also read: How Organizations around the world have leveraged Samaaro as a Virtual Exhibition Platform and hosted some of the best virtual exhibitions to engage and connect with their dealers, suppliers and audience.

Planning to host a Virtual Event and want some Virtual Event Ideas? Reach out to us and we will help you bring your imagination to life with Samaaro!

Features of a Virtual Event Platform