5 COMMON MYTHS ABOUT VIRTUAL EVENTS
With the emergence or sudden popularisation of anything new, myths and inaccuracies are sure to follow. This is true for virtual events, which are not entirely new but have exploded in popularity as a necessity, due to travel restrictions and reduced indoor capacities. Here are five common myths shared about virtual events.
Hosting a virtual event is different from hosting a regular live event, but it is certainly not more complicated. Pre-planning, dress rehearsals, logistics, and other components operate in a very similar way to how they would in a live event. They also distinctly lack the need to manage a physical space, crowd, and many of the elements that go along with them. The overall experience becomes more straightforward and efficient from an operations perspective.
In addition, virtual event technologies have undergone rapid development, with new platforms releasing monthly. The features of contemporary technologies considerably streamline the process and address any risks a virtual event model may pose.
Delivering value to an audience is a key goal for any event planner. This goal does not have to change when the mode of attendance is virtual. Value delivered at an event can come in many forms; it may be knowledge, relationships, or even physical gifts, all of which can be facilitated remotely.
Organisers can send E-books, reports, and other marketing material digitally to guests. Even physical gifts can be posted to mailing addresses, working in synergy with the virtual event. Delivering value in this way can benefit organisers too by helping to gather customer data, build email lists, and promote audience engagement post-event.
A virtual event shouldn’t operate as a simple livestream. It should engage with the audience on a personal basis and require participation. Organisers can use breakout rooms to facilitate small communication sessions and networking opportunities among attendees.
A dedicated MC that interacts with the virtual audience is a good option and can form engagement at a personal level. Q&A sessions can be held through chat functions, with viewers submitting their questions and comments live. There are many ways to create an intimate and engaging experience for the audience. An excellent virtual event should never leave them feeling detached.
This is entirely untrue. There are, in fact, many reasons why attendance rates can be a lot higher for virtual events:
They remove all physical or geographical barriers to entry, allowing anyone to join globally.
The event can be marketed on a far larger scale, vastly expanding the potential audience.
There is typically a lower ticket price due to the lack of physical venue, catering, and other components essential to onsite events, significantly diminishing the financial barrier to entry.
Technological developments in language services and remote simultaneous interpretation mean that organisers can add any language to their virtual event and thus expand their audience.
Virtual events are certainly more cost-effective than physical events. As the event host, the need to pay for a physical venue and onsite facilities is eliminated. Audiences can also enjoy cost savings in the form of travel and accommodation. From both sides, choosing to host or participate in a virtual event immediately reduces cost. Instead, virtual events take advantage of simple resources readily available for most such as strong internet connections and smart devices.
With the help of a qualified virtual event production and management partner, organisers can outsource the platform licensing, logistics, and management. Overall, virtual events deliver a professional and engaging experience with a flexible and scalable attendance model at a relatively low cost. With these benefits, in future they may suit many organisations schedules alongside physical events, having a complementary effect.