Living In A Virtual World
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Published By: Ashley Kaleel
“Become a student of change. It is the only thing that will remain constant.”
With the spread of COVID-19, it has changed the way we all live our lives. Classes, doctors appointments, sporting events, and concerts have been cancelled. Due to the lack of face-to-face interactions, many people are turning to digital means to stay connected.
Virtual events are growing in popularity, especially as the world continues to adapt in this rapidly changing environment. Fortunately, modern technology has made it possible for companies to host amazing online events that rival in-person versions, leading to many benefits for both event planners and attendees alike.
Types of Virtual Events
Social Stories and Livestreams
Webinars
Conferences and Networking
Why Virtual Events are Beneficial
Virtual events are more accessible and can reach a wider audience
Virtual events can reduce carbon footprints
Virtual events are much cheaper to put on than in-person events
Virtual events are extremely measurable and can be used to improve event strategy
Tips on How to Host Your Own Virtual Event
Create a game plan
Choose the right theme
Promote the event
Prepare for tech troubles
Make it inclusive
Encourage engagement
The best virtual events mirror in-person ones in many ways. Do your best to provide networking opportunities for attendees, get great speakers, secure an event host, and personalize the attendee experience.
Make sure each of your sessions are recorded. Then sell access to the recordings to boost profits or use them to better market your company. It's up to you.
You don't need to plan, market, and host your virtual event all by yourself. Look for a company to partner with and split the workload with them. At the very least, secure event sponsors to help out financially and lend your gathering credibility.
Plan your virtual event as far in advance as you can and know the tools, marketing strategy, and ticket type you'll need to make your online get-together a success.
Examples of virtual events hosted by businesses
Lululemon’s Yoga livestreams
The yoga brand’s global ambassadors are leading workout, meditation, and yoga classes on Instagram live.
Benefit Cosmetics’ makeup tutorials on Facebook Live
More than 2.4K viewers tuned in to learn how to create a brow-mazing glow-up
Virtual Event Trends to look out for in 2020
Planning your next event may seem daunting, given all of the changes we’ve all faced recently. Every conference, meeting, and event experience will be different and require different tech features.
Try utilizing these tech trends to continue to have successful digital events and connect with your audience on a real level.
Streaming has a variety of benefits. You extend your event to users who weren’t able to make it, engage international customers, and get the talk going online about your event. Plus, if people see how impactful your event is online now, they’ll be more likely to consider buying a ticket for any future in-person versions.
According to research firm Markets and Markets, the AI market will grow to a $190 billion industry by 2025, proving that businesses across the world are bound to integrate AI in one form or another in the next five years. The use of artificial intelligence is on the rise because of its ability to customize experiences for individuals while simultaneously bringing the community together during this tumultuous time.
3. Enhanced attendee experience
An event is all about the experience. And even though in-person events are on hold for now, you can still create digital or hybrid versions your audience will find value in. There are three main ways to enhance attendee experience online:
Personalize communication
Offer a wide range of topics
Simplify registration
References:
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). (2020, May 4). Retrieved May 4, 2020, from https://www.pewresearch.org/topics/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/
Drake, Alexa. “The Top 7 Event Technology Trends of 2020.” Bizzabo Blog: Inspiring Content for Event Professionals, blog.bizzabo.com/event-tech-trends-2020.
Katie. (2020, April 20). How to Host a Successful Virtual Event: Tips and Best Practices. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from https://blog.hootsuite.com/virtual-events/
Layman, M., Layman, M., Linthicum, A., College of William and Mary, & College of William and Mary. (2020, April 10). The Ultimate Guide to Virtual Events in 2020: Cvent Blog. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from https://www.cvent.com/en/blog/events/virtual-events
Shen, Q. (2020, April 3). Carbon emissions are falling sharply due to coronavirus. But not for long. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/04/coronavirus-causing-carbon-emissions-to-fall-but-not-for-long/
Staff, B. B. (n.d.). Event Strategy: The 2020 Guide. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from https://blog.bizzabo.com/event-strategy
Thomas, J. (n.d.). 20 Virtual Event Ideas. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from https://blog.bizzabo.com/virtual-event-ideas