While the value of face-to-face interactions is unmatched, there are situations where virtual event planners will suffice as a viable alternative. Whether it’s for a business conference, networking event, educational event, or some fun-filled festivities, you can get crafty when planning for a virtual event. It’s a thorough process, as the activities need to cater to the type of event you’re hosting, and they need to be engaging enough for those in attendance.
Here at Entertainment Central, our team has acquired much experience for putting together virtual events that are sure to impress and align with the core values of your organization. Planning is a multi-step process, and to have an event done right, the steps need to be followed accordingly in order to guarantee higher levels of success. Follow these guidelines and your event will be that much more feasible to execute.
What Are Virtual Event Planners?
Chances are, you’ve probably already attended a virtual event in the past. Whether it be for work or for continuing education, maybe you’ve attended an online workout class. All of these and more are examples of virtual events. You can experience the benefits of the online gathering that you would also get from an in-person event. The world is making this transition to virtual, especially given the circumstances that have unfolded with COVID. Making this the new normal, depending on who you’re speaking with!
Virtual gatherings aren’t intended to replace in-person events, it just gives your audience something else to consider, and at times can be easier as travelling for events doesn’t always fit into our busy schedules.
The following are examples of events that fall under the category of virtual:
- Webinars: Webinars have become a tangible asset for businesses that are trying to reach new audiences while simultaneously giving viewers an in-depth explanation of the products and services they offer. Webinars can last about 45-80 minutes and since they’re virtual, you can have people from across the globe attend your sessions. It’s up to the companies that are hosting the events if they want to issue a fee or have it be free for all in attendance. These events rely on video conferencing tools that allow for Q&A sessions, and for the ability to conduct live or pre-recorded presentations. Webinars usually do well with attendance records, and can include external or internal training.
- Virtual Conferences: Virtual conferences are built around intricate agendas, which include sessions, breakouts, and the presence of keynote speakers. The content can be multi-session and can be equipped with tools for community engagement. Virtual conferences allow users to view keynotes in real time, create their own agenda from the content that’s provided, and the ability to interact with others in attendance.
- Internal Hybrid Events: Whether it’s a town hall, sales kick off, company wide events, and much more, internal hybrid events are used to send messages to an entire company for when employees aren’t all in the same place. While there can be ways to bring all of your employees together in the same place, this can be a costly venture. Internal hybrid events give all of your employees the best of both worlds, and they can strengthen the bonds with their teammates in the process.
- External Hybrid Events: With these events, they will usually occur outside of the organization. They can either be user or industry conferences. Because of this, they will require higher levels of video production, which is meant to mimic the feel of an in-person event. Attendees are given the chance to participate and learn.
Purpose Of Hosting A Virtual Event
Virtual gatherings are held for the same reasons as in-person meetings. Your goal is to deliver your company’s message in order to drive leads, incur revenue, and build out loyalty for your brand. When considering whether to host a virtual event or not, keep in mind that it all comes down to what’s in the confines of your budget, the resources you have access to, or if it just makes more sense to go down this route instead of having an in-person meet up.
Working With Professional Event Planners For Virtual Events
If you’re looking to make a splash for your next virtual event, then look no further than our team at Entertainment Central. We are committed to helping you put together the event of your dreams. For more information on our process, you can contact us today to set up a time to speak!