3 Main Types of Virtual Event

What is a Virtual Event?

Many of you might have attended a webinar online, watched a live stream e-commerce sales pitch, live stream a music concert, or joined a company meeting using a video conferencing tool. These are all examples of virtual events. A virtual event when individuals experience the event and its content online rather than a physical gathering using digital solutions. 

Virtual events allow the event organizers to reach a much wider audience. Without the need for travel and at a lower cost (compared to live events), attendees would be much more inclined to participate. The idea of virtual events has actually been around for quite some time, our team has managed and produced corporate video conferences with organizations that have overseas branches as well as implementing live streaming for certain live events in the past. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, virtual events have really started to take off and become increasingly popular with event organizers. 

1. Webinar 

Webinars are amongst the simplest virtual events and are considered 'entry level'. Webinars usually comprise a small group of participants and last between 1-2 hours on average. This is typically a small scale event where audiences will attend to listen to a presenter through the use of a simple video conferencing software. Due to their one-off educational nature, webinars have thrived with 100% virtual attendance. These can also include internal and external training.‍

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2. Live Stream Meeting

This type of virtual event requires a higher production value, and there may be less interaction between presenters and the audience. There will be a live segment that usually takes place in a studio for live streaming and video recording purposes. In most cases, a filming team with professional camera equipment will have to be catered to provide a higher level of media production. 

There will most probably be multiple presenters so there will be a need to integrate media design such as graphics, banners, video mixing and other visual elements. On top of that, the meeting will be live streamed online to a social media platform or a private link to reach a wider audience.

3. Virtual Conference

The virtual conference combines aspects of both live streaming and the webinar meeting. Virtual conferences are built around a live, complex agenda that includes breakout rooms, sessions and keynote presentations. This is to build strong engagement with different groups of participants. 

Virtual conferences can also include creation of a registration website for ticketing and registration purposes. There will also be a need to include digital solutions such as an in-platform website live streaming, live polling, Q&A and feedback surveys. This enables attendees to explore and interact with the multiple virtual stages and the large variety of breakout rooms seamlessly . 

Just like a physical business conference, there needs to be a team responsible for event operations. This means sending confirmation emails, marketing, scheduling of presentations, providing customer service, creating a proper event flow and assisting with virtual functions.

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So how do you host your own virtual event?

The planning process is actually very similar to that of any other event. Virtual events may feel different, but we really recommend you to treat them like an in-person event. You can always contact us for a free consultation on how we can help with your virtual event.