Sec 1 /Introduction to Virtual Events
Types of Virtual Events
Live Streaming, Webcast or Broadcast
This can be a part of any live virtual event where there are live sessions being sent to an
audience watching via the internet in real time. While the same event may have pre-
recorded content the live streaming is usually reserved at least for the emcee parts, keynote
speakers, and panel discussions that are part of the plenary sessions and main stage
sessions. Typically most platforms do not offer this capability within their ecosystem, but
can link to your live stream via a streaming provider such as Vimeo or YouTube. You would
usually use a production company for support if you have a medium to large event.
Webinar
Virtual event where a speaker, or small group of speakers, deliver a presentation to a large
audience who participate by submitting questions, responding to polls and using other
available interactive tools. The delegates cannot be seen by the speakers.
Breakouts or Round Tables
Usually part of a larger event. Delegates are moved/or move into smaller “rooms” where, as
groups of 5-10 delegates, they can have an informal discussion. After each break out,
delegates can move onto another one, or go back to the main stage via links provided by
email or within the platform.
Meetings
Smaller virtual events and meetings can take place on platforms such as Microsoft Teams,
Zoom or Google Meet. Each one has their own capabilities, and they are upgrading their
capabilities all the time so you can usually run effective events via them as long as you are
familiar with the technology. It’s important to take advantage of the training videos offered
by the platforms and to rehearse a lot before your actual event.
Virtual Exhibition
A number of the platforms now offer a 3D experience where you can go into a space and
move around between booths or stands. The impact of the technology that builds detailed
and rich virtual environments normally used in the gaming world has been immense. This
has allowed various online exhibition platforms to offer an incredible user experience as well
as provide more exhibitor bene ts when it comes to data collection and analysis of the
delegate experience.
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Networking
As for physical events, delegates at virtual events also want to network. Most platforms
offer networking via an app that delegates sign up to. You can also develop facilitated
networking where you put people together in virtual rooms, or speed networking where the
platform automatically moves people from room to room and contact to contact. There are
also virtual events that have effectively replicated the “meet in the corridor” moment by
providing “spaces” just to hang out.
Virtual Event Business Models
Paid Attendance
Attendees pay to attend one or all of the sessions as they would a physical conference or
expo. There is the possibility to segment the event and cross-sell features, since travel is no
longer a barrier to attendance. You can also upsell on demand content that you have
recorded during the live event.
Subscription or Community
Many publishers and media companies use events to deliver additional subscriber or
customer value by offering events as a part of the subscription or membership. Now events
companies are focusing on building year-round content and comms so that they can create
a news subscription-led revenue stream.
Upselling enhanced experiences in tandem to a Physical Event
In conjunction with a live event, like a concert or keynote celebrity speaker, there could be a
paid-for enhanced experience offered that shows behind-the-scenes moments, special
interviews offered online-only and has the key talent gure respond directly to an online
viewer because they’ve tweeted or otherwise interacted to a certain level that warrants a
direct mention or message.
Sponsorship
Many of the bene ts of sponsoring a physical event, are still there with a virtual event, but
there are additional bene ts. You can sell display ads on the website, sponsorship of
webcasts and session tracks, messaging and speakers. Monetization of the data generated
by an event is one of the large growth areas for event companies and their sponsorship
customers.
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