The phrase “Virtual Event” is not unfamiliar in the world, but it just has been becoming common in Vietnam lately. Because of Covid-19, in-person events cannot be held as usual; therefore, virtual events slowly replace it and become a solution for businesses.
In this blog, we will cover 3 main points:
- The definition of Virtual Event.
- Types of Virtual Event.
- Pros and Cons of Virtual Event.
What is Virtual Event?
To answer this question, first let me show you a type of virtual event looks like.
Virtual event is an online event, where participants interact with each other in an online environment, instead of meeting as usual. The online event applies virtual reality technologies, giving attendees realistic and interesting experiences in a simulated environment. Events are displayed on the screens of electronic devices such as phones, computers or virtual reality glasses.
In terms of purpose and meaning, virtual events are no different from regular in-person events. The only difference is that the online event takes place on an Internet media channel, attendees will interact with the event by submitting questions directly. Their attendance process can take place anywhere in the world, through electronic mobile devices with internet connection.
How many types of Virtual Event are there?
As I researched, there are lots of types of Virtual Events. But in this blog, I only mention 3 mains types.
Webinar
Webinar can be understood as an online training platform, which can be understood as a web-based presentation to connect with viewers around the world and users can connect with each other through Internet. Everyone can use webinar effectively at work, exchange quickly and share presentations with each other.
The webinar platform provides users with interactive features such as record, share screen, chat, etc; so that the exchange and interaction between you and everyone using the webinar takes place extremely easily, quickly and efficiently. It is this that creates convenience for both presenters and listeners, and is also the reason that more and more people choose webinar to use. Some platforms support webinar are Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet.
Virtual Conference
A virtual conference is an online interactive event that brings together a large group of people who share a common interest or expertise – to network, learn, and plan.
Virtual conferences, like physical conferences, include keynote sessions, panel sessions, and other activities designed to interact with an online audience. While not as effective as an in-person event in terms of lead generation and networking, virtual conferencing allows attendees to view keynotes in real time, build their own agenda from relevant, on-demand content, and interact with other attendees. It could be 360 images or recorded as 360 videos; and built up by a platform or coding.
One of the many advantages of hosting a virtual conference is that participants can access it from any device and from any location. It also allows you to reach a larger audience. It is more appealing to participants because it eliminates the need for them to spend money on travel and accomodation
Hybrid Event
Hybrid event is an event in which the combination of two elements “real” and “virtual” and specifically here is the combination of an in-person event and a virtual event. In simpler terms, a hybrid event is an event held directly in a hall, and broadcast live to attendees through online support tools on the Internet.
Attendees of this event are completely comfortable with watching the event anywhere, anytime with just a laptop or a smartphone. Thanks to the use of modern technology, the hybrid event allows attendees and speakers to connect remotely online through tools such as audio or video support (Ustream, Skype, Zoom, Youtube), social networks association (live stream via Facebook, Instagram). This helps to optimize the time, the interaction also becomes easier and closer than ever.
According to research, nearly 98 percent of people who attend a hybrid event did not intend to do so. With this format, you’re more likely to reach people who aren’t interested in your live stream. It’s also a great way to make virtual events more accessible while keeping the traditional live event structure.
Pros and Cons
As many businesses switch to virtual event, what are the pros and cons of it?
Pros:
Flexibility
No travel required, attendees can join anytime and anywhere. All they need is a device that connected to Internet. Meaning, you can reach huge amount of participants. Virtual event solution have emerged to solve the problem of different time zones and varying schedules.
Data Collection
While in-person event is hard to get all attendees information, you can track attendees easily by providing a unique identifier that binds each attendee to their login and registration information. That gives you some powerful data collection and analysis opportunities, as you can then track how people interact with the event.
Environmental Friendly
In-person events will always be important, but even if you partially remove those types of events from your calendar and replace them with a virtual one, the carbon footprint reduction for travel (and hotel stays) is huge and impacts the planet, positively. Businesses must have responsibility to minimize their unnecessary impact on their environment, and turning to virtual events is a phenomenal way to make a big difference.
Cons:
Lack of Interaction
One of the biggest advantages of live events is not the content of those events but the simple human interactions. Social interaction in a virtual conference lacks human contact. That is one of the main disadvantages of the virtual world. While virtual event providers have advanced chat technology that makes event chat fun and engaging for attendees, the world still needs handshakes.
Distraction
When you are at an in-person event you are 100% focused on what is happening in the room but with online there are distractions. Attendees can easily get distracted from different elements, and you do not know what are they doing because you are not with them. So, to host an online event, you need to carefully plan the content to get their attention.
It’s Difficult to Recreate the “Wow” Factor
People attend industry events for a variety of reasons, including making new connections, closing sales, and learning. Another part of it for many is the excitement of seeing what’s new and what’s making waves in their industry. It’s the “incredible element” of a new product that people are talking about or an amazing new exhibit feature that people want to see. Online events can sometimes lack a sense of excitement.