The world has witnessed a noticeable rise in the number of virtual events after the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though nothing can compensate for the value of face-to-face interactions, there are times when going virtual is a necessity.
What are virtual events?
Virtual events are those that are hosted online. It makes use of features such as video calling, online gaming, or webinars to deliver a holistic experience within the comfort of their homes.
With internet technology getting more affordable and available everywhere, remote participation will be common in the future.
A virtual event is an excellent way to connect with the global audience using live webinars, chat tools, and digital content served through a rich interface.
This article explains some of the common virtual events used by firms across the globe to provide tremendous value to their audiences during challenging times.
Different types of virtual events
Here are some of the different types of virtual events commonly used:
1. Webinars
This is a virtual event that connects individuals with viewers around the globe. Undoubtedly, webinars have taken over all industries known to man, including education, training, and development to aerospace.
Webinars are commonly held in the form of group meetings or presentations that happen live over the internet. Interactive elements such as polls, quizzes, and question answers sessions are usually included.
2. Online training and workshops
Online training and workshops are one of the most popular forms of virtual events. With these events, it is possible to teach the participant a particular skill or a complete course.
The trainer can present his lectures through online screen sharing and transfer the study material directly to all the participants.
The instructor can have a one-to-one interaction with the attendees to clear any confusion or doubts if they have.
3. Virtual trade shows and exhibitions
There is no doubt that reaching out to a global audience for any business will increase their sales prospects multifold.
Having a virtual trade show, exhibition or roadshow helps companies to maximise their reach to global audiences. It enables the organisers to better interact with international audiences with live chat tools and educate them by hosting live webinars.
4. Online music concerts
After the coronavirus outbreak, many live events and music concerts had to be canceled across the globe. As a result, many talented artists have been sitting at their homes with no venue to showcase their skills.
If a music concert or live performance is organised online, audiences can enjoy the experience from the comfort of their living room.
Initiatives such as One World: Together at Home have reinforced their support with the help of virtual events.
5. Virtual job fair
More and more organisations have started looking for talented employees beyond the limitations of their geographical boundaries.
Companies have started increasing their talent pool by taking their job fairs online. Now prospective employees from different countries can attend the trade fair with ease.
Employers can rightly assess the potential of their prospective employees with several 1;1 video interactions.
6.Virtual university fair
For any university, one of the first steps to engage with the global cream is to increase its visibility.
Leading universities often set up virtual university fairs to encourage top students worldwide to come and join their institutions.
Virtual University fairs are accessible through smart devices from anywhere, enabling the potential students to know more about the courses offered.
- Virtual education fair- Helps the universities to showcase their infrastructure and courses offered to educate the masses.
- Virtual open day- Helps to give five times more engagement when compared to physical events. Allows the prospective students to immerse themselves with the rich culture of the university and openly freely interact with the faculty members.
7. Virtual wedding expos
One of the great things about virtual wedding expos is that all the vendors come under one roof to showcase their services.
Attendees can search for event planners, musicians, caterers, photographers, designers, and so on based on their preference.
Attending a virtual wedding expo helps save a lot of time wasted searching websites and running after vendors.
8. Virtual benefit fair
This interactive online event helps employees to learn more about employee benefits. In addition, it helps to remove the long hours that HR has to spend on each employee.
Virtual benefit fairs or sales incentive events provide exciting opportunities for employees to explore the possibilities to access appropriate plans.
9. External hybrid events
Virtual hybrid events are a unique blend of virtual and live events. You take your live event with the audience and add a virtual element to it.
The virtual component enables audiences to participate in the event no matter where they are.
10. Virtual Meetups
Nothing can compensate for the value of a short in-person gathering. But what if we could have the same experience online?
Virtual meetups allow people with similar interests from across the globe in real-time. These could also be in the form of virtual conferences.
The article is a part of our comprehensive series on “ What are virtual events and how to conduct one?”
