The year 2020 has been quite eventful, which took the world into a bitter surprise. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has adapted and shifted towards virtual events, and traditional in-person events have become impossible since social distancing and several lockdowns.
Virtual events are not new to us; they have existed for a very long time. But after the sudden appearance of a worldwide pandemic, the curve of virtual events is only going up. Organizations got interested in virtual events more and more. The unstoppable advancement of technology got people to engage with events in the new normal continually.
Let’s look at the differences between in-person and virtual events, which one works and ten key reasons you should host a virtual event.
Differences Between Physical Events and Virtual Events
1- Cost-Effectiveness
Budget is one of the very first aspects that has been a concern for a host. Earlier when events used to take place in-person, some of the significant expenses were:
Venue/Space rent
Labour
Catering and services
Entertainment
Transport
Speakers
On top of these expenses, you also had to engage speakers and experts to introduce themselves in your event. But after we encountered the rising popularity of virtual events, the cost to bear any event got exclusively less. How? Well if you look at it, conducting an event online only requires a strong internet connection and a secure virtual event platform. This means that you can adjust all the other costs and also maximise profits effectively with minimum requirements.
2. Mass Data
In formal events, most of the valuable attendee’s data is gathered after the event concludes. Often the task of collecting information is difficult for any event organizers. It takes a lot of time to collect data from the attendees without technical support personally. This may also lead to inaccuracy. However, in virtual platforms, everything related to data is computerized. Hence, inaccuracy almost reduces to nil and then it becomes efficient to collect data before, during, and after the event has concluded. Along with fast data collection, the host may also leverage analysis tools to attain valuable statistics, which is beneficial for future events.
3. Sustainability
The ROI is significant for understanding the events and overall success and checking the standard of this event for future reference. Yet, it’s troublesome to estimate the success of physical events right away. Physical events ordinarily last about 2–3 days. The long-run ROI of the virtual events will last as long as you decide to accumulate additional leads and gather more reach.
4. Networking
You may notice that it’s way more pleasant in a physical event once you have somebody to see in your eyes to speak to. Meeting someone face to face helps establish trust, whereas handshakes are necessary to make relationships, especially for the sales department. In all honesty, folks usually attempt to avoid eye contact with the sales reps though interest to get the merchandise has been generated. They feel the pressure. Living in a digital world, almost 42% of shoppers like live chat functions. This is because they don’t have to be compelled to wait on hold any longer. With live chat, the attendees can explore the products, have an on-the-spot chat, live polling, or maybe video calls with the representatives. All this in real-time with an additional immersive experience.
5. Flexibility
It looks like physical events offer associate on-ground expertise for interactions between the attendees. Folks get the invitation, dress up, travel to the event space, have a spoken language over a cup of coffee. Folks are probably a lot of pleasant throughout face-to-face events. While not the geographic and time barriers, virtual events offer a wider variety of significant connections from any location. They’re possible for international affairs and accessible by any electronic device. Besides, the virtual event may be any event you wish it to be since the web platforms are continually customizable.
5 Reasons Why You Must Host Your Event Online
1- Virtual Events can Overcome Your Traveling Restrictions
There have been numerous restrictions in the world due to COVID-19. Virtual events have managed to continue to function. At the beginning stage of the global pandemic, many businesses and brands found it challenging to run their business. There were no ideas or platform to propagate their message as the word ‘virtual’ was not so common during formal events.
The problem is realized now; however, there have been some travel restrictions for several reasons in reality. As the trends shift towards virtual events, it has become easier for the host to host an event without worrying about travelling expenditures. The audience can join from the comfort of their own home.
2- Convergence of Organisation Objectives and Environmental Issues
Virtual events also contribute to keeping the environment clean and healthy as most of the waste products generated by the traditional events are discarded. The absence of mass travelling means less fuel and less carbon dioxide emissions. Virtual platforms are essentially eco-friendly. Traditional events hold their significance, but when compared with the toll the environment takes, it is sensible to switch to virtual events.
3- Reach out Global Audience Through Online Events
The host can now reach a global audience, as the event takes place over the internet, which anyone can join anywhere in the world. International students who want to be part of the event can now be part of the event by joining the virtual event online.
Virtual events help the attendees to understand and analyze what the event offers while providing a good experience. Thus, it invites a certain level of engagement.
4. Connect to Wider Audience via Digital Event
Virtual events also allow the students and attendees to attend the event at their leisure. Many travelling and expenses have been eliminated; thus, the students now prefer to participate in the event. This leads to mass participation and increases the overall attendance rate of your event.
5. Better Digital Accessibility
Broadcast your information and content over the internet to everyone. The physical, geographical, and financial barriers have been overcome in the case of virtual events. We are aware of the problems and conditions to attend an in-person event. However, in a virtual event, all you need is a compatible electronic device and internet connection to join the event. Technology is exponentially rising and has come a long way, and it is because of technology that virtual events are now not only possible but have become a trend.
Which Works?
Both works! Based on convenience and connection, both are important. Host the type of event that suits the format of your event. With technology, many things are now possible that offer an excellent level of engagement. The critical thing is to make the event impactful and engaging for the attendees.
Over to You
There is a distinct difference between traditional in-person and virtual events. Both carry their own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, due to current circumstances, COVID-19, the trend has shifted to virtual events. In the meantime, people have realized some other benefits of virtual events and started to develop impactful ways, with the use of technology, to make them more and more engaging. The article mentioned above will sharpen your knowledge regarding virtual event platforms and give you the edge next time you host your virtual event.
