Virtual events are a common part of doing business in the modern world. With many companies still working remotely, their in-person events have gone virtual. This has put a focus on the technological tools that make virtual events possible, such as virtual event software.
You might be thinking, “why have a virtual event?” The answer is fairly simple—they work. Virtual events are an incredible resource for businesses and teams. They can be used to celebrate and boost morale, conduct training, do team building, focus on a new initiative, and more. Virtual events can make your business more successful when done right, so it is important not to overlook them.
Virtual event software is software that allows you to host and conduct virtual events for teams. It typically allows for things like video calls, presentations, chat, document sharing, and more. It is comparable to the office and tools used in a physical event, but digital. For virtual events, it is absolutely critical to have a good platform.
On the market, there are tons of event hosting platforms. Each of these platforms has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are specifically suited towards doing a certain type of event incredibly well, while others are more of a jack-of-all-trades platform.
There are even some that focus on being a hybrid event platform. Hybrid events are events that use both digital and physical aspects. Many believe that they can offer the benefits of both with fewer of the downsides. Others think that they are more confusing and less focused due to the combination of mediums used.
Regardless, the abundance of platforms and options available means that choosing one will not be a simple process. You will have to carefully weigh all the options and consider your specific needs before making a decision.
As touched on in the previous section, there are a lot of virtual events platform available. From free and paid options to virtual event platforms for conferences, the options are nearly endless. While this can be a benefit, giving you such freedom and flexibility, it has downsides too.
Wading through a sea of choices can be overwhelming, making a decision difficult. And with so much else to consider like your needs, plans for the future, and more, choosing the right platform is hard. However, it is possible to narrow down the options and make a good decision.
One of the first decisions to make is whether you want a free or paid option. Free virtual event platforms may be tempting, but there is more to consider than cost. Free platforms often lack essential features, have limited attendee capacity, and lack proper technical support. These things can make free platforms nonviable for many. While they may work for smaller businesses and organizations, most will want a paid platform.
Next, you have to take note of what you need out of the platform. Do you need to host events with more than 100 people? Do you want to be able to play interactive games with attendees? Do you want to be able to customize your virtual meeting space? Asking questions like these will help you find out what features and abilities you require.
Lastly, you want to look at a list of virtual platforms and compare their offerings to your needs. If you want to host large groups, see if they can host large groups. If you want unlimited event length, make sure they can provide that. This will ensure you choose the right platform for you. By making sure your platform can meet all of your demands from the start, you can avoid frustrations down the road.
With so much focus on event software, there has been a lot of talk about which is the best. However, the best is subjective. What works perfectly for one company may not even be an option for another. This means that while some may stand out, it all comes down to your circumstances.
A great way to figure out the best platform for you is to look at a virtual event platform comparison chart. These charts can help you easily compare and contrast the available options to figure out which is best for you. Just keep in mind that you cannot be sure about a platform until you have tried it and seen it in action.
You can also look at a best virtual event platforms 2021 article. Seeing what platforms others are talking about might help you key in on possible options. Many of these platforms appear on more than one list, showing that they are worth considering. Remember though that your circumstances will likely be different than whoever made the list.
Looking at virtual platforms examples is also a way to see what is available. By seeing what other industry leaders are using, you can gain insight into what some of the most popular options are. No matter how you decide on a platform, always ensure that your specific needs are met.
That said, there is one that stands out as a leader in the market. Filo is one of the best virtual event software offerings available currently. They have a robust and feature filled platform that can meet nearly any virtual event need. The features such as chat, document sharing, virtual room decoration, and more are well built and easy to use. They feature integration with popular software such as Zoom, meaning you can easily integrate Filo into your current workflow.
Filo also has a history of putting on incredible events. From working with UNICEF to put on a 400 person interactive global event to helping Berkeley SkyDeck connect 630 students with 81 startups in a virtual intern fair, Filo has proven their ability to put on engaging and impactful events.
While the platform has been the focus for most of this article, it is also important to discuss the importance of virtual events ideas. These ideas will end up defining what your event is and what actually occurs during it. Without ideas and things to do, all you have is a platform with people on it. Ideas are what make events impactful and meaningful. This means that coming up with ideas is one of the most important aspects of any virtual event.
An easy way to get ideas is to look at some of the best virtual events happening right now. Check out what the most hyped events of the year are doing. Those events are being talked up for a reason, so see what they have planned to make their events so special. By taking ideas from the best, you can elevate your events and make them even better. There is no shame in being inspired by industry leaders.
Also, do not underestimate the importance of fun virtual events for work. Incorporating some more fun activities into your events is a great way to boost morale, encourage engagement, avoid losing attendees’ attention, and make your event memorable. They also can serve as a way to avoid fatigue associated with working at a computer, which will make your audience more engaged.
Finally, it is also important to remember that there are many different types of virtual platforms. As previously mentioned, many platforms focus on a specific thing. Zoom for example focuses on simple virtual meetings. Others focus on large scale conferences or webinars.
This will be an important factor in your decision. If you only plan having one kind of event, choosing a platform tailored to that is a smart idea. If you plan on having a bunch of different types of events like internal meetings and networking events, having a platform that is capable of doing a variety of things is essential.
One type of virtual platform is virtual engagement platforms. These platforms focus on various types of engagement such as customer engagement, client engagement, and more. While it is easy to think that sounds like any other virtual meeting, it is not. Engagement platforms typically have unique tools that encourage and enable engagement, making it easy and efficient.
Another type is virtual networking platforms. As the name suggests, these platforms are built with networking in mind. Whether it be employee networking, business to business networking, customer networking, or another type of networking, these platforms are designed to make networking simple and stress free. Again, these platforms typically have features that are specifically suited for networking.
At the end of the day though, these are all virtual platforms for meetings. They are a place where people from all over the world can meet for whatever reason necessary. They enable communication, allowing for events, webinars, kickoffs, onboarding, team building, and so much.
Because of the digital nature of business in the era of COVID, these virtual platforms have become an integral part of business. No matter which type of virtual meeting or virtual platform you need, just be sure you make a thorough and well thought out decision. The platform you choose can make or break your virtual meetings, so pick carefully.