Hosting a virtual event is impossible without the help of some quality virtual event technology.
So, what does it take to get a virtual event up and running? What top-tier tools do you need to make your online event one to remember?
We’ve got you covered.
The Skinny on Virtual Events
Whereas live events happen at a designated venue and hybrid events occur simultaneously in-person and online, virtual events take place over the internet as either a stand alone event or as a component of a live one.
That said, a virtual event is only as good as its technology. Delivering online content across hundreds of devices, virtual event platforms, and Wi-Fi networks all over the world requires a keen insight into the virtual event tech at your disposal.
Ready to see what’s out there? Check out the virtual event tool guide below.
Your Virtual Event Technology Tool Guide
No matter the type of event you want to host, you need to make sure you have a solid event plan and strategy in place. This remains especially true for virtual events because of the many complex technicalities you’ll need to oversee.
From virtual event planning, promotion, execution, and analysis, we’ll show you examples of the top tools you’ll need to get your next virtual event job done right.
1. Virtual Event Platforms
The most essential tool for any virtual event is the platform it’s hosted on. As the element attendees will interact with the most, it’s important to make sure that your platform delivers your scheduled content seamlessly and provides niche customizations that match your event brand and identity.
Take OVATION’s proprietary virtual event platform as an example. We designed a platform to accommodate nearly all of our client requests and provide a myriad of digital offerings, including (but certainly not limited to):
- Branded event landing pages to share key updates, content, and past program highlights
- Attendee registration portals to increase enrollment and engagement
- Conference dashboards so attendees can view their sessions and personalize their agendas
- Multiple presentation formats, including keynotes, workshops, fireside chats, exhibit halls, panel discussions, and more
We also partner with industry-leading virtual event platforms, like Brightcove’s Virtual Events platform for example.
2. Virtual Event A/V Production
If your event requires live streaming content, you’ll need the help of some event videography tech – and probably an event team too.
Audiovisual equipment that’s often used during virtual events are:
- Professional-grade cameras for high-resolution video capture
- Dynamic LED displays to highlight key players and captivate virtual attendees
- Microphones, cables, monitors, and recorders to maintain clear audio transmission to mobile and desktop listeners
3. Virtual Event Promotion Tools
There’s no point in hosting a virtual event if virtually nobody knows about it. Virtual event promotion tools help spread the word about your event and let people know what to expect and where to sign up.
Like virtual event planning, your virtual event promotion tools can be anything from a personalized integration on your virtual event platform to a social media platform maximized for your promotional needs. Your method of choice will depend on:
- Which type of event you’re hosting
- Who your target audience is
- What your needs as a brand are
4. Virtual Event Apps
Once your virtual event goes live, one of your most significant KPIs will be monitoring attendee interaction. Building virtual event apps for mobile attendees is a great way to keep a sizable portion of your audience engaged.
Need some ideas? During your online event, you could use these apps to:
- Promote virtual networking across attendees
- Encourage experiential knowledge-building via gamification or exploring interactive content related to your brand and its product/services
- Gain attendee insights with surveys or ask attendees to submit questions during a Q/A
5. Virtual Event Analysis Tools
To know whether or not your virtual event was a success, you should consult a virtual event analysis tool. This data-grabbing software will be able to assess your selected KPIs and measure the extent to which your goal(s) were met at your event.
Because you’ll be assessing a variety of different metrics, there won’t be one tool to do it all for you. To not get overwhelmed, select a few key metrics you’d like to assess from the following list:
- Attendee registrations and check-ins
- Attendee participation rates, including repeat participation
- Attendee responses to different event segments
- Attendee social media engagement
- Attendee conversion rates across interactive components of your event
Sifting through all the existing event technology can be as daunting as planning the event itself.
Contact us today to learn how OVATION can help with your next event. For more event expertise, check out our blog and view our latest work to see how our services have elevated events in the past.
