Modern times have witnessed many changes in all possible sectors, one of which is the remarkable ability to conduct meetings online. This branch of technology has made it possible for companies to interact with employees working in remote parts of the world, relay critical information, share files, and boost productivity.
Invariably, hosting virtual events is among the top go-to tools for businesses of all sizes, educational institutions, and people from various other fields.
For the uninitiated, the following are some incredibly critical things to know about the world of virtual conferencing.
Different Ways to Hosting Virtual Events
A popular study discovered that video meetings were far more effective than audio conferencing in boosting team productivity. But the trick is to choose the right kind of video conferencing tool. The following are some popular ways you can consider using for your online meetings.
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Virtual Conferences
Such programs are very similar to in-person meetings, built around a live and complex schedule. It includes keynote speakers, interactive sessions, breaks, and more, with multiple sessions using community engagement tools.
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Webinars
Typically, a webinar lasts around forty-five to eighty minutes, enabling people to attend from across the world. They listen to several speakers talk about crucial topics related to the theme of the event. Most webinars use tools that allow Q&A and other interactive activities, useful for training purposes.
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Internal Hybrid Events
This type of online event is used majorly by large organizations that span across various countries or continents to address their staff. They use it to relay information to all their employees at the same time. Examples of such programs include sales kick-offs, town hall events, training sessions, and department meetings.
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External Hybrid Events
External virtual programs target those who are outside of the company. These include consumer meetings and industry events that require high levels of video production. It enables those who cannot travel to the event physically, to join virtually and participate effortlessly.
Reasons to Host an Online Event
The benefits of hosting virtual events are plenty. It can help businesses expand to new markets, enable ordinary folks to stay connected with loved ones in different regions, and improve the dissemination of critical information.
However, some very prominent advantages of this remarkable communication tool are listed below.
- Money-Saving – Hosting events online enables organizations to cut costs by a vast margin. They do not have to spend on a venue, food, travel, and other expenses associated with face-to-face seminars.
- Accessibility – Online programs allow you to meet with scores of people on a single platform simultaneously. It offers easy access to attendees residing in remote locations. Also, hosts can add more participants as the meeting progresses.
- Convenience – It is highly convenient to have video conferences as they do not depend on weather conditions, travel bans, and other such things. It allows hosts to hold the events from the comfort of their homes and offers the same convenience to the participants as well.
Using a Reliable Platform is a Must
A dependable platform is a crucial aspect of successful online events. There are various platforms to choose from, and hosts are advised to decide after careful consideration. Vital features to look out for in a platform include ease of use, record option, excellent customer support, and high-end security. It is also advisable to pick a platform that enables you to synchronize programs and add more people during an ongoing event. Allowing the attendees to join from their mobile devices is a bonus.
Final Thoughts
It is good to remember that planning a virtual event takes as much time, effort, and care as a face-to-face meeting. You need to decide the event’s objectives, draft a strong marketing plan, schedule it at the perfect time, and hire the right people to make it a success.
Furthermore, keeping the audiences engaged during the event and obtaining feedback from them afterward is also crucial. It will help you retain your followers and make future events more successful.