Over the last few years, the practice of holding virtual events has begun to acquire serious traction. You might assume that this is mostly a consequence of Covid-19, and all of the social-distancing requirements that it has imposed on us. But it’s the availability of bandwidth and the emergence of video-streaming technology that’s arguably has just the same impact.
But what exactly is a virtual event, and why should we care about them? Let’s take a look at the practice, and where it might be beneficial.
What is a Virtual Event?
A virtual event is a gathering that takes place online. It’s similar to a video conference call, except that very large numbers of people can join, and not all of them need the ability to be seen and heard.
What are the benefits?
Virtual events confer a whole range of benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the more significant.
Ease of Access
It’s easy to join a virtual event. There’s no need to worry about the cost of travel, meaning, theoretically, that more people can attend. What’s more, you can keep promoting the event right up until the last minute, because even people who only learn about it two minutes before it begins can join just as easily – provided that they have an internet connection.
Global Reach
The fact that your virtual event is easy for just about anyone to connect to means that you can reach people in territories you might otherwise overlook. Wherever a person is in the world, they’ll be able to join your online conference.
Environmental Burden
Having thousands of people fly in an attend a real-world conference can be tremendously damaging to the environment. If you’re serious about going green, then looking at digital alternatives might be wise.
Cost
It’s much, much less expensive to host an online event than it is to host a real-life one. While you might invest a little bit in cameras, sets and technical staff to make sure that you come off professionally, these costs are vastly outweighed by those of a real-life conference.
Data Collection and Surveys
An online conference makes it much easier to access your audience’s data. This data can subsequently be used to develop better products, market more accurately, and gather feedback about the success or failure of your event.
Networking
With a virtual event, you’ll be able to get in touch with many more people in a shorter space of time. While you might not get the face-to-face engagement that’s possible with a real-world conference, you can get more immediate access to LinkedIn profiles, email addresses, and other digital connections.
HR Future Staff Writer
