Savannah is a content marketer with editorial experience spanning several businesses. Specializing in social media and marketing trends, she loves talking about the latest developments in online marketing. When she’s not writing, Savannah loves traveling, hoarding books and coffee mugs, and adoring her cat. Please don’t ask her about famous true crime cases, or else she’ll tell you all about her theories and get absolutely no work done.
Virtual events are a staple of the modern work environment nowadays. Not only did virtual event platforms provide a safe way for large groups of people to meet during the height of the pandemic, but they’re highly convenient and much more accessible than in-person gatherings.
Because there are so many different virtual event platforms out there, the prospect of choosing the right one for your next event can seem overwhelming.
In this article, we’re breaking down the basics of virtual event platforms, how to choose the right platforms for your event, and five of the best event platforms out there.
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What are virtual event platforms?
Virtual event platforms are event management systems (EMS) designed to host varying groups of people for virtual and hybrid gatherings like conferences, webinars, workshops, Q&A sessions, etc.
With features tailored toward managing different types of gatherings, virtual event platforms come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking to host a large conference that requires ticketed attendees, or a more intimate gathering, there’s bound to be a perfect virtual event platform that suits your needs.
Virtual event platforms vs. video conferencing tools
In today’s work and educational spheres, Zoom is practically synonymous with virtual gatherings. But when it comes to virtual event platforms, that’s actually not the case.
Virtual event platforms are designed to accommodate large audiences while providing a seamless user experience and plenty of interaction, while video conferencing tools, like Zoom, are primarily for hosting meetings.
Video conferencing tools, while very handy, lack the number of audience engagement features that are present in virtual event platforms.
Choosing the right virtual event platform for your next event
When choosing a virtual event platform for your next event, keep these questions in mind to narrow your search:
What type of event are you hosting?
Will the event be interactive?
How many people will be attending?
Do attendees need tickets to join?
Will this be a hybrid event or fully virtual?
Are multiple video streams or breakout rooms needed?
These questions can help you better sift through the hundreds of virtual event platforms available to you so you can choose the best platform to support your event’s needs.
In no particular order, take a look at five of the top virtual and hybrid event platforms out there today and some of the major features they have to offer.
Hopin offers a free version for those just getting started with virtual event planning as well as Advanced Plans for those looking for a full-service package. Book a demo for more information on pricing for Hopin’s Advanced Plans.
Hopin is an events management platform that offers virtual, hybrid, and in-person event experiences. Whether you’re looking to host an event with 50 attendees or 5,000 attendees, Hopin has networking features that allow for hands-on sessions and one-on-one meetings.
The virtual event platform also has customization tools that enable event organizers to create a unique experience that reflects your company and feels personalized to your audience. From ticket and registration management to attendee analytics reports, you can oversee every aspect of your next virtual or hybrid event.
For pricing details, head over to vFairs, where you can book a demo to learn more about their platform.
With vFairs as your chosen virtual event platform, you can greet your event attendees with an animated virtual lobby, complete with interactive exhibitor booths to increase connectivity. vFairs’ virtual environments are structured like real event venues for easy navigation, creating an intuitive event experience — all from your computer!
Virtual auditoriums and presentation halls create an immersive webinar and speaking experience. Interactive tools allow audiences to engage with speakers through chat and gamification features.
3. BigMarker
Notable features:
Create live, simulive, and on-demand video experiences
Breakout sessions, exhibitor halls, and attendee networking tools
Attendee registration management for virtual and hybrid events
Customization opportunities to create branded experiences
Request a quote with BigMarker today to get started with your next virtual event.
BigMarker’s built-in broadcast studio can help you create and stream high-quality webinars and live-stream events. With chat, Q&A, polling, and handout features, you can foster an interactive presentation experience that encourages attendee participation, just like an in-person event.
With branding and navigation control you can create a one-of-kind virtual event that fits your company. You can choose from breakout sessions, exhibitor halls, networking meetings, and gamification to create immersive event experiences.
Pricing for Accelevents starts at $125+ per month. Or, you can pay per event, starting at $500 and up.
With Accelevents you can host everything from conferences, trade shows, and product launches to career fairs, seminars, and trainings. Accelevents offers end-to-end event management so you can take control of your entire event and create an experience your attendees won’t forget.
The platform is highly intuitive, so you can customize your event experience to fit your audience. Organize engaging events that attendees in-person and online can enjoy, with expo halls that can even be sponsored!
5. HeySummit
Notable features:
Unlimited active events and unlimited team members
Branding customization
Talk management and speaker dashboard
Analytic reports
Compatible with video and webinar platforms like Zoom, YouTube, BigMarker, GoogleMeet, Wistia, Vimeo, and Twitch
HeySummit makes virtual event set-up and coordination easy. Attendee registration tools allow you to control registration flow and keep track of who’s who. Dashboards give your speakers control when they’re addressing audiences and help them keep their information up-to-date while talk management tools help you to manage speaking events.
HeySummit comes with reporting and analytics features, you can keep an eye on how your attendees are responding to your events, that way you can make adjustments to ensure you’re putting on an inclusive, interactive event.
WebFX helps companies like yours reach their business goals
“Our marketing department has a lot of key performance indicators that WebFX has always helped us achieve… WebFX has always worked hard to make sure that we’re getting what we need out of the partnership, not just what may seem like the best result.”
Organizing and managing a virtual event of any size is no small feat. Getting people to come to said event, though — that’s another thing. With the help of WebFX you can market your next virtual event and start putting those registration management tools to good use!
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