10 Best Virtual Event Platforms Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Post-pandemic, it feels like there are millions of virtual event platforms on the market, making it hard to choose the one that’s right for you. You know you want a platform to help you host engaging virtual presentations and facilitate networking remotely, but you need to figure out which platform is best. In this post, I'll help you make your choice easy by sharing my insights on the best virtual event platforms to host engaging online gatherings, conferences, or trade shows.
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Best Virtual Event Platforms: Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top virtual event platform selections to help you find the best platform that works for your budget and business needs.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Goldcast | Available upon request | Website |
| Airmeet | From $500/month | Website |
| Hubilo | Pricing upon request | Website |
| SpotMe | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Accelevents | From $500/event or $125/month for unlimited events (billed annually) | Website |
| Webex Events | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Remo | From $15/month | Website |
| EventsAir | Available upon request | Website |
| Hopin | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Vfairs | Pricing upon request | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose a Virtual Event Platform
Virtual event platforms can help you host virtual conferences and other events with interactive features to maximize engagement. To help you figure out which virtual event platform best fits your needs, you need to pinpoint your key users and document their specific challenges first.
As you work through your own unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- What problem are you trying to solve - Start by identifying the challenges you're trying to overcome. This will help you clarify the features and functionalities the virtual event platform needs to provide.
- Who will need to use it - To evaluate cost and requirements, consider who will use the software and how many licenses you'll need. For a virtual event platform, you'll likely want to limit admin access to only those who are directly involved in planning the event, plus a separate access level for attendees. Once that's clear, it's also useful to rank the needs of your different users to identify the key priorities for your power users, managers, employees, and other stakeholders, to ensure they're all met.
- What other tools it needs to work with - Clarify what tools you're replacing (if any), and the tools you'll need to integrate with, such as project management tools, CRM or marketing tools, point-of-sale systems for paid events, or work operating systems like Microsoft Office 365 or Google Workspace.
- What outcomes are important - Review the capabilities you want to gain or improve, and how you will measure success. For example, you may want to create more engaging and immersive experiences or gain the ability to host a meeting with larger volumes of attendees and exhibitors. You could compare software features until you’re blue in the face but if you aren’t thinking about the outcomes you want to achieve, you could waste a lot of valuable time.
- How it would work within your organization - Consider the software selection alongside your existing workflows and systems. Evaluate what's working well, and any areas that need to be addressed.
Remember every business is different — don’t assume that a virtual event platform will work for your organization just because it's popular.
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Deel
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Paycor
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.1 -
Paychex Flex
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2
Reviews of the Best Virtual Event Platforms
Here’s a brief description of each virtual event platform, showcasing each system’s best use case, their noteworthy features, and some pros & cons. I’ve also included screenshots to give you a snapshot of each user interface.
Goldcast is a virtual event platform specifically designed to suit the needs of B2B marketers.
Why I picked Goldcast: Goldcast describes its beautifully branded events as being akin to watching Netflix. The user interface is slick and inviting, and their built-in studio controls allow users to create event experiences with a fully branded stage, live Q&As, and overlays.
In addition to its visual appeal, Goldcast captures in-depth attendee insights and gathers them into your CRM so that you can act on your pipeline leads as soon as the event is finished. You can also host sponsor resource hubs and share sponsor content, maximizing ROI for each event.
Goldcast Standout Features and Integrations
Features include lead generation, messaging, email reminders, event scheduling, lead capture, presentation screening, analytics, a virtual lobby, and customizable branding.
Integrations include Drift, Eloqua, Enigamio, HubSpot, Marketo, SalesForce, Slack, Splash, Validar, Webooth, and Wistia.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Super responsive customer support
- Slick visual interface
- Specifically designed for B2B
Cons:
- High bandwidth requirements
- Networking rooms have capacity of 15
Airmeet is a virtual event platform that prioritizes networking and attendee connection.
Why I picked Airmeet: Airmeet understands that the way we conduct virtual events is changing from content-focused to connection-focused. Much in the same way that in-person events prioritize networking, Airmeet helps you create immersive event experiences with ample opportunity for event attendees to meet, connect, and grow their contacts.
Airmeet events offer a social lounge specifically designed to mimic in-person networking opportunities and stimulate conversation. Fluid spaces enable participants to chat in whichever format they prefer, and breakout rooms connect participants with smaller groups. Features like Q&A, gamification, and rich chat messaging enhance the depth of connection between event attendees.
Airmeet Standout Features and Integrations
Features include event notifications, breakout rooms, a social lounge, speed networking features, a leaderboard and gamification, large-scale meeting rooms, a mobile app, dynamic stage backdrops, and sponsor and virtual booth tiers.
Integrations are extensive and include Eventbrite, HubSpot, JotForm, Keap, Mailchimp, Pipedrive, Salesforce, Slack, and Unbounce. Additional integrations are available through a paid Zapier account.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Enhanced networking
- Easy to work with sponsors
Cons:
- Some limitations on mobile app
- Cannot add LinkedIn info to attendee profiles
Hubilo is a virtual event platform with several event marketing functions.
Why I picked Hubilo: From inception through to completion, Hublio can help with every step of the event marketing journey. Their landing page builder helps you to create and customize your landing page with templates, widgets, and registration forms. Ticketing can also be run from their platform, and targeted campaigns can help you reach specific audiences.
Once event attendees are registered, you can boost event attendance with nudge emails. At the event, attendees can visit the networking lounge, watch speakers on the stage, and participate in gamification activities.
Hubilo Standout Features and Integrations
Features include live chat, mobile app, social media engagement, analytics, sponsored sessions, custom landing pages, virtual backgrounds, and banner and logo placement for sponsors.
Integrations include Captello, Interprefy, Kahoot, Kudo, Mailchimp, MootUp, Salesforce, Verbit, and Vodium.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive branding opportunities
- Highly scalable
- Events are easy to set up
Cons:
- Networking lounge closes after 60 minutes
- Lacking some depth in onboarding materials
SpotMe is a virtual event platform with extensive captioning and translation features.
Why I picked SpotMe: Accessibility should remain a priority for your event regardless of whether it’s in-person or online. SpotMe provides an industry-leading translation, caption, and interpreting tool that’s powered by Interprefy and AI-Media. The service caters to nearly 20 languages, extending the reach to audience members in all locations, and across a variety of needs.
Conversion-optimized registration pages, attendee engagement features like Q&A and polling, and easy breakout sessions allow groups to connect deeply with each other. SpotMe’s templates come with pre-configured content, navigations, and designs, making it easy to get started.
SpotMe Standout Features and Integrations
Features include activity feed, live streaming, attendee registration, breakout sessions, on-demand replays, live captioning, engagement tools, and a design studio.
Integrations include Eloqua, HubSpot, Marketo, Pardot, RainFocus, Salesforce, and Veeva.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Accessibility tools
- Save recordings immediately after livestreams
- Intuitive interface
Cons:
- Backstage customization is complex
- Attendee registration / download process takes time
Accelevents is a flexible, enterprise-grade virtual event platform that manages the entire event lifecycle.
Why I picked Accelevents: Accelevents can be scaled up or down, used out-of-the-box, or heavily customized. For this reason, it’s equipped to meet the needs of enterprise organizations, while providing adaptable solutions for small team workshops and large global conferences. Their templates enable users to quickly launch a branded online event and promote it on social media, and plentiful integrations make it easy to connect to other pertinent platforms.
Users can work with Accelevents broadcast studio to livestream or pre-record sessions, or you can integrate with other tools like Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube and stream from there. Networking sessions include automatic matchmaking, video chat, and live polls to enhance attendee engagement.
Accelevents Standout Features and Integrations
Features include badge design and printing, broadcast studio, lead capture, registration and ticketing, sponsor inclusion, analytics, white labeling, gamification, matchmaking, live video, speed networking, and a mobile app.
Integrations include ActiveCampaign, Cvent, HubSpot, Inteprefy, Intercom, Marketo, Salesforce, Slack, Square, and Stripe. Further integrations can be accessed by connecting a paid Zapier account.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Super user friendly
- A la carte options for pay-as-you-go
- Easy to accept payments
Cons:
- Frequent system updates can cause confusion
- Unable to send group text to all attendees
Webex is a virtual event platform that maximizes the lead generation process by capturing as many data points as possible.
Why I picked Webex Events: Webex Events uses the QR codes associated with event attendees’ badges to capture leads with enriched data. Once the QR code is scanned into the app, booth teams can instantly qualify and prioritize the leads. This information can be shared by the team, and team members can add their own notes to each event attendees’ profile.
The lead retrieval app has an illustrated key metrics dashboard that makes it easy to see details for qualified leads. From there, data is sent directly to your CRM for easy follow-up post event.
Webex Events Standout Features and Integrations
Features include live streaming, video breakout sessions, gamification, analytics, live display, attendee engagement tools, sponsor booths, and a lead retrieval app.
Integrations include Cvent, Dailymotion, Formstack, Remo, Slido, SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Vidcast, Vimeo, Wonder, and YouTube. Further integrations can be accessed via a paid Zapier account.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Smooth streaming
- Straight-forward functionality
- Real-time translation and subtitles
Cons:
- Desktop application more reliable than mobile
- Camera / audio settings can be confusing for first time users
Remo is a virtual event platform that offers unlimited events for just $15 per month.
Why I picked Remo: Remo is an excellent choice for small businesses who hold lots of events, but don’t have an enterprise-level budget. Their plans offer unlimited events at very low price points, and include features like immersive floor plans, breakout sessions, and networking functionality that allows users to easily move between conversations.
Session hosts can engage with event attendees by using polls, private chat, video chat, and table chat. You can also create private VIP tables to accommodate event management personnel and keynote speakers. Tables have a whiteboard that allows attendees to brainstorm and innovate based on session content.
Remo Standout Features and Integrations
Features include shuffle mode, virtual backgrounds, whiteboards, guest profiles, announcements, unlimited events, video conferencing, networking, and VIP tables for event planners and other key guests.
Integrations aren’t listed on the Remo website but the platform does integrate with paid Zapier accounts.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Natural, human, realistic interactions
- Browse group members’ LinkedIn profiles while networking
- Visually appealing interface
Cons:
- Presenters cannot see audience while presenting
- Cannot pre-assign guests to breakout rooms
Best virtual event platform for continuity between virtual, hybrid, and in-person events
EventsAir is a virtual event platform with over 30 years of experience creating memorable events.
Why I picked EventsAir: EventsAir is an excellent choice for companies planning on launching in-person, hybrid, and virtual events. Their integrated platform allows users to create continuity for event participants, providing the same experience whether attending virtually, physically, or somewhere in between.
Breakout rooms allow small groups to share screens and watch presentations, and virtual function areas provide space for networking. Their OnAIR Timeline is an online agenda that displays session times, ePosters, and sponsor banners similar to what’s available on-site.
EventsAir Standout Features and Integrations
Features include 3D mode, breakout rooms, live polling, analytics, discussion forums, networking groups, gamification, live hosting, and a virtual control room.
Integrations are available with Attendee Management, Event Frog, FieldDrive, RegOnsite, Smartevent, SmartSource, Sprintr by AVI, and Touchpoint.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Drag and drop feature for event design
- Functionality for the entire event lifecycle
- Highly customizable registration system
Cons:
- No transparent pricing on website
- Does not save partially filled registration forms
Hopin is a virtual event platform that offers immersive attendee experiences and interactive programming.
Why I picked Hopin: Hopin is a highly scalable platform that can meet the needs of groups up to 100,000 attendees. Their event sessions feature enables you to break attendees into an unlimited number of groups while maintaining hosting capabilities, and custom tags make it easy for attendees to discover speakers and navigate within the schedule.
Engagement tools like interactive Q&A sessions, polls, and quizzes keep attendees interested and involved, and unlimited group and 1:1 video networking sessions ensure that they connect. Tools like analytics and benchmarking can help event organizers understand which parts of your online events are most successful.
Hopin Standout Features and Integrations
Features include a virtual backstage, video layout templates, a high quality production studio, a reception page, event stages, a mobile app, video hosting and editing, and analytics.
Integrations include ActiveCampaign, GoFundMe, HubSpot, Kahoot, Mailchimp, Miro, and Sensedia.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Custom branded app
- Excellent customer support
- Engage with attendees via video and chat
Cons:
- No transparent pricing for larger events
- No “backstage” area pre-session
vFairs is a virtual event platform that offers interactive features for virtual, in-person, and hybrid events.
Why I picked vFairs: Virtual experiences have traditionally lacked the immersive nature of in-person events. vFairs seeks to close the gap by creating highly customizable and realistic 3D venue designs. The space can contain lobbies, auditoriums, networking lounges and exhibit halls, and can be fully branded to suit your event.
Custom 3D animated avatars add a human element to the event space, and personalized booths can be set up to enhance the attendee experience. Customizability extends into their webinar feature as well, allowing you to include interactive activities in multiple presentation options.
vFairs Standout Features and Integrations
Features include custom 3D virtual venues, custom landing pages, email marketing, virtual exhibitor booths, networking features, gamification, real-time attendee stats, reporting dashboard, mobile app, and event check-in.
Integrations are extensive and include Kudo, Marketo, PayPal, Restream, Salesforce, Slido, Stripe, SyncWords, and Wordly. Further integrations are available by connecting a paid Zapier account.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intuitive booth setup
- Impressive 3D event spaces
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Slight lag on private chat rooms
- Some challenges with Stripe integration
Other Virtual Event Software
Here are a few more options that didn’t make the best virtual event platforms list:
- Gatherly
Best virtual event platform for job fairs
- BigMarker
Best virtual event platform for design customization
- Bizzabo
Best virtual event platform for analyzing data across multiple events
- Weve
Best virtual event platform for team building
- PheedLoop
Best virtual event platform for multi-track scheduling
- HeySummit
Best virtual event platform for increasing event profitability
- EventMobi
Best virtual event platform for event planners
- Hubb
Best virtual event platform for attracting new speakers
- Eventtia
Best virtual event platform for B2B matchmaking
- Whova
Best virtual event platform for tiered ticketing
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Selection Criteria for Virtual Event Platforms
Selecting the best virtual event platform for you is a nuanced process that hinges on matching your specific needs and challenges with the features and functionalities that will help you address them effectively. My approach to choosing the systems to feature in this list is based on thorough research and my previous experience planning corporate events to pinpoint the features that add value.
Here’s a short summary of the selection criteria I used to develop this list:
Core Virtual Event Platform Functionalities (25% of total score): To be considered for inclusion in this list, each system had to offer the abilities first:
- The ability to host virtual webinars and large-scale conferences
- Tools to facilitate interactive workshops and breakout sessions
- The ability to enable networking and one-on-one meetings
- Detailed analytics for attendee engagement and attendance
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score): To help me narrow in on the best virtual event platforms out of the numerous options available, I also took note of any unique features, including:
- Audience engagement tools such as live polls and Q&A sessions
- Advanced interactive tools like virtual reality environments or AI-driven networking suggestions
- Unique engagement metrics or innovative analytics tools
- Exceptional customization and branding options beyond basic color schemes and logos
- Integrated marketplace or sponsor spaces with e-commerce capabilities
- State-of-the-art security measures or privacy features that set a new industry standard
Usability (10% of total score): To evaluate the usability of each event platform, I considered the following:
- A balance between powerful features and a user-friendly experience to accommodate users with different levels of technical proficiency
- Easy access to navigation, search, and other features within the platform
- A responsive design that ensures functionality across operating systems (Windows and Mac), devices (Android and iOS), and screen sizes
- Either a dedicated event app for mobile devices or a mobile-friendly user interface
Onboarding (10% of total score): To get a sense of each software provider's customer onboarding process, I considered the following factors:
- Quick setup processes and clear guidance for first-time users
- Comprehensive training materials such as videos, interactive tutorials, chatbots, or other documentation
- Support for data migration from other platforms
Customer Support (10% of total score): To evaluate the level of customer support each vendor offered, I considered the following:
- The availability of multi-channel support, including email, phone, and live chat
- The existence of a self-service knowledge base, FAQ repository, or other self-help resources to speed up troubleshooting
- The overall quality, responsiveness, and helpfulness of the support team during customer onboarding and post-purchase, as inferred from customer reviews
Value for Price (10% of total score): To gauge the value of each software, I considered the following factors:
- The availability of free trials or demos to test the software before purchasing
- Competitive and transparent pricing models that reflect the software's feature depth and explain which features are included at each level
- Tiered pricing plans that cater to different business sizes, from small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) up to enterprise-level organizations
Customer Reviews (10% of total score): Evaluating customer reviews is the final element of my selection process, which helps me understand how well a product performs in the hands of real users. Here are the factors I considered:
- Whether a product has consistently high ratings across multiple review platforms, indicating a broad level of user satisfaction
- Specific praises, criticisms, or trends in customer feedback that indicate the software's strengths or areas for improvement
- Whether customer feedback specifically mentions issues with ease of use, customer support responsiveness, or lacking features
Using this assessment framework helped me identify the virtual event platforms that goes beyond basic requirements to offer additional value through unique features, intuitive usability, smooth onboarding, effective support, and overall value for price.
Trends in Virtual Event Platforms for 2024
Virtual event software is continuously evolving to meet changing demands and incorporate advanced technologies. Here are several developing trends that are affecting virtual event systems today:
Engaging and Interactive Features
- Enhanced Interactivity: The push for more immersive experiences has led to the introduction of features such as virtual reality environments and AI-driven networking opportunities, giving users more engaging ways to connect and network during virtual events.
- Real-Time Analytics and Feedback: More platforms are incorporating advanced analytics and real-time feedback mechanisms. This allows organizers to gauge attendee engagement and adjust the content or format on the fly, addressing the need for more dynamic and responsive event management.
Customization and Branding
- Deep Customization Options: There's a growing demand for extensive customization options that allow organizations to align the virtual event environment closely with their brand identity. This development underscores the importance of creating a cohesive and branded user experience.
- Personalized Attendee Experiences: The ability to personalize the event experience for attendees, from content recommendations to personalized agendas, is another developing feature. This functionality caters to the demand for more tailored and relevant event experiences.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
- Accessibility Improvements: Virtual event platforms are placing a stronger emphasis on making events accessible to people with disabilities. Innovations in captioning, sign language interpretation, and screen reader compatibility are becoming more prevalent, reflecting the priority of inclusivity.
These trends highlight a clear trajectory towards more immersive, customizable, and inclusive online event experiences. Understanding these trends, and picking a platform that capitalizes on them, is crucial to meet today's needs while remaining adaptable for future events.
What is a Virtual Event Platform?
A virtual event platform is a software application that assists users in planning, promoting, and hosting digital events like conferences, webinars, workshops, expos, and trade shows. These platforms support live streaming and offer additional interactive tools to keep audiences engaged such as in-session chats, polls, Q&A, and breakout rooms. They can also be used to set up a virtual booth complete with your corporate branding to help with networking.
Virtual event platforms can positively impact your bottom line by removing the typical costs associated with in-person events, such as travel and venue costs. They also improve the convenience and accessibility of hosting events since large volumes of attendees can join sessions from anywhere, including from mobile devices. In addition, they include digital tools that make it easier to monitor attendance and engagement than with traditional in-person events, giving you deeper insights into your events for future planning purposes.
Features of Virtual Event Platforms
The right virtual event platform can make the difference between a memorable interaction and a forgettable meeting. Here are the most important features to look for in virtual event platforms to ensure your online events captivate and engage your audience:
- High-Quality Streaming: Smooth, high-definition video and audio streaming capabilities ensure a professional experience, keeping participants focused and engaged without distractions caused by technical issues.
- Customizable Branding: The ability to customize the event space with your brand's colors, logos, and themes creates a cohesive and immersive environment for participants.
- Interactive Tools: Features like live polls, Q&A sessions, and chat rooms are essential for participant engagement since they make attendees feel involved.
- Accessibility Features: Features like captioning services or screen reader compatibility help you ensure your event is accessible to people with disabilities, making your event fully inclusive and expanding your potential audience.
- Networking Capabilities: Features that mimic the networking opportunities of in-person events, like virtual “handshakes” or breakout rooms, are crucial for fostering connections and interactions among participants.
- Scalability: A platform that scales allows you to accommodate any number of participants, ensuring a seamless experience regardless of the event's size.
- Mobile Compatibility: You'll want a platform that offers full functionality on mobile devices so participants can attend the event from anywhere.
- Robust Security: Strong encryption and secure authentication methods protect sensitive information and give peace of mind to both organizers and attendees.
- Analytics and Reporting: Most systems offer detailed analytics to help you understand attendee behavior, measure engagement, and gather insights for future event planning.
- Integration with Other Tools: Integration with social media, marketing, and CRM tools can help with marketing your event to reach a wider audience.
Selecting a virtual event platform with these features will help you showcase your brand, encourage attendee participation, foster meaningful interactions, captivate your audience, and achieve your organizational goals in the digital space.
Benefits of Virtual Event Platforms
Virtual event platforms have revolutionized the way organizations conduct events, offering numerous benefits that extend well beyond mere convenience. Here are several benefits you can expect to gain by implementing a virtual event platform for your future events:
- Global Reach: Virtual event platforms remove geographical barriers, enabling organizations to connect with a global audience.
- Cost Efficiency: By replacing in-person events with virtual ones, you can expect significant savings on travel, accommodation, and physical venue costs.
- Increased Engagement: Interactive features like Q&A, polls, and chat rooms keep participants engaged, making attendees more likely to absorb the content.
- Scalability: When hosting a virtual event, it's easier to accommodate a larger number of participants with ease without incurring extra costs.
- Content Accessibility: If events are recorded, participants can revisit the material at their convenience, giving attendees the opportunity to learn at their own pace.
By leveraging a modern event platform, you can reach a wider audience, create more engagement, save costs, and make your event accessible to all.
Costs & Pricing for Virtual Event Platforms
Virtual event platforms come in a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets. However, the old adage remains true: You get what you pay for. That being said, there are plenty of platforms with freemium options included in this list that provide excellent functionality at no cost. Depending on how many events you plan to host, and the scale of those events, you may need to choose one of the pricier options on this list to ensure all your needs are supported.
Plan Comparison Table for Virtual Event Platforms
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic live streaming, chat functionality, limited participants, and access to standard support |
| Basic | $50 - $100 per month | Up to 100 participants, integration capabilities, basic analytics, and email support |
| Professional | $100 - $500 per month | Up to 500 participants, advanced analytics, custom branding, and priority support |
| Business | $500 - $2000 per month | Up to 2000 participants, advanced integration options, full customization, and 24/7 support |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Unlimited participants, personalized onboarding, a dedicated account manager, and advanced security features |
When selecting a plan, consider both the size of your events and the specific features you need to create engaging experiences. You want to make sure the plan you choose fits your current needs but also has the flexibility to grow with your organization.
Virtual Event Platforms: Frequently Asked Questions
There’s an incredible amount of planning and careful consideration that goes into every event – whether live, virtual, or hybrid. Take a look at the questions below to learn more before choosing the virtual event platform that’s right for you.
What features are commonly included in virtual event platforms?
The best virtual event platforms provide functionality to help you with registration and ticketing, email marketing, virtual check-in, sponsor booths, live streaming, networking sessions, breakout rooms, video chat, lead capture, and follow-up post-event. Ideally, the platform will be an all-in-one virtual event software with tools to help you manage all aspects throughout the event life cycle.
How should I choose a virtual event platform? Any tips?
First, gain an understanding of your organization’s event needs. How many events do you plan on hosting per year? How many attendees will each event need to accommodate? How many speakers? Will networking be an important factor? Once you understand your goals, you can look for a virtual event management platform that offers tools to assist you in meeting each one.
What do virtual event platforms cost?
Virtual event platforms range dramatically in price depending on the feature set of the software and the scale of the events that you’d like to host. The good news is that our list of the best virtual event platforms contains tools at every price point, meaning that whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, there’s a solution that’s perfect for you in this list.
How do these platforms support accessibility for users with disabilities?
Virtual event platforms are increasingly incorporating features to support accessibility for users with disabilities, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity. Here are some of the most common accessibility features:
- Closed captioning and transcript services for hearing-impaired attendees
- Visual accessibility features, such as screen reader compatibility and adjustable font sizes, to help those with vision impairments
- Sign language interpretation options during live sessions
It’s about creating an environment where everyone, regardless of disability, can fully participate and engage. This commitment to accessibility not only broadens the potential audience for virtual events but also aligns with legal and ethical standards for digital inclusivity.
This article suggests other ways you can support inclusivity in your workplace if you’re interested in learning more.
Can attendees network in a virtual event as effectively as in-person?
Networking virtually can approach the effectiveness of in-person events with the right tools and strategies. Modern virtual event platforms are designed to mimic the serendipity and engagement of face-to-face interactions through features like breakout rooms, virtual “handshakes,” and AI-powered matchmaking that connects attendees based on their interests and goals. Chat functions, video meetings, and interactive Q&A sessions also facilitate deeper connections.
While the dynamic may differ, the potential for meaningful interactions remains high, allowing attendees to network effectively from anywhere. This article also offers tips to help you build your professional network if you’d like to up your game.
Can you monetize virtual events on these platforms?
Absolutely! Monetizing virtual events on these platforms is quite doable and can be very effective. Options range from charging attendees for access, leveraging sponsorships with virtual booths and branded content, to offering premium content or exclusive sessions for an additional fee. Think of creative ways to provide value, like VIP networking opportunities or specialized workshops, to open up multiple revenue streams. This approach not only covers your costs but can also turn a tidy profit.
Additionally, some platforms allow for the sale of merchandise or services directly within the event environment. Pay-per-view for high-value content and subscription models for ongoing access or a series are also popular. These methods make virtual events not just engaging but financially beneficial for organizers.
Final Thoughts
Launching a live event online can be easier than you think, provided that you’re working with the right tools. Worried about audience engagement? Choose a tool with gamification, networking, and video chat functionality. Need to share slides? Choose a platform with screen-sharing capabilities. Need help with event planning? Choose virtual event software that includes promotion among its key features.
To learn more about engaging a remote workforce within a virtual setting, don’t miss these articles from our subject matter experts:
- Virtual Event Planning: 10 Tips for a Stellar Virtual Event
- 5 Challenges of Managing Remote Employees and How to Overcome Them
- 35 Employee Engagement Ideas (Including Remote-Specific)
- 7 Best Remote Team Building Activities
- How to Keep Virtual Teams Connected, a podcast with Ben Hoffman from cityHUNT
- 7 Types of Virtual Events to Host
- A Virtual Event Planning Checklist for Before, During, and After
- 15 Virtual Meeting Etiquette Guidelines
And for the latest insights from top thinkers on remote and hybrid work, sign up for our People Managing People newsletter. You’ll be first in line to receive new podcast episodes, products, and brand-new content, straight to your inbox.