Even before COVID-19 hit, event organizers were making the move toward a digital format as a way to save event costs, increase revenues, and reach a global audience. Virtual events are now playing a major role in the events industry. There are different types of virtual events, from virtual conferences to a series of digital webinars and virtual trade shows for targeted industries. Whatever your event, business, or market needs, a virtual event platform can accommodate this. Virtual event platforms are designed to be used for a number of uses and a whole range of success-oriented features. The right virtual event platform will allow you to create unique virtual scenarios so that remote attendees can engage with the event content, trade show members, other remote attendees, and the products and content involved in the event. A virtual event platform will improve attendee experience and help you achieve virtual event success! The following list is made up of key event platform features that will help you reach your event goals!
One of the most important elements in hosting a virtual event is marketing and generating audience interest and excitement. The best way to do this is through event branding. An event platform that supports branding is a must. Look for a platform that allows you to take full control of incorporating your event brand into the platform. You should be able to upload your own logos, streamline branding imagery and coloring, and showcase your unique brand story. And a platform that allows you to create and design your own event website will take your branding to the next level. Your event page will be where people go to learn more about your event and where they can register or buy tickets. Custom branding should extend to event exhibitors as well. It is important that virtual exhibit booths are branded to the specifications of the exhibitor. Branding will be a critical part of their ability to capture leads and it will also enhance the event space and improve the attendee experience.
Social media integrations can help you market your event to your audience in a place where they already spend their time. You can use social media to generate excitement, maintain engagement, and analyze audience experience. These types of integrations will also allow guests to easily share your event on their own profiles. At the time of purchase, guests can share the news with their friends and family, potentially generating additional attendees and revenues!
If you are hosting a fundraising event, the easier you make it for participants to donate, the better. Look for an event platform that allows attendees to donate when they purchase their tickets as well as donate leading up to the event commencement. To create an even bigger impact, set up a text-to-give campaign or allow for mobile bids for your virtual silent auction and continue to run this fundraising campaign throughout the event.Make sure it is easy and convenient to donate so your attendees will give.
As a society, we spend a lot of time online, so it only makes sense to provide live-streamed video content to your viewers. Videos can always be pre-recorded and uploaded to an event platform (like as a webinar or Simulated Live experience). But live streaming is more impactful. While pre-recorded video can be impactful, you will generate more participation and engagement with live-streamed video. To create a memorable experience, you need to make sure all elements are on point. Find an event platform that enables live stream integration so you can avoid having to find your own streaming tools. If you can find a platform that is fitted with production tools to help you create the highest quality video possible, even better!Any video content that you create can be recorded and used for future marketing opportunities on social media and video streaming platforms. Or, store your videos in a “content backlog” to create a unique and long-term revenue stream.
Ticketing and event registration needs to be easy to access for your audience and easy to monitor and track for event management teams. Why have more than one software tool if you don’t need to? The right event platform will make it easy for you to sell tickets, process revenues, customize your ticketing strategy, ask for donations, and process registrations.
To properly engage an online audience, you need interaction and features that are engaging. Watching a video from a keynote speaker, no matter how interesting, will not be enough to connect the audience to the content, spark excitement, and generate maximum attendee engagement. Any platform you choose should include live chat features (both text and video), gamification, polling options, breakout sessions, a virtual lounge and/or lobby, social media integrations for hosts and guests, and the ability to host and promote networking opportunities. All of these features are integral to engaging your remote audience in unique and exciting ways.
Email marketing is a reliably easy and effective marketing strategy. It delivers your messages directly to your target audience and even allows you to segment your audience groups. A platform that provides access to email templates will allow you to send custom branded emails to stay connected with your audience. Upload your contact list to send custom branded event email invitations in seconds. This information can be saved and used to help you promote future events.
It will be hard to know whether or not your virtual event is a success if you do not have proper data and analytics. Your event platform should give you access to real-time information related to ticket sales, website traffic, attendee data, and fundraising totals from a single dashboard. Capturing and accessing this information gives you vital insight into how your event is performing as the event goes on, allowing you to make adjustments on the fly to increase your opportunities for event success, however you define it. It’ll also provide historic analytics that overviews key performance indicators at each stage of the event's journey.
The virtual format may be a new one to you but choosing a platform with the right features can help your virtual event planning, your marketing, and your event hosting. These 7 platform features will improve the event experience and help you to maximize revenues while controlling all elements of your unique event brand. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice features or pick and choose which is most important to you when selecting a virtual event platform. Accelevents offers all of these features and more! With years of event experience, Accelevents has made it quick and easy to get your online event up and running. Within minutes, you can set up your website, start marketing your event, selling tickets, and raising funds. With reliable event technology, you can devote your time to where it matters most: generating great event content and growing your audience reach!
