This past year created a lot of new experiences and learnings around online communication technologies and virtual events. It’s no secret that public safety on account of the current pandemic has been the driving reason for such large-scale adoption of virtual events throughout 2020. Did you know that 93% of organizers plan to continue investing in virtual events moving forward though, even post-COVID?
Although in-person events will obviously return, their virtual alternatives will be increasingly popular in hybrid event formats and continued in other cases for their cost-saving and convenience factors. We know the main goal for people is simply not being a cat but there are other insights that have come from adopting these formats too. We at Baldwin Audio/Visual Solutions thought it would be valuable to look at some interesting stats and what they mean for you and your virtual events in 2021!
- Multi-session events
With virtual conferences, it makes sense that there would be multiple sessions just like what you’d expect in person. Did you know though that the average number of sessions per event is upwards of 12? Virtual events can incorporate a variety of different session formats like prepared video presentations, keynote speakers, panels, workshops, etc. as well as more entertaining formats geared at audience engagement and connection. There’s no shortage of options!
- Longer formats work too
When it comes to digital communication formats, the traditional wisdom has been keeping it visual, short, and concise. This advice still has its value for sure but when it comes to virtual conferences, virtual meetings and webinars, as well as webcasts, about 68% of attendees watch and engage with session content that’s 20 minutes or longer. Let’s not forget that virtual events lend to people engaging afterward because they can re-watch, download, or possibly share with others.
- Keep the focus on connection
Although virtual conferences and events have the capability of hosting an audience of hundreds or thousands, a good portion of an event’s sessions are dedicated to engagement and connection between smaller groups of people. Almost 60% of sessions are smaller in size and incorporate some form of audience interactivity. This format makes these sessions more personal, engaging, and memorable with interactivity options that range from participant submitted questions, live polls, chats, or even passing the virtual mic to audience members!
- The single-day virtual event
Since virtual events have a variety of different formats they can employ, many try to give participants as much quality content to choose from in as convenient a way possible. For this reason, more than 60% of these events are single-day ones. The second most popular length for a virtual event is the three-day conference but this only accounts for about a tenth of the overall total. This statistic highlights the convenience aspect since virtual conferences, in particular, can deliver the same conference program online and in one day rather than across multiple.
- Building relationships while providing knowledge
The majority of virtual events (55%) are geared towards providing information by fostering relationships. Whether this is with customers where there might be a retention aspect, or organizational members who are internal stakeholders, virtual events are not just serving a communication function — they are supplementing a need for connection and dialogue. Obviously, there’s the informational component of these presentations and events but the implicit goal should be informing and educating through bridging understanding.
Baldwin Audio/Visual Solutions’ experience and expertise with a variety of platforms, formats, and even an in-house studio, will help bring your virtual events to life this year. Contact us today to discuss your event needs and how our solutions can help!