Are virtual events part of your 2022 strategy? Well, they should be! Although it’s not an all-out replacement for in-person, virtual events (e.g. conferences, meetings/webinars, and webcasts) are only getting more popular, convenient, enjoyable, and not to mention safer with the pandemic still being of concern.
Even with the return of traditional in-person events (for which there’s been a huge demand), virtual events aren’t going anywhere any time soon. According to a global survey by Kaltura, almost 50% of organizations polled plan on hosting more virtual events in the new year, foresee virtual events continuing into 2023 and beyond, and are planning to host virtual and/or hybrid events themselves — here’s why…
- Accessibility
Virtual and hybrid events are simply more convenient and accessible than their in-person counterpart. With their lower cost barrier of entry (especially when you factor in travel and accommodations), technology interfaces that integrate accessibility easier, and the fact participants can attend from pretty much anywhere, both event planners and audiences seem to agree that this is the way to go.
Even when there is an in-person component, audiences have now grown accustomed to having a virtual option and will actually attend more events as a result of that convenience. The logistics side is made easier with virtual events being able to be organized and executed in weeks rather than months. With most keynote presentations and other content being recorded for virtual events, participants don’t have to strategically pick and choose what they’ll attend.
- Content and Engagement
In a world where online is increasingly the default and social media reigns supreme, who would’ve thought that audiences find online content more engaging? Whereas the draw with in-person conferences and events is networking, audiences actually report learning more in virtual and hybrid settings.
Think about it, companies are now relying on creatively driven production, offering dedicated learning sessions or demos, as well as Q&A sessions with experts as part of their virtual event roll-outs. No longer is it just a case of having the person in the office who’s a good public speaker go up on stage, hoping their charisma drives leads. Companies are thinking about and delivering engaging content and experiences, which has more sticking power!
- Lower Cost
Another big benefit to virtual events is that they cost less to both produce and attend. For event organizers, you don’t need to book a venue (we’ve got you covered with our simultaneous interpretation and virtual event studio), pay for the travel and accommodations of your speakers, or liaison with hotels to make sure there’s enough space for anticipated guests.
On the speaker front, even the most high-profile individuals cost less when they’re delivering an online presentation versus being there. Likewise, event attendees and presenters have also found that they’re able to attend / book more events because it isn’t as cost prohibitive as in-person. People can now participate in events across the globe opening possibilities that weren’t necessarily available to them before… it’s quite literally a whole new world!
- Participant Satisfaction
So if we haven’t made it clear, it turns out people really enjoy online events. There was definitely a transition period where people had to get acclimated to the new format, audiences and presenters alike. The past year however has forced the adoption and improvement of virtual event experiences since, once again, they’re not going anywhere.
Counter to traditional thinking, virtual events can even be more intimate. There’s less of a performance going on in online presentations, especially if presenters and attendees are in their home environments, and interaction can happen without someone needing to feel comfortable stepping up to the mic. This setup makes presenters seem more relatable, approachable, and everyone can feel like they’ve got the best seat in the house!
Although the events industry may seem more complex than ever with all the options available… that’s where we come in! Contact Baldwin Audio/Visual Solutions today to learn more about our event solutions.