How do you turn your corporate events into online events? How do you go from a meeting, a conference, a press conference to an entirely digital experience, to be conducted remotely thus ensuring everyone’s safety? As you might imagine, we have been getting this sort of question quite frequently, since starting our platform. Today, we decided to answer them, to map out the process that leads from an event’s concept to its full realisation through our platform. Organising online events is a simple and rewarding experience for our customers and a wonderful challenge for us. Here’s how it works.
Technically, what are online events?
The answer may not be obvious to outsiders. Actually, online events are, technically, no more or less than sites that participants can visit, provided that they have been given the appropriate credentials to access their content. What distinguishes them from the rest of the world wide web, however, are the special interactive features that allow users to perform coordinated actions with others in real-time. Many functions allow for this type of interaction: these make up the so-called “interface”. Through tools such as chats, webinars, live streams, and plenty of digital content, we can enrich the user’s experience and bring it closer to that of a real-life event.
Can I transform my traditional events into online events without losing customers?
Of course, but you need to start working on it long before the actual event, to dispel the natural climate of doubt and uncertainty that is always created when major changes are announced. First of all, it is essential to communicate correctly with your clients, partners, and potential attendees, explaining in detail the decision to translate your event onto a virtual dimension. Secondly, you will have to provide a clear and complete account of the services your virtual event is going to offer, and describe the type of experience the client can expect, the actions they will be able to perform on the platform, and all the new features that enrich online events with functions that are not replicable in real life. It is also worth pointing out the advantages of this format, such as the possibility of saving on travel, since your attendees won’t have to reach your chosen event venue.
How will my guests’ and my speakers’ experience change?
Online events are easier to attend for speakers and panelists, who can effectively pitch to a wider variety of potential platforms since distance is no longer an issue. All issues related to logistics and travel, naturally, are greatly simplified when a panel turns into a conference call, a lecture into a webinar, and a meeting into a chat. Again, however, it will be important to follow the individual speakers closely to make sure they don’t have problems managing their roles remotely. For example, it is advisable to organize some technical rehearsals before the actual event, to make sure that all those who will take part in the panels or hold webinars know how to use the necessary tools, that they have identified a properly lit space in their own home or office in which to hold their live stream, and so on.
If I organize a virtual trade-show, can I still sell stands to my exhibitors?
Of course, that’s the beauty of online events! The degree of customization of this type of experience depends entirely on the platform or budget, but all the functions needed in a major event, such as a trade show, are entirely replicable. Before moving on to the commercial aspect, we suggest you work out a complete offer for your customers, with the help of our tech-support staff, so that you have a clear picture of the features that can be activated on each stand, the degree of customisation available to each client, the aesthetic experience created for the visitor through the use of logos and the branding of virtual spaces, and the usability of the different interfaces. This will enable you to create a virtual trade-show experience to rival the biggest and most famous events in your industry.