7 Types of Virtual Events: What They Are Used For

For many people, the thought of a virtual event conjures up images of distant presentations and small groups. However, with new technology and advanced platforms, this is not always the case. Virtual events can be used for anything from basic training to live-streamed concerts to webinars for public audiences or private organizations. The following blog post will explore seven types of virtual events and how they are used.

Virtual Training & Webinars

Virtual events are often used in organizations for trainings that could not be done face to face. These virtual events can either take place within an organization or across the world, with a facilitator and attendees connecting through video chat software (e.g., Skype). The key is to have enough bandwidth so everyone can get good sound and visuals during the event–this way you’re getting what’s known as ‘presence’. Facilitators should also plan ahead by using interactive content such as games, quizzes and polls. This way, the trainees are more engaged and learn better.

eWebinar is a terrific platform for these kinds of events.

Virtual Events as Conferences and Summits

Virtual events can also take the form of virtual conferences, which are designed to meet goals such as boosting collaborative creativity and problem-solving skills. Virtual gatherings often use live video streaming, webinars for public audiences or private organizations and online discussion forums in order to create a communal feeling even when people never have met face to face. Virtual conferences allow for participants to get inspired, learn new skills and share their expertise.

If you’re considering putting on a virtual conference or summit for your business in the coming year, and aren’t sure where to start, we have a virtual event intensive that will walk you through the entire planning process, from strategy to execution, to ensure your attendees come away feeling great about your event, and your brand!

Platforms dedicated to virtual summits include HeySummit, InEvent, and Airmeet.

And if you’re already investing in a platform to host your virtual summit, consider implementing one of these other virtual event ideas for SaaS brands.

Virtual Exhibitions

Virtual events don’t just take place live on stage; they are often incorporated into other types of presentations too. For instance, some companies will create interactive online exhibits that allow people from around the world to join and not only view but participate in what’s happening onstage (e.g., voting). This is especially effective if you’re hosting an event at a trade show where potential customers may come up short owing to constraints like geography or time zone issues.

For this and the next few types of virtual events, you can use streaming platforms or simply live stream to social networks like Facebook or YouTube.

Virtual Concert Events

Virtual events don’t have to be about business–they’re often used for entertainment purposes too! For instance, if you want your favorite band’s performance to look like they’re playing right next door, all you need is the latest technology and an online platform that supports live streaming of quality video (e.g., YouTube or Facebook). This not only creates opportunities for emerging artists but also helps promote established ones by giving them another avenue through which fans can interact with them via social media.

Virtual Grand Openings

Like virtual conferences, virtual ribbon cutting ceremonies offer businesses a chance at international exposure without having to spend on costly flights and hotel rooms for different representatives from each company. Virtual grand openings also allow companies to save money by holding it in one location, rather than having the opening take place at separate locations around the world, as is often done with physical events.

Virtual Tours

Virtual tours are a great way to experience new places without ever leaving your home! For instance, if you’re planning a vacation but don’t want to go alone or can’t find anyone who’s willing to travel with you–or perhaps just not interested enough–you could use virtual reality software such as Google Street View (which has been integrated into Maps) that allows users all over the world access 360 degree views of various locations.

Virtual Reality headsets can be bought online for a few hundred dollars and Virtual Reality tours can often be viewed at no cost, making them an attractive option for people seeking to travel on the cheap.

Virtual Events in Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is quickly becoming more mainstream–especially as prices of Virtual Reality headsets have gone down significantly over the past couple years. And while VR has been used primarily for entertainment purposes (think gaming) there are also companies that use this technology during live presentations or meetings with clients.

For example, let’s say you’re hosting a conference about your company’s latest product release. If it gets good reviews after being released into market but needs some time before it becomes well known by consumers, you could offer attendees who couldn’t make it in person a Virtual Reality headset that will allow them to experience the product firsthand, rather than just reading about it.

This type of Virtual Event is also beneficial for companies who want their employees to be trained on new products or processes–they can use Virtual Reality headsets during training sessions and have people virtually walk through various scenarios, such as how they would troubleshoot operational issues.

Virtual events clearly are not limited to conferences! They’re used by businesses around the world for many different purposes. The event platform may vary depending on what you need but most virtual event platforms come with features like live streaming video, chat rooms and polling which make it easy for attendees from all over the world to participate remotely without having any technical experience. Virtual events are a great way to attract new customers, promote your company’s latest products and services, or train employees on how to handle different situations without having any travel expenses.

What kind of virtual event will you utilize in your business next?

If you aren’t yet convinced about the benefits of virtual events, particularly for SaaS brands, here are ten incredible benefits you’ll realize.