How are you doing with hosting and event planning your virtual events lately? Are you getting enough traction? Are your virtual event guests engaged?
If you’re still experiencing hiccups with your virtual events, or worse, aren’t offering them at all, keep reading. Today’s event planners are harnessing the power of virtual events as stand-alone engagements and as hybrid elements of their in-person events. And these are the must-have event technology tools you need to be successful online.
1. Virtual Event Website Tools
Just as you would create an event website or landing page for an in-person engagement, you’ll want to create one for your virtual event. And it serves as a nerve center for everything, including as a CTA method for inviting virtual guests and showcasing your virtual event’s itinerary. Be sure your virtual event website has all the tools needed to engage, educate, and entice, including:
- Date, start time, and location link
- What’s planned and why guests can’t afford to miss it
- Transparent and clear branding about you and your client
- Call to action and virtual event registration
- Fun and engaging images and/or video footage
- Testimonials from previous virtual event guests
2. Virtual Event Invitation & Registration Tools
Event planners will need to spend time in developing their invitations and registrations. If your processes are clunky or less than seamless, it signals to potential attendees that your virtual event might be just as clunky. Your digital invitations and registration forms are must-have tools in the arsenal that can be just as effective as marketing as they are at collecting guest information. Make sure they’re intuitive, mobile-friendly, and secure. And the info you collect should include the following:
- Attendee information and details
- Level of access (including and VIP perks)
- Webinar or session sign-ups
- Brief summary of every element chosen
- Easy payment processing and receipts
3. Live-Streaming Software
You’ll also need a flawless solution for live-streaming. Most online events are at least partially live-streamed, so you’ll need a quality app that makes access and viewing a breeze. From keynote speakers and training seminars to entertainment portions and product rollouts, live-streaming software is a must. Consider these popular solutions.
- YouTube Live
- Facebook Live
- Periscope
- Livestream
- Brightcove
- Twitch
4. Virtual Event Must-Have Apps
Everyone uses apps on their mobile devices. And as an event planner, you’ll need to tap into that usage. The right virtual event apps can offer experiential and interactive experiences. Make sure any app you develop has all the same characteristics as your event’s website. Here are additional benefits of virtual event apps.
- Showcasing event sponsors
- Professional networking opportunities
- Promote the virtual event
- Great method for games and giveaways
- FAQs
- Post-event surveys
5. Webinar Hosting Platforms
Hosting a virtual event also means having a reliable and formidable hosting platform. There are several to choose from, each with unique features that speak to different types of events. Some are ideal for hosting business meetings, while others are perfect for training sessions. Here are a few available examples of the most popular platforms:
- GoToWebinar
- Zoom
- ClickMeeting
- Livestorm
As you look to add or improve your virtual event planning service offerings, you’ll want to consider these digital tools. Of course, you’ll need a great camera, impeccable lighting, and a strong internet connection, too. But every tool you leverage will only help to elevate your online experiences.
For more insights about virtual event planning, be sure you get tickets to The Event Planner Expo 2023! It’s your chance to get in the room with some of the most brilliant events industry pros to learn and grow your business!
