7 good reasons for virtual events

There is potential in virtual events

It is clear that the digitization of events has made a big leap due to the restrictions imposed by the corona pandemic. New digital formats and solutions for virtual events are being tried out and promoted. Content is being reworked and is also used in the long term in the form of virtual events form a new event category that is more than a substitute for physical events. The benefits are undeniable. We've put together the seven most important ones for you:

1. Planning security instead of cancellations or postponements

In our opinion, this is one of the most important points, especially in view of the difficult to predict development of infection figures and the corresponding measures. In recent months, we have experienced various requirements and the limitation of the number of registered participants time and again. Events that were postponed into autumn in spring must be rescheduled once again or finally canceled because they fall into the next wave. This unsettles planners, companies and participants. Virtual events are the better alternative for many event formats without impending cancellation or postponement.

2. Increase reach

A positive factor for virtual events that should not be underestimated is the wide reach that an event can achieve in digital format. Without travel and expenses, companies can enable more employees to attend an event. The reach of a product presentation, for example, can be immensely increased in this way. Participants are not bound by time or location, especially if the event is made available in a virtual media library on a long-term basis. And companies not only save travel costs, but also their employees' time; a virtual event can be attended from the workplace: this reduces downtime. In addition, virtual events can be used to reach target groups who are unable to attend physical events for health reasons, for example. In this sense, virtual events also promote accessibility and have an integrative character.

3. Cost reduction

Yes, virtual events are also not available for free and the costs of a reliable technical infrastructure, such as server capacities and a convincing design, are probably often higher than initially assumed. Nevertheless, it can generally be said that virtual events are less expensive than physical events. Renting suitable event locations regularly takes up a large part of the budget, especially when there are special requirements or a top location in a prime location is required. These costs are omitted or are partly invested in the design and programming of a virtual event location. Items such as travel expenses, exhibition construction, catering, event technology, decorative materials and print materials are also eliminated and reduce costs. However, costs are not only reduced on the part of producers, but also on the part of visitors, especially when it comes to business events. Travel and accommodation costs often result in only a few employees of a company taking part in events. If events can be attended virtually, this reduces costs for companies, and at the same time, more employees can be registered for the event.

4. Flexibility in terms of time and space

The desired location is not available on the date or does not include the planned number of participants? Is a short-term event planned without much lead time? Or do the location, dates and everything else fit, but the local hotels are fully booked? Many obstacles to a successful event don't even arise when planning a virtual event. Event planning has never been more flexible. Virtual event venues can be adapted to the requirements of the event down to the last detail. It is also not necessary to transport every content live stream alone, so that the event can be attended flexibly and easily across time zones. Virtual events thus promote the temporal and spatial flexibility of events.

5. Real-time data analysis

The more specific the data, the more accurate the evaluation. When is the best time to watch the live stream? Which videos are most frequently clicked on in the media library? How long have breakout rooms been visited and which virtual exhibition stand is particularly popular? Targeted data collection is a big plus at virtual events. Participant activity is much more transparent to measure than at physical events. Sure, logged-in visitors and data-tracking pages combine to create a productive synthesis. A great deal of information about target groups is collected at virtual events. Tracking and reporting are used to create page views, participant activities, interactions and rankings, which are converted into successful leads by organizers. The success of the virtual event can thus be measured precisely.

6. Personalized content

Hardly any other format is better suited to conveying personalized content than virtual events. Personalized communication and individual, tailor-made content pick up the guests and ensure a longer stay at the virtual event. Whether online or offline, guests should always be addressed and invited in person. After this basic step, an individual agenda, suggestions for particularly relevant lectures, exhibition stands or product presentations are part of the individual package. About personal Invitation links And through at the registry Stored information can be assigned to guests to specific groups, for which appropriate information and suggestions are stored. Guided matchmaking and networking can also be optimized using precise participant profiles and meet the individual requirements of the guests.

7. Develop sustainable and innovative formats

Anyone who is now at the forefront can set trends. Virtual events are nothing completely new, but their frequency, distribution and impact are currently experiencing a peak. Now is the best time to experiment with formats and find out what the best virtual event could look like. Innovations are required, not only in technical implementation, but also in design, which shapes the look & feel of virtual events and, of course, in content. How is content delivered sustainably at virtual events? How is proximity created virtually? How do we network virtually? We are now shaping the events of the future, an opportunity that must be seized.