Virtual events: Again or still?

Featured Feature: Event Networking

virtual events They're here to stay. The corona pandemic has clearly given the development of technologies for virtual events a boost and new formats have emerged that not only serve as a substitute for live events, but are also taking full effect online.

Whether trade fairs, conferences, product presentations or employee training courses: As virtual events, these event formats get additional flexibility, which ensures that their reach is increased.
 

Expectations for virtual events

But over time, the expectations of organizers and participants are also increasing. For virtual events to be successful events, they must meet a few expectations. And these can be named very specifically:

• Usability
• Content
• Networking

As participants of virtual events become increasingly experienced in navigating through virtual platforms, the focus is shifting to content. Efficiency in terms of product and knowledge transfer characterizes virtual formats. A further focus is on the formation of a Event community laid. The informal exchange and networking effect of physical events should not be neglected, even in virtual settings.

‍AirLST's new features

In order to meet our clients' expectations for virtual events, we are constantly developing our platform. New features are aimed at the current needs of users. In close contact with the users of our solution, we determine wishes and needs.

Our latest feature is the Social wall. Here, participants post photos or short videos about given tasks or suggestions. Posts can be liked and commented on by other users. Our Networking Features We have expanded to give participants the opportunity to exchange ideas 1:1. They can now do this via chat, video calls, postings and the comment function.

Clearly, the focus is shifting from passively consuming a virtual event to more interaction and participation. Auch hybrid formats contribute to this. For example, we are currently working on formats that Presence buddies use to bring users at home into contact with local guests. The face-to-face participants are then also part of the virtual event via mobile devices and expand the range of online participants.

Covid remains present

Routines at local events will continue to be characterized by measures against Covid in the near future. Contact tracing and check-in are therefore sensitive processes that must be handled carefully in order to be corona compliant. In order to make processes and handling easier for organizers and admissions staff, we are therefore currently working on integrating the CovPass app into our AirLST check-in app. Admission staff can then document and check vaccination or test certificates without changing the application.

Virtual and hybrid events are therefore continuing to develop and emancipate themselves from classic face-to-face events into independent formats of the future by combining and increasingly intertwining the best of both worlds.