With in-person events temporarily suspended due to lockdown and restrictions, events moved online and virtual events became the primary event hosting model in 2020. The discovery of vaccines have been a game changer and we are all hopeful that in-person events will return soon.
Here in the UK, the government announced a roadmap out of lockdown which could see the gradual reopening of hospitality venues and the return of in-person events this summer. This is subject to a review of data against the government’s four tests. The roadmap shows some large and controlled events of up to 1,000 people or 50% of capacity including conferences and sports events being allowed to open from the 17th of May. In addition, legal limits on social contacts and live events could be removed from the 21st of June.
Whilst the biggest vaccination programme is now underway across the globe, countries are adopting different strategies and they are at different stages in their battle against coronavirus. You can see how different countries are tracking and handling the pandemic here - COVID-19 around the world. This has an impact on how soon international events will return. Thankfully, virtual events continue to provide event organisers with unlimited global potential.
Virtual events can be just as effective as in-person event. They are similar to in-person events, the difference is that they are hosted over the internet rather than a single location or venue where attendees are physically present. If you are still wondering whether to make the leap from in-person events to virtual, we have outlined below five key benefits of running your events online.
1. Cost-efficient
Without the need for extras associated with in-person events, example – accommodation, travel, catering, logistics and transporting materials to event venues, the cost of hosting and attending virtual events could be considerably lower.
2. Flexibility and Variable
It’s not a decision any event organiser would make lightly but sometimes events have to be cancelled or postponed due to an emergency. The global pandemic is a recent example of an emergency beyond the control of any event organiser. The stress, time and energy required to replan an in-person event can be huge. Virtual events are much easier to replan and replicate. The flexible nature and clever use of technology allows you to set up a similar online event in a matter of weeks.
3. Making Global Connections
The global reach of virtual events and the effective use of technology means you are able to reach an unlimited audience regardless of where they are in the world. Last autumn, one client’s event attendance almost tripled in size from 128 to 380 attendees when their in-person event changed to virtual. Of course, the social contact and connection experienced from meeting people in-person cannot be overlooked. But virtual events make it easier for your event attendees to connect with a global network of people.
4. Sustainability
Virtual events can help people attend your event without the long travel distance and cost to be there in person. Hosting events online also reduces and removes a lot of the waste created when hosting in-person events, particularly with food and beverage and rubbish from set up or breakdown after the event.
5. Data
Data is the new gold and technology is putting a lot of data directly into our hands. Whilst ensuring adherence to data protection regulations, you can gather valuable event data and leverage information which provides insights that help you make informed decisions. This reduces the risk that comes with trial and error testing methods on your event. Using the right virtual event platform and event management software you can harness data points throughout your event process, from online registration, to in-event activities, attendance tracking and post-event feedback.
We hope that highlighting some of these benefits helps you take that confident step towards hosting your next virtual event.
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