How to find the best platform for virtual events

In the last few years, many events have turned to a virtual format. Though this may have been sparked by the pandemic, holding events online opens the door to new opportunities. 

For starters, virtual events can be more cost-efficient since you won’t have to rent a space or cater to a crowd. Virtual events can also reach a wider audience regardless of location. 

These events can promote your business, but you’ll need to engage your attendees for success. Virtual event platforms can assist with that. But with so many options, how can you find the right fit? We’ve got you covered. 

This guide covers the best platforms for virtual events, including:

• Hopin
• BigMarker
• Eventee 
• Let’s Get Digital
• VFairs

See also: How to host a virtual event.

To run events that support your brand and help you win over customers, you’ll need to know what to look for in a platform. 

Plus, some event tools are significant investments for your business. So, it’s important to ensure you get what you pay for. We’ll cover the main things to expect. 

Your online events may have long guest lists with people spanning far distances. 

Or you may need to share and present a lot of file content or information. These needs put you at risk of lagging, crashing, or losing connection during the event. 

So it’s important to have an event tool that can support and adapt. Your platform needs to:

• Handle large groups
• Run your event at a high speed
• Maintain quality image and sound
• Live stream and record events

Also consider the level of security you need for your events. The right platform should protect your data. 

This way, you won’t have to worry about the wrong people gaining access so you can focus on running a smooth and successful event. 

The best platform for virtual events will allow you to make the event seamless and engaging through easy-to-use interactive tools. For example, it might let you use: 

• Chat functions
• Q&As
• Break out rooms 
• Waiting rooms
• Presentations 
• Games 

On top of this, the platform will help you run your event successfully with varied event design options based on your needs. A virtual webinar likely looks different from a workshop, so you’ll need customisation tools. 

A strong event platform should also present your business well with marketing tools. For example, it might let you create a custom landing page to make your event experience professional and unique. 

You’ll need to integrate marketing materials into the event design, such as your business logo. It’s also important to include downloadable pamphlets to support the event.  

Now that you know what to look for in the best platform for virtual events, it’ll be easier to find what’s right for you. 

Of course, each small business has unique event needs depending on the size and type of event or market you wish to reach. Let’s look at a few options. 

Hopin is a widely popular digital event platform that can stream high-quality visuals with adaptable tools that make your event look great. 

It works on a small and large scale and helps to immerse the audience with notifications, interactive tools, and marketing features. 

Hopin offers easy-to-use chat and question features while efficiently updating you and your guest on the event’s status. Then, Hopin Canvas lets you customise visuals and incorporate marketing materials. 

Price: Free for entry-level

BigMarker is an all-in-one webinar software and virtual events tool that offers over 15 event module designs, so it’s versatile and can make an event suitable for your business. 

The platform also allows you to create branded videos for your events. 

On top of this, BigMarker lets you incorporate networking into your event. These tools help you and your guests build strong relationships that positively impact your business.

Price: Free trial with starter package at £60/month 

Eventee makes virtual events simple. It’s also accessible from your browser or smartphone. Eventee is an excellent option if you’re new to digital events and want a tool that does it all.

The platform offers great analytical tools to measure the success of your event.

Plus, the starter package is free, so you don’t have to worry about a significant investment right away. 

Price: Free for entry-level

Let’s Get Digital allows you to create memorable and engaging events with diverse design features. You can create a unique event that fits your brand identity and users can interact with the different sections. 

This tool lets you share files, run quizzes and Q&As, and even set up virtual booths. It even considers international attendees, allowing you to add different time zones to the lobby, so people know when to arrive. 

Overall, it’s a great choice if you want a more complex and versatile event experience. 

Price: £240/month for online and £416/month for hybrid

VFairs can create a variety of events based on your organisation and needs. 

The platform aims to bring virtual events to life. It has realistic animated visuals for the entrance, waiting room, and event itself that help people feel more present in the virtual setting. It also offers 3D and fun interactive features. 

VFairs is a great choice if you want to create visually focused events for your business.     

Price: varies based on features. 

The right virtual event platform helps you create memorable experiences for your audience. As a result, your business will look more professional and attractive to potential customers.

But once you get people to your events, it’s up to you to hold their attention. With that in mind, you might want to improve your event skills with our article on seven ways to improve your public speaking.

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