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Virtual events have become increasingly common over the last few years, especially with so much uncertainty around in-person events. This has meant identifying and finding the best virtual event platform for event organizers to ensure that the platform can support all kinds of events.
With many virtual events becoming hybrid events that some attend in person, it’s important to find the right platform to support all these needs. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best virtual event platforms out there to help make the search easier.
In today’s digital age, virtual platforms have emerged as a powerful tool for connecting people irrespective of geographical boundaries. Essentially, virtual platforms are digital environments powered by sophisticated virtual event software that facilitates hosting events online.
These platforms serve as a bridge, connecting event organizers to their target audience seamlessly. Whether it’s a workshop, conference, or global summit, these platforms are designed to manage every aspect of an online event.
Organizers can efficiently handle event registration, coordinate with attendees, disseminate essential information, and ensure the smooth execution of the event, whether it’s for an intimate gathering or a sprawling international audience.
The inherent flexibility and adaptability of virtual platforms have made them an indispensable resource in the modern event management toolkit.
In an era where technology plays a pivotal role in connecting us, virtual events have become a staple for businesses and organizations worldwide.
However, transitioning from in-person to virtual events can be a daunting task, as it necessitates heightened engagement and meticulous organization.
With numerous platforms available, it’s crucial to know what features to prioritize to ensure a seamless event experience. Let’s delve into the essential elements to consider:
Interactivity: At the heart of every successful virtual event lies robust audience engagement. Does the platform you’re considering offer interactive features like polls, Q&A sessions, and breakout rooms? Such tools can significantly enhance attendees’ involvement, making them feel more connected to the event.
Event Management: Planning a virtual event involves various logistical components. An effective virtual event platform should simplify these tasks. Seek out features such as user-friendly scheduling, attendee management, automated invitations, and follow-ups. These tools not only ease the burden on planners but also guarantee that attendees have all the necessary information readily available.
Flexibility: As the event landscape evolves, platforms need to be agile. Whether you’re planning a fully virtual, hybrid, or in-person event, the chosen platform should cater to all these formats, ensuring that the audience’s experience remains top-notch regardless of the event’s nature.
Customizable: Branding plays a crucial role in setting the tone for your event. The platform you opt for should offer customization options that allow you to infuse the event with your brand’s essence, from logos and color schemes to personalized event landing pages.
Mobile App: In today’s fast-paced world, attendees often prefer on-the-go solutions. Many top-tier virtual event platforms now offer dedicated mobile apps, making event management and participation more accessible, even when attendees are away from their desktops.
Intuitive: A virtual platform should not just replicate an in-person event but enhance it. Features that simulate real-life interactions, such as virtual handshakes or networking lounges, can bridge the gap between virtual and physical, driving more profound attendee engagement and satisfaction.
Virtual event platforms have redefined how we host, attend, and engage with events, from webinars to full-fledged conferences. The surge in their popularity means a plethora of options, making the selection process intricate. Here’s how we approached the evaluation of these platforms:
Participants’ engagement often hinges on a platform’s ease of use. We prioritize platforms that offer a clear, intuitive, and seamless experience for both hosts and attendees.
A successful virtual event platform is one that is interactive and engaging. We appreciate platforms that include features such as polls, Q&A sessions, breakout rooms, and audience reactions.
The essence of a virtual event is its online presence. We emphasize platforms that offer high-quality, stable streaming with minimal lag or downtime.
The ability to integrate with other tools, like CRM systems or email marketing platforms, can streamline event management. Furthermore, customization options let brands align the platform’s look and feel with their identity.
From small workshops to massive global conferences, the platform should handle varying audience sizes without performance issues.
With increasing concerns about data privacy and security, we assess platforms based on their encryption standards, GDPR compliance, and overall data handling practices.
With a significant portion of users accessing events via mobile devices, platforms should offer a comparable experience on smaller screens.
Post-event insights can lead to enhancements. We prefer virtual event platforms that offer comprehensive analytics on attendee behavior, engagement metrics, and feedback.
Every event has a budget. We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of platforms, considering both their feature set and pricing tiers.
Even the best platforms can pose challenges. We appreciate platforms backed by responsive customer support and a rich library of resources or tutorials.
Selecting a virtual event platform requires balancing numerous considerations, from user experience to backend analytics. Our methodology aims to assist businesses in navigating this choice, ensuring their events resonate and achieve desired outcomes.
When evaluating a virtual event platform, you’ll need to consider what features will help you host virtual events and where the platform fits in. In addition, you need to create truly immersive events that attendees will enjoy for event excellence.
That’s why it’s so important for teams and marketing professionals to choose the right event software for the best event experience possible. If you don’t have much experience holding virtual events, look into event planning tips with this technology. Let’s look at some of the best virtual event platforms available for business.
The Hubilo platform executes perfectly when it comes to running a great virtual conference or event since it focuses on driving engagement. Hubilo empowers event organizers to create a great event ecosystem while creating a great experience.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: Virtual events and hybrid events
Key features include:
Immersive features
Customization
Reach a global audience
Engagement tools
Marketing automation integrations
Analytics tools
Accelevents is a leading event technology platform for virtual and hybrid events platform. It offers the ability to create authentic human connections while enabling teams to capture actionable analytics to improve the event experience.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: Virtual and hybrid events
Key features include:
Ticketing and registration features
Breakout rooms for networking
Engagement tools
Security and privacy
Integrated live streaming
Many event professionals use Eventhub to run a successful event. Eventhub allows for hybrid virtual events, including virtual booths and multiple integrations.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: Virtual and hybrid events
Key features include:
Registration forms
Event marketing integrations
Live streaming
Virtual booths
Analytics
Hubb is an exceptionally valuable tool for organizing successful virtual events, as it provides event planners with unmatched control to customize the event to their specific needs.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: Virtual, in-person, and hybrid events.
Key features include:
Interactive features for immersive experiences
Event Automation
Live streaming
Virtual booths
3D expo halls
Scalable
Zoom is a great virtual event platform and, by far, one of the most popular options for hosting virtual events. It has a host of features to make event planning easier for virtual exhibitions and events.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: Virtual events
Key features include:
Breakout rooms
Business tool integrations
Analytics
All-in-one virtual event platform
Ticketing and registration features
Dreamcast is another virtual conference platform to consider for your next virtual event, as it has a host of features that make it easy to host, organize, and run successful events.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: Virtual events
Key features include:
Reach a global audience
Flexible customization
Secure technology
Multiformat engagement features
Networking tools
If you’re running a large event, VFairs is definitely one of the top virtual events platforms to consider. VFairs offers a wide range of features and support for different types of events, making it a good choice.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: Virtual and hybrid events
Key features include:
Immersive and lifelike virtual environments
Specialized event features
Accessibility
Virtual exhibit halls
Interactive tools
6Connex is designed to make event management easier for professionals. Event managers can use 6Connex and its powerful features to run immersive virtual events through the virtual events platform.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: Virtual events and hybrid events
Key features include:
Perpetual virtual venues
Business tool integrations
Engagement features
Extensive security and privacy protocols
Insights and analytics
Hopin offers a smooth, easy experience for running events and can help with reaching engagement and event excellence. It includes a variety of useful features to make managing and running events smooth and easy.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: virtual, hybrid, and in-person events
Key features include:
Virtual venues
Live streams
Immersive experience
Event marketing
Onsite capabilities, if needed
Event Analytics
Airmeet offers a range of compelling features and capabilities that assist event managers in organizing virtual events on a larger scale. From intimate team meetings to large-scale global gatherings, Airmeet provides all the necessary tools to ensure a successful event.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: Virtual events
Key features include:
Customizable virtual venues
Live streams on Facebook and Youtube
Mobile features to connect audiences
Event planning and marketing
Interactive booths
Event Analytics
If you want greater flexibility in managing virtual conferences, Cvent is an excellent virtual event platform that brings significant value to business events. Moreover, with its diverse range of event types, businesses can easily transition from virtual to in-person formats as required.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: virtual, hybrid, and in-person events
Key features include:
Engagement features
Event marketing
Content management
Attendance tracking
Mobile app capabilities for audiences
Onsite capabilities, if needed
Customization
Whova is another all-in-one platform solution for running multiple types of events. Whova has extensive reach and lots of different features, whether you’re running large events or smaller ones.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: virtual, hybrid, and in-person events
Key features include:
Event app
Registration management
Event management
Event marketing tools
Sponsorship features
Audience engagement
PheedLoop makes it simple and easy to run large and small events. PheedLoop has powerful automation features to make event management less time-consuming and allows for a wide variety of event types depending on business needs.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: virtual, hybrid, and in-person events
Key features include:
Live streaming
Registration management tools
Mobile and web app for event
Event attendee management
Live video booths
Audience engagement and analytics
Socio enables businesses to build out their event in minutes, with powerful features to get audiences engaged and interested. With its sleek design and easy user experience, Socio has become a popular virtual event platform among large and small businesses.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: virtual, hybrid, and in-person events
Key features include:
End-to-end event management
Interactive audience engagement features
Onsite capabilities, if needed
Networking features, including virtual communities
Mobile event app
Customizable
SpotMe specializes in B2B event management and offers a variety of impressive features that simplify the event planning process for businesses. Its capabilities enable users to create exceptional events and manage them comprehensively while also ensuring that attendees remain interested and engaged.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: Virtual events and hybrid events
Key features include:
End-to-end event management on mobile and desktop
Interactive audience engagement features
Interactive newsfeed for updates and attendee information
Analytics and Audience Insight
Customizable
BigMarker is another solid option if you want to do online and hybrid events. It has a host of innovative and intuitive features, making it a great experience for businesses running the event and attendees.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: Virtual events and hybrid events
Key features include:
Interactive live streams
Business tool integrations
Flexible formats and modules
Registration and event management
Customizable virtual events
Hexafair is an all-in-one virtual event platform that supports trade fairs, conferences, and networking to create a truly immersive experience for attendees. The 3D features and functionalities make it feel truly lifelike and enable event managers to host high-quality events for attendees.
Available on: Desktop and mobile
Best for: Virtual events and hybrid events
Key features include:
Exhibitors booths in. 3D environment
Speakers & Sponsors management
Social networking
Audio and video streaming
Business tool integrations
Scale events as needed
For businesses seeking the right platform to host their virtual events, it’s essential to compare options at a glance. Below is a comparison table highlighting the primary features, availability, and best usage of the top virtual event platforms mentioned in this article.
Platform NameAvailable OnBest ForKey Feature 1Key Feature 2Key Feature 3
HubiloDesktop, MobileVirtual and Hybrid EventsImmersive FeaturesCustomizationMarketing Automation Integrations
AcceleventsDesktop, MobileVirtual and Hybrid EventsTicketing & RegistrationBreakout RoomsIntegrated Live Streaming
EventHubDesktop, MobileVirtual and Hybrid EventsRegistration FormsEvent Marketing IntegrationsLive Streaming
HubbDesktop, MobileVirtual, In-Person, and Hybrid EventsInteractive Features for Immersive ExperiencesEvent AutomationLive Streaming
BalloonDesktop, MobileVirtual EventsUnlimited StagesLive Stream CapabilitiesNetworking Features
ZoomDesktop, MobileVirtual EventsBreakout RoomsBusiness Tool IntegrationsAnalytics
DreamcastDesktop, MobileVirtual EventsReach a Global AudienceFlexible CustomizationSecure Technology
VFairsDesktop, MobileVirtual and Hybrid EventsImmersive and Lifelike Virtual EnvironmentsSpecialized Event FeaturesAccessibility
6connexDesktop, MobileVirtual and Hybrid EventsPerpetual Virtual VenuesBusiness Tool IntegrationsEngagement Features
HopinDesktop, MobileVirtual, Hybrid, and In-Person EventsVirtual VenuesLive StreamsImmersive Experience
AirmeetDesktop, MobileVirtual EventsCustomizable Virtual VenuesLive Streams on Facebook and YoutubeMobile Features
CventDesktop, MobileVirtual, Hybrid, and In-Person EventsEngagement FeaturesEvent MarketingContent Management
WhovaDesktop, MobileVirtual, Hybrid, and In-Person EventsEvent AppRegistration ManagementEvent Management
PheedLoopDesktop, MobileVirtual, Hybrid, and In-Person EventsLive StreamingRegistration Management ToolsMobile and Web App for Event
SocioDesktop, MobileVirtual, Hybrid, and In-Person EventsEnd to End Event ManagementInteractive Audience Engagement FeaturesNetworking Features
SpotMeDesktop, MobileVirtual and Hybrid EventsEnd to End Event Management on Mobile and DesktopInteractive Audience Engagement FeaturesInteractive Newsfeed
BigMarkerDesktop, MobileVirtual and Hybrid EventsInteractive Live StreamsBusiness Tool IntegrationsFlexible Formats and Modules
HexafairDesktop, MobileVirtual and Hybrid EventsExhibitors Booths in 3D EnvironmentSpeakers & Sponsors ManagementSocial Networking
Hybrid virtual events are the fusion of the traditional and the contemporary, combining the immersive experience of in-person gatherings with the reach and accessibility of online events.
At their core, these events offer the best of both worlds: attendees have the choice to be present physically or connect virtually through a specialized virtual, hybrid event platform. Given this dual nature, hybrid events present unique challenges.
Attendees, whether in-person or online, expect an engaging and memorable experience. It’s not merely about broadcasting an event to a virtual audience; it’s about integrating both audiences cohesively.
This delicate equilibrium makes the choice of the right platform crucial. The ideal platform should effortlessly merge the physical and digital realms, ensuring that no attendee, irrespective of their mode of participation, feels left out or undervalued.
Ensuring that both groups receive equal attention and a high-quality experience is paramount to the success of hybrid virtual events.
Image: Depositphotos
This article, “Best Virtual Event Platforms for Businesses” was first published on Small Business Trends
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