5 reasons why your next event should be virtual

Thinking about going virtual, but still on the fence?

You’re not alone. While the snap, crackle and pop around virtual events has grown, many organisations are still weighing up the advantages and disadvantages. But if you're looking for a smarter, more sustainable, and cost-effective way to connect with your audience—without compromising on impact—it might be time to take the plunge.

Here are five solid reasons why running your next event online could be the best decision you make this year.

1. Sustainable

Forget bamboo straws, refill cups, and recycled hand towels. If your company is looking for ways to make your next event truly sustainable, you should be looking to the world of virtual events.

A virtual event may not immediately spring to mind when thinking about making an eco-friendly event. But in fact, it’s one of the most sustainable ways you can host an event today. When hosting a physical event you have to consider not only the logistics required to get people to the event venue, but also the amount of food waste and rubbish generated each day. With virtual events, you don’t have to worry about any of that. According to a study from Birmingham University, a one-day physical event can produce up to 170kg of Co2 and create over 5 tonnes of refuse waste.

Calculate your event impact on environment

2. Flexible

One of the key benefits of going virtual is being able to connect with attendees across the world without ever leaving your office or home. The technology lets you connect in networking lounges via audio or video chat, and take part in webinars and presentations. You can showcase the latest product demos through a booth environment and train people with an integrated Learning Management System. Hosting a virtual conference could be a great alternative or an addition to your plan. Especially during recent times with major public health emergencies announced such as the coronavirus pandemic, causing many worldwide events like Mobile World Congress to be cancelled or postponed. Virtual events take the stress out of last-minute changes. Because the platform allows you to duplicate existing setups and simply tweak a few details, you can get a similar event up and running in just a few weeks. It’s the plan B you didn’t know you had.

3. Collaborative

It sounds rather unbelievable that you can connect with attendees in the same way virtually as you would at a physical event; however, it’s true. With 1-2-1 video conferencing and live networking rooms, virtual business cards and integrated social media channels, it is easier than ever to make lasting connections with a global audience. Whereas at a physical event you rely solely on the people who can travel to attend, a virtual event removes that limitation, massively increasing your networking reach and potential.

4. Reusable

You’ll find with a physical event that once the event has ended the doors close and you cannot reuse the event space. With a virtual event this couldn’t be more different. A 365 virtual environment allows you to host multiple events throughout the year, at any time, giving you ultimate flexibility. And since there’s no closing time, your virtual event can remain accessible around the clock, 24/7 365. This not only gives you flexibility when deciding what time to host your event, but also provides your attendees the option of joining at their leisure. Removing the outdated format of rigid attendance times will significantly boost your attendance numbers and repeat visitors for your future events.

5. Cost-efficient

One of the less obvious benefits of hosting a virtual event is the cost savings. In organisations where hundreds of executives and professionals attend multiple conferences each year—often costing thousands per event—a virtual event can be an attractive option not just for the organisation itself, but also for those attending. By removing the need for extensive travel, costly accommodation, and overpriced catering, a virtual event can lead to significant savings for everyone involved.