Technology advances our lives more and more each day, enabling us to connect faster, and larger than ever before. As technology progresses, so does the world of events. The spectrum of events has evolved to now include Virtual events, whereby participants and attendees can view and interact with live event content from any location around the globe, and from any device.

In today’s fast-paced world, time and budget restrictions often preclude people from being able to attend events in person. However, they are likely still very interested in the content being shared and are open to other ways of connecting. This poses an amazing opportunity to engage with larger audiences on a higher level and to deliver your content directly to a device that can be accessed in a single moment.

Let’s take a moment to understand more about Virtual Events and if they might be right for you.

What is a virtual event?

Virtual events are content broadcasted in real-time anywhere in the world to anywhere around the world, online. It enables organizers to connect with remote audiences, engage with them on various participation levels and can be viewed on various devices. There are several types of Virtual events within the spectrum that accommodate multiple ways of communication, and participation levels. They are:

  • Webcasting
  • Video Conferencing
  • Webinar
  • Custom Streaming

How does it work?

Webcasting takes your live event feed, funnels it through a webcasting solution and then broadcasts it to unlimited remote participants.

It allows you to have multiple content windows that may include a presentation slide window as well as a live event feed window streaming the presenter on stage.

Works great for broadcasting town hall events to remote employees or broadcasting your event feed to remote participants.   

Video Conferencing allows you to have multiple remote participants that come together in a virtual environment to collaborate for meetings or group discussions. Often all participants have similar or identical participation abilities.

Works great for multiple offices and branches to connect virtually and experience the meeting as if they were there in person.

Webinars allow you to host and distribute live content internally or externally through a webinar platform. Webinars are often used for educational and learning content and include polling and digital Q&A.

Works great for group training in a remote environment and delivering learning modules to your client base.

Custom Streaming covers situations that are unique to the other virtual event offerings. This includes social streaming -whereby your event can be live streamed and managed on Facebook or YouTube. Custom streaming also offers embedded video directly on your company website.

Great for custom situations that are not classified under webcasting, video conferencing, or webinars. Essentially, the ‘other‘ category.

How can virtual events help you?

Virtual events open up opportunities to expand your audience and reach more people than ever before.

If you:

  • Have remote audiences.
  • Have space limitations.
  • Various office locations that connect for meetings.
  • Have town-hall events that need to broadcast nationally or globally.
  • Have many clients or potential attendees that face travel barriers.
  • Are looking to open the ability for more people to view and participate in your events…

Virtual events may be right for you.

What do you need to get started?

There are 4 components that are essential to all virtual events. They are:

  1. Equipment suited to the virtual event type you are broadcasting.
  2. Network Connection defined as dedicated hardline internet connection.
  3. Streaming Platform or Content Network, there are many solutions available to accommodate your needs.
  4. Virtual Events Expert, someone who can work with you on your specific needs to recommend and assist you in planning and executing a successful virtual event.

Interested in virtual events? Connect with an FMAV virtual events expert now

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