While COVID-19 has the world pinned down in their homes, businesses the world over are finding new innovative ways to overcome the challenges faced by social distancing. Online interaction in every form has become the number one priority for any business to keep up with the times and deal with the challenges that the lockdown has posed.
One of the businesses that everyone said was ‘dead in the water’ was Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events. The live conferences and expos that were the lifeblood of communication, showcasing products, brainstorming and networking, were thought to be a thing that we would just have to wait for until COVID-19 has been conquered.
This is not so, as shown by the emergence of numerous Virtual Event Solutions. I have personally partnered with a global platform backed by a diligent team specialising in the event technology space, having powered over 500 events to date.
I am proud to say this platform is available to all Southern African companies and brands looking to host a ‘Virtual Event’.
Creating silver linings
One has to wonder at the ingenuity of business people determined to continue making a living, that just as we have begun to get used to the idea of small and one on one virtual meetings, we are already able to create virtual conferences and expo situations.
How is it different?
There are a number of differences to the multiple standard meetings that are held on free service platforms and these are just some of the unique features of the Virtual Event’s platform.
The essential difference is the many ways that people can get to identify themselves properly and those they really want to meet, and then the various additional features that enable different types of meeting situations, Real-Time engagement and the promotion of products.
Meeting corridors
Meeting corridors can be set up like a real event or expo enabling profile set-up, buying tickets to and accessing certain special events, visit sponsor booths and post events on to available social walls.
Hosting virtual seminars
There is an added advantage in enabling what would typically have been a once-off live speaker event to be accessed and played at leisure. You can also host live Q and A and conduct live polling.
Networking
Large scale networking can be conducted, just as with real live events. Attendees can engage each other sending meeting requests, chats and exchange virtual business cards. Many great features make extensive networking possible like 1 on 1 chat both privately and in sessions, networking lounges etc.
Virtual booths for sponsors
As with any exhibition, sponsors have opportunities to show and market their wares. Virtual booths provide sponsors and exhibitors with an online space to market their product or service by hosting videos, product collateral and other details.
The way of the future
Without a doubt these virtual events and expos will gradually replace many of the live events as we know them today. Think of the savings of travel, time and set up costs when a virtual alternative is equally as effective.
Virtual event have an excellent platform offering everything required to stage your next virtual event or exhibition. In time we will all venture out again and COVID – 19 will be a thing of the past, but the way we do business will have forever changed. Contact us for your next virtual event or Expo and find out that the sky is ‘virtually’ the limit.
Stay home, stay safe and go virtual!