Nowadays, virtual events are a major part of the modern work environment. The best virtual event platforms not only provide a safe way for large groups of people to meet during the height of the pandemic, but they are highly convenient and much more accessible than face-to-face gatherings.
Because there are plenty of different virtual event platforms out there, the possibility of choosing the right one for your next event can seem overwhelming.
In this article, we’ll be talking about the basics of virtual event platforms, how to select the right and best virtual event platform for your event, and the five best virtual event platforms out there.
What are virtual event platforms?
Virtual event platforms are event management systems (EMS) designed to host virtual and hybrid gatherings such as conferences, workshops, webinars, Q&A sessions, etc. for different groups of people.
Virtual event platforms come in all shapes and sizes, with features designed to handle different types of gatherings. Whether you’re looking to host a large conference that requires ticketed attendees, or a more intimate gathering, there’s sure to be an ideal virtual event platform to suit your needs.
Virtual event platforms vs. video conferencing tools
In today’s work and educational circles, Zoom is practically synonymous with virtual meetings. But when it comes to virtual event platforms, that’s not really the case.
Virtual event platforms are designed to accommodate large audiences while providing a seamless user experience and rich interactions, while video conferencing tools, such as Zoom, are primarily meant to hold meetings.
Video conferencing tools, while too handy, there is lack the number of audience engagement features that are present in virtual event platforms.
Choosing the right virtual event platform for your next event
When selecting a virtual event platform for your next event, keep these questions in your mind to narrow your search:
- Which type of event are you hosting?
- Will the event be interactive?
- How many people will attend?
- Do attendees need tickets to attend?
- Will it be a hybrid event or completely virtual?
- Need more than one video stream or breakout room?
These questions can help you better sift through the hundreds of virtual event platforms available to you so that you can choose the platform that best meets your event needs.
Top virtual event platforms for 2023
In no particular order, here’s a look at five of the top virtual and hybrid event platforms today and some of the key features they offer.
- Hopin
- vFairs
- BigMarker
- Accelevents
- HeySummit
1. Hopin
Significant features:
- Hybrid, Virtual, in-person, and internal events
- Event registration tools
- Virtual lobby
- Analytic reports
- Attendee and 1:1 networking
Hopin provides a free version for those just getting started with virtual event planning also advanced plans for those looking for a full-service package.
Hopin is an event management platform (EMP) that offers virtual, hybrid, and in-person event experiences. Whether you are looking to host an event with 50 attendees or 5,000 attendees, It’ has networking features that allow for hands-on sessions and face-to-face meetings.
The virtual event platform as well as features customization tools that enable event organizers to create a unique experience that reflects your company and feels personalized for your audience. From ticket and registration management to attendee analytics reports, you can oversee all points of your next virtual or hybrid event.
2. vFairs
Significant features:
- Hybrid, Virtual, and in-person events
- Animated virtual lobby & exhibit hall
- Networking and chat tools
- Event sponsorships
- Analytic report
For pricing detail, head over to vFairs, where you can book the demo to learn more about their event platform.
With vFairs as your virtual event platform of choice, you’ll be able to greet your event attendees in an animated virtual lobby with interactive exhibitor booths for enhanced connectivity.
The vFairs virtual environment is structured like a physical venue, making it easy to navigate and creating an intuitive event experience. All can be done from your computer.
Virtual auditoriums and presentation rooms create an immersive webinar and lecture experience. Interactive tools allow viewers to interact with speakers via chat and gamification features.
3. BigMarker
Significant features:
- Create live, simulative, and on-demand video experiences
- Exhibit hall, Breakout sessions, and interactive networking tools
- Customization opportunities to make branded experiences
- Attendee registration management for hybrid and virtual events
- Analytic report
BigMarker’s built-in Broadcast Studio can help you make and stream high-quality webinars and live-stream events. With chat, polling, Q&A, and handout features, you can foster an interactive presentation experience that uplifts attendee participation, just like an in-person event.
Branding and navigation controls let you make a one-of-a-kind virtual event that fits your company. You can select from breakout sessions, networking meetings, exhibitor halls, and gamification to create an immersive event experience.
4. Accelevents
Significant features:
- 1:1 Attendee networking tools
- Virtual lobby and breakout rooms
- Event exhibitors and sponsorships
- Analytic reports
- Webcasting integrations
Accelevents pricing starts at $125+ per month. Or, you can pay per/event, starting at $500 and up.
With Accelevents you can host the whole thing from conferences, trade shows, and product launches to career fairs, seminars, and training. Accelevents provides end-to-end event management so you can take control of your whole event and create an experience your attendees won’t forget.
The platform is most intuitive, so you can customise your event experience to fit your audience. Organize engaging events that attendees can enjoy in person and online, with expo halls that can even be sponsored!
5. HeySummit
Significant features:
- Unlimited team members and unlimited active events
- Talk management and speaker dashboard
- Branding customization
- Analytic report
- Compatible with video and webinar platforms such as YouTube, Zoom BigMarker, Wistia, GoogleMeet, Vimeo, and Twitch
HeySummit pricing starts at $33+ per month or $300+ annually.
HeySummit simplifies virtual event set-up and coordination. The attendee registration tool allows you to control the registration flow and keep track of who is who. The dashboard gives your speakers control over when they are addressing the audience and helps keep their information up to date while talk management tools assist you to manage speaking events.
HeySummit has reporting and analytics features, so you can keep track of how your attendees are responding to your events, so you can make adjustments to ensure you’re delivering an inclusive, interactive Entering event.
Marketing your next virtual event
Organizing and managing a virtual event of any size is no little feat. Getting people to come to the event, however, is another matter. With the help of an agency, you can market your next virtual event and start putting those registration management tools to good use!
Start developing your digital marketing plan for your next virtual event.