8 Steps to Successful Virtual Event Planning

Virtual and in-person events have similar objectives and only differ in terms of the way they operate, one in-person and the other online. The goals are the same: delivering a message, generating leads and revenue, building brand loyalty, and driving sales. There are many benefits of hosting a virtual event. Be strategic with your virtual event planning to get the most out of your event. This guide will provide the steps and insights required to plan a successful virtual event.

Why Plan a Virtual Event?

Knowing the benefits of hosting an online event is essential before planning one. Here are three key reasons why more people are going virtual: 

• Accessibility: You can broaden the range of people you invite to your event since location is no longer a concern. The virtual event is accessible from anywhere as long as the internet is available. 
• Flexibility: Virtual events allow you to host events in any situation that may limit people from meeting in person. Some limitations include travel bans, extreme weather conditions, or other unforeseen reasons that may come up.
• Affordability: Planning a virtual event often leads to cutting costs. Since there is no physical location, more attendees can join with a lower overhead cost. 

What is a Virtual Event?

A virtual event is an online event that people can attend from anywhere in the world, as long as they have internet connection. Virtual events are also referred to as online events.  Small or large groups can utilize virtual events based on their niche. Many businesses and companies host virtual events for their employees to boost employee morale. There are numerous reasons to host a virtual event and multiple forms in which these events can occur.

Virtual events can take place in different forms, including:

• Webinars
• Live streams
• Conferences
• Virtual meetings
• Networking events
• Online trade shows

Virtual Vs. In-Person Event Planning

In-person events are the old-school way to host events. Most in-person events try to give a virtual touch to keep up with this day and age. In-person events create environments for socializing and networking with other attendees, which virtual events have now been able to master as well. 

Virtual events allow you to add as many attendees as you want and help take your event to the global platform. It eliminates the differences created by the need to travel and different time zones. You can grow your audience while keeping the costs low. Virtual event planning translates into both cost and time savings.

Common Types of Virtual Events

Before you learn about the different steps of virtual event planning, you must know the different types of events you can plan virtually.

The different types of virtual events include:

• Webinars: Webinars are online events hosted and then broadcast to a select group of people via the internet. They can last from as little as 10 minutes to as long as 80 minutes. They allow attendees from any part of the world to join and listen to any number of speakers.
  
  
• Virtual Conferences: Similar to in-person conferences, these are also created around a live agenda that involves sessions, keynotes, and breakouts. Virtual conferences are great for businesses to attend and meet people from all over the world who have the same interests as they do. 
  
  
• Hybrid Events: A hybrid event is a physical event that also has a virtual component to it. The physical and virtual components can be integrated in several ways, but the most common is to have the physical event live-streamed so that people who can't attend in person can still watch and engage.
  
  
• Product Launches: A product launch is an event where a new product or service is unveiled to the public. Product launches can be done either in person or online, but more and more companies are choosing to do them online so that they can reach a larger audience.
  
  
• Virtual Trade Shows: Trade shows are events where companies in a particular industry come together to showcase their products and services. Virtual trade shows are becoming increasingly popular as they allow companies to reach a wider audience and save on costs.
  
  
• Virtual Seminars:  A seminar is an educational event where experts in a particular field give talks and lead discussions on a particular topic. Virtual seminars are a great way to learn about new topics and to connect with experts from all over the world.
  
  
• Virtual Exhibitions:  An exhibition is a display of products or services that is typically done in a physical space. Virtual exhibitions are a great way to reach a wider audience and to save on costs.

Now that you know the different virtual events offered, it’s time to plan the event. 

8 Tips on How to Successfully Plan a Virtual Event

Organizing and learning how to plan a successful virtual event requires a careful process. The following tips should help you address all the critical requirements for planning your event virtually.

1. Identify Your Audience

The first step to planning a virtual event is to know your audience and what they need. Find the answers to the following questions:

• Who is your target market? What areas of your company are they interested in?
• What promotions or offers will catch their eyes the most?
• How active are they on social media, and which social platforms do they use the most?

Use surveys or create discussion forums to learn about your audience.

2. Define Your Goals

When planning a virtual event, there should be objectives and goals behind it. It is essential to be clear about your goals to ensure that you achieve them from the event. Here are some tips on how to track the success metrics and KPIs of your virtual event. 

Some of the common goals include, but are not limited to:

• Driving sales or revenues
• Building brand awareness
• Helping your target audience
• Building brand community

When you have goals, it also becomes easier to select relevant KPIs to measure the event’s return on investment (ROI).

3. Event Type 

Previously, we mentioned different types of virtual events that can take place. When planning your virtual event, pick the event that resonates most with your goals. It may be a seminar with an individual taking the stage, a workshop, or a tradeshow. You may also hire professional services to design a custom storyboard or theme.

4. Select a Virtual Software to Host Your Event 

There are many virtual software platforms on the market. Once you have defined your goals and objectives, it will be easier to select the platform that fits your needs. Some of the factors that you should consider when making your decision include: 

• Ease of use
• Features and functionality
• Budget
• Customer service and support

Make sure you replace boring online video conferencing like Zoom and Skype to go with a fresh new interactive platform. Kumospace is an excellent example of a modern virtual event software.  Your attendees can virtually network and mingle with the spacial audio feature just like they would in real life. It is also accessible in the browser and video chat app.