Advantages and disadvantages of virtual events

We have now seen how virtual events have managed to allow organizations to activate a large part of their event calendar that previously seemed immobilized by the global health crisis.

During the international crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, countless companies and consultancies began to provide their services and knowledge so that their clients can adapt to new environments, but the questions are: Did virtual events replace physical events? And, what are your main advantages and disadvantages when organizing virtual communication with our clients?

Below you will find a summary of some advantages and disadvantages of this type of event, and also the alternative of their combination:

Advantages of a virtual event

- The cost related to the face-to-face mode is reduced. By avoiding travel, it is more economically profitable, and it also saves time for attendees.

- They convey a concept about the product or service related to innovation and current affairs.

- They allow to increase the public and its participation thanks to the interactivity in real time. Virtual events eliminate distances and make it possible to connect with people from anywhere in the world.

- They provide a virtual experience that allows the visitor to experience a new way of approaching the brand. The creation of an avatar allows the participant to feel immersed in virtual reality and facilitates the meeting with other visitors.

- They can be documented and be part of the content of our social networks for the desired time.

- Your customers will be able to access more detailed information about your products and services. Many platforms offer a personalized website with all the information about the company, the biographies of the speakers and the possibility of downloading content such as presentations, technical sheets, videos, etc.

- They admit the use of game and participatory dynamics that make the event a more complete experience through activities such as contests and the possibility of winning prizes.

- They allow different types of events at the same time, such as: interactive round tables, talks and presentations with experts in real time, exhibition areas and stands, training workshops, among others.

- They provide access to event statistics through financial reports, surveys, public participation, etc. that will allow you to measure the results in real time.

Disadvantages of a virtual event

- They require basic equipment and intermediate technological knowledge that not all our clients have. For the organization's staff, an additional training plan will need to be planned.

- The lack of social interaction between the participants can have a negative effect on interpersonal relationships, which will impact the formation of work networks. Multidirectional communication is very important to generate commitment and encourage participation.

- It is not possible to have control of the environment. Audience concentration is in constant jeopardy and action is required to constantly attract attention.

- It is more difficult to get sponsorships than in face-to-face events.

Hybrid events

Hybrid events take advantage of virtual and physical events. This type of format combines the face-to-face with the virtual modality, since it includes any meeting or event with at least one group of participants present who connect digitally with the participants in another or several locations.

In a hybrid event you can attend workshops, conferences, trainings, both online and in person.

Advantages of hybrid events:

- They reach a greater number of audiences (face-to-face + virtual).

- They allow participants to participate alone or in small groups.

- They provide new content and communication.

- They connect multiple events that occur at the same time or at different times or places.

- Increase the reach of messages by reusing event content.

This option allows adding to the physical event some tools such as applications, online presentations, webcasts, social networks, chats, videos, streaming, etc. In this way, once the event ends physically, it remains virtually active.

Hybrid events allow you to generate new types of experiences, increase content delivery and improve the participation rate.

“Oftentimes it is the events that decide for us. Hence the need to calculate. Anticipate."

Pierre Lemaitre

DanielaSánchezSilva©