Virtual event management platforms are online tools that help event organizers plan, execute, and manage interactive and engaging virtual or hybrid events. These platforms offer a range of functionalities like live streaming, real-time chat, breakout rooms, and attendee engagement features.
As more events shift online, using a virtual event platform can enhance the event experience, simplify event planning, and enable organizers to reach a global audience, all often at more flexible pricing than in-person events.
The best virtual event platforms will offer a variety of features to look out for. These functionalities make life easier for event managers and can drastically improve the attendee experience.
Customizable landing pages and templates allow event organizers to align the online event with their brand, building trust with their audience and creating a cohesive attendee experience.
Features like event registration, ticketing, and check-in streamline event management, making managing events much easier for organizers and a better experience for attendees.
Interactive webinars and breakout rooms facilitate audience engagement, elevating the virtual event experience. It also wouldn’t be an event platform without real-time messaging and screen sharing, boosting interactivity and communication among event attendees.
Gamification elements like leaderboards, polls, and Q&A features encourage attendee engagement, making the event more interactive.
Integrations to tools like your CRM enable a seamless data flow, simplifying event marketing, measurement, and follow-up.
A good event platform that offers in-person event features in addition to virtual events will have a user-friendly mobile app that will enhance accessibility and get guests checked in faster.
Easy-to-use email functionality can significantly impact event organizers' ability to send event reminders or additional info and perform post-event follow-ups. This enables better engagement and feedback collection, enriching future events.
An event platform with features that can support hybrid events enables event managers to combine in-person events and online events, helping your business engage a global audience
It's worth reiterating that choosing a virtual event platform that easily integrates with other tools like CRM, social media, and email marketing is essential for businesses hosting events. Selecting an event platform compatible with your tech stack helps with efficient event planning, effective marketing, seamless follow-up, saves your team time, and is a fundamental ingredient for success.
Splash is a one-stop virtual event platform that makes creating, managing, and marketing events to amplify your brand easy.
With user-friendly templates designed to highlight your brand and a range of built-in engagement tools, Splash ensures a high-quality event experience for both organizers and attendees. It offers real-time visibility into event registration and seamlessly integrates with CRM and messaging platforms for streamlined event management. The platform also includes in-depth analytics for measuring your event's ROI, helping you make data-driven decisions for future events.
Whether planning an in-person, virtual, or hybrid event, Splash provides all the functionality and customization options you need to engage your audience and grow your business.
Related: See Splash customer stories
Cvent’s virtual event platform is designed to make hosting online events seamless and impactful, no matter the size or complexity. Its intuitive interface allows marketers and event professionals to easily create, customize, and manage virtual experiences—from large, multi-session conferences to small, repeatable webinars. With built-in registration, branded event hubs, interactive session tools, and robust networking features, Cvent streamlines every aspect of virtual event delivery.
The platform’s flexibility and guided workflows help users launch engaging events quickly, while integrated analytics provide real-time visibility into attendee engagement and event performance.
If an event team's budget is stretched thin and it's only possible to get absolute barebones functionality, Zoom is an option, albeit not the most desirable one. Zoom is more of a live video tool than a virtual event platform.
While frequently used for live-streaming virtual events, screen sharing, and meetings, Zoom's video conferencing tool doesn't quite measure up in others, such as branding customization, registration ease, and event engagement tools. This results in a suboptimal experience for both organizers and attendees.
Hopin is a virtual event management platform that offers engagement tools such as live streaming, real-time engagement, and interactive features, and it includes a free plan option.
Hopin has several drawbacks. One of the most significant is that event organizers do not own the guest contact info outright, making event management on your terms challenging. Another downside is that Hopin imposes additional charges for large events. Its design tools are not very customizable, resulting in limited options for emails and event templates. Hopin is best suited for businesses not interested in in-person events and teams capable of writing custom code.
Related: The 9 Best Hopin Alternatives for Virtual Conference Management
Hubilo is an event management platform supporting virtual and hybrid events, with functionality including real-time analytics for tracking participant engagement.
Hublio users have commented on a few downsides, including limited options from pre-made templates and issues with Hublio’s email manager. Hublio offers a custom pricing model based on specific event needs.
BigMarker is an event management platform emphasizing webinars and other virtual or hybrid events. BigMarker provides audience engagement tools, analytics dashboards, integrations, APIs, and white-label services.
Given that BigMarker's primary focus is on virtual events consider this option only if you have no business requirement for in-person events. While BigMarker offers several pricing tiers, details on pricing are only available if you request a demo.
Accelevents is an event management platform for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. It offers various features to help create and manage successful events, like integration capabilities, in-person check-in options, real-time dashboards, and event registration pages.
Although Aceelevents does have functionality that supports virtual events, webinars, and in-person events, some users mention the difficulty of using and customizing the event experience and lag time during live streaming.
vFairs is a virtual event platform that allows organizations to host online conferences, trade shows, and job fairs. An interesting feature is that vFairs has 3D virtual venues for online events. It provides interactive features, including virtual booths, webinars, and chat functionalities, to simulate the experience of physical events. VFairs is one event management platform leaning heavily into virtual experiences and gamification.
As a result, some users mentioned that the attendee experience was confusing when figuring out where to go for the sessions. Some also note how long it can take to make simple changes on your event page in vFairs.
Event planners can maximize the success of their events by utilizing event management software effectively. Follow this guide to harness its full potential:
Choose an event management software that's intuitive and user-friendly to ensure a high-quality user experience for both organizers and attendees.
Use templates and customization options available in the software for event planning, including setting up landing pages, registration forms, and ticketing.
Integrate the software with CRM, email marketing, and social media tools to promote your event effectively. Utilize its features for crafting targeted messaging campaigns.
Incorporate engagement tools like interactive webinars, Q&A sessions, and gamification. These interactive features enhance audience engagement and make the event memorable.
If hosting online or hybrid events, ensure the software supports live streaming and video conferencing for smooth virtual experiences.
Utilize real-time data analytics to monitor event registration, attendee check-ins, and feedback, allowing for adjustments on the go.
Features like breakout rooms, matchmaking, and interactive elements can foster networking and meaningful connections among attendees.
Opt for platforms with robust customer support and support teams to address hiccups during event planning or execution.
After the event, use the software's analytics tools to measure attendee experience, engagement levels, and overall event success.
Based on post-event insights, modify your event planning and execution strategies for future events.
In short, event management software gives event planners many tools to improve how they plan, market, and run events. Picking an easy-to-use platform and using interactive tools are crucial for an excellent experience for everyone involved.
There are several stages in the event lifecycle: pre-event, live event, and post-event. Utilizing a virtual event platform throughout each step is essential. Leverage strategies like matchmaking and networking features to maximize the attendee experience.
Tracking event metrics is vital for gauging attendee engagement and determining event ROI. The best virtual event platforms provide tools for efficient metrics tracking and analysis. These platforms enhance the user experience by offering customizable and interactive features to monitor event success.
Organizing virtual conferences and summits involves managing complexities such as keynote sessions, breakout sessions, and on-demand content.
Event management software aids in streamlining these processes by offering user-friendly, interactive features and customizable templates. This technology ensures a high-quality event experience for organizers and attendees alike.
When selecting the best virtual event platform for your business, consider things like customization, ease of use, and interactive elements while also considering pricing and customer support. And before settling on a platform, take advantage of free trials or demos.
Virtual event platforms provide tools for event organizers to create engaging and interactive events, whether online, hybrid, or in-person. The best platforms are user-friendly and integrate seamlessly with other business tools, but ultimately, you and your team get to decide what features to prioritize in your event tech.
