Virtual Events

Lessons Learned from Moving a Massive In-Person Event Online

2020/11/17

Taking the well-oiled machine that is Cvent CONNECT and transforming it into an entirely new experience wasn’t easy. From the initial pivot to getting buy-in, strategically designing the event to new technology considerations, Cvent’s director of meetings and events, Rachel Andrews, and senior manager of meetings and events, Paulina Curto, share lessons learned from moving the world’s largest event technology and hospitality conference online. The Digital Pivot While pre-event risk conversations occurred back in 2019, the decision to go virtual…
Do You Need Virtual Event Insurance?

2020/11/04

With more events making the switch to virtual, event organizers are having to deal with a whole new set of risks. Many of the factors involved in running in-person events still apply but there are others that you may not have considered. One area that’s often overlooked is insurance. So, I spoke with experts at Event Insurance Services Ltd. Here’s what you should know before taking your next event online. Insurance Coverage Traditional events have always required comprehensive insurance policies.…
The Real Cost of Hosting a Webinar

2020/10/20

One of the first (and most important) questions people ask when exploring webinar options is, how much will it cost? Understanding the expenses associated with a webinar is key to being able to project and manage your return on investment. Webinar Platform The most obvious cost associated with running a webinar is the platform. Some simple platforms are free up to a certain number of attendees, while more advanced technologies typically require that you pay a monthly or annual fee…
How Best to Monetize your Online Event

2020/09/01

Now almost six months into the worldwide pandemic, most businesses have pivoted from in-person gatherings to virtual events. But despite more people than ever using online platforms, companies continue to struggle with monetization, which may be essential to their survival amid the economic chaos wrought by COVID-19. While there are a variety of methods to earn income from virtual events — ticket sales, paid access to selective streams and upgrades for premium session content, to name a few — perhaps…
Celebrities take Virtual Events to Next Level without Excessive Price Tag

2020/09/01

Have you always wanted to hire a celebrity to speak at a meeting or event but it was out of your financial reach? That’s likely not the case anymore. The rise of virtual events has made celebrity talent more accessible and affordable than ever. In the past, booking a celebrity was expensive and didn’t necessarily result in a positive return on investment. Costs associated with high-end talent included artist and agency fees, entourage travel, hotel rooms and catering. Then there…
What to Look for in a Digital Event Platform

2020/08/18

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were many web-based platforms that supported live events in limited capacities like video meetings or virtual walkthrough tours. Some platforms, such as event apps, have grown out of their ability to network an audience, connect buyers and sellers, and recommend relevant content to key audiences. Others are education platforms built for storing on-demand videos curated for the user to mimic a trade show or event experience. The current higher demand for an all-encompassing solution is driving…
How Businesses are Rising to the Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020/08/05

COVID-19 has dealt the events industry a blow that far surpasses any other occurrence in modern history. No business has been left untouched but while some have crippled under the coronavirus outbreak, others have pivoted in ways they wouldn’t have imagined months ago when the outlook for 2020 was so bright. “Prior to the pandemic my team was planning hybrid events, which combines live in-person and virtual components. Now our offerings are primarily virtual-only,” explains Alicia Jenelle of her self-named…
How to Pull-off a Trade Show During the Pandemic

2020/07/21

With strong lockdown measures instituted in March to stymie the spread of COVID-19, the roller coaster of emotions that comes with executing an event came to a standstill. But in late June, I got the opportunity to get back on that ride for a two-day international trade show. Say what? How inappropriate during a pandemic! What was even more tasteless is I attended the event in my slippers, no makeup and hardly dressed for the business occasion. I am of…
Are Virtual Event Speakers the Ultimate Resource?

2020/07/21

With most conferences and trade shows cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies and associations have pivoted to online events. Organizers of these virtual options are eager to ensure they provide a premium educational offering that rivals their live in-person counterparts. But what role do speakers play? Here, Speakers’ Spotlight’s co-founder and president, Martin Perelmuter, answers this question among others to help you transform your next virtual event into an extraordinary experience. What value does a speaker add to a…
What to Charge for a Virtual Event

2020/07/07

Typically, the costs associated with producing a virtual event are much lower than that of an in-person one. Organizers may save on the venue, food and beverage, decor, signage, travel, accommodations and more. Pivoting online means the entire event format will change and, subsequently, a new pricing strategy is required. While many virtual events are offered for free, this doesn’t mean yours has to be. But what should you charge? The best way to determine a suitable pricing structure is…