Planning an event is always a task. Currently, our lives are in the midst of a digital revolution. For many, organising and pulling off virtual events is something that has been happening for a long time. However, not all are lucky! 


With our lives going ‘virtual’, many are stepping into ‘uncharted territory’ with virtual events. Hosting a successful virtual event means using technology in a new way. One of the major problems that organisations face is choosing the correct virtual event platform. What works for one may not work for another. So, how do you choose the correct virtual event platform? 





Prepare a checklist of the features you are looking for 

It’s a task to find a virtual event platform that has it all, which is why we start with the basics. It is absolutely essential that you make a list of features which you are not willing to compromise on. A few of the basic features that you may need are as follows :


  • Registration form

  • Branding features

  • Integration to various streaming services

  • Customisations

  • Analytics dashboard 


Understand your audience

Your target audience plays an important part while choosing a suitable virtual event platform. Evaluate the sort of audience you wish to gather. In order to avoid ‘zoom fatigue’, it is necessary that you choose a platform that has various engagement activities for the users. Having a live polling option, a question and answer field and a live chat option are some of the features to look for while choosing the right platform.


User experience

Apart from engagement features, it is necessary to pay attention to the user experience. Make sure that the platform you choose is easy to navigate for your attendees. Choosing a platform with a user-friendly interface is essential for the success of your event. If the interface is complex, the attendees will waste time figuring out how to make the platform work which will put a dent on the engagement. 


Ability to customise 

While choosing a virtual event platform, it is important to pay attention to the way it can tailor to your brand. A good virtual event platform will provide you multiple branding and customisation options. A platform with flexible customisations should be your top priority.





Networking

Networking is an important engagement tool. In an offline setting, events are the best place to make connections and network with people from different organisational backgrounds. Why should virtual events be any different? The platform should have features like live chat, the ability to schedule calls and meeting, and should also help the attendees to contact companies that match their interest.



Integration

Whether you are hosting a conference, a one-on-one webinar, or a panel discussion, the platform should be able to host the event according to your needs and preferences. A good virtual event platform will help you integrate your tools seamlessly. Be it embedding your organisation’s YouTube video on the platform or live streaming from a different platform.


Data analytics

Analytics are the most essential part of hosting a virtual event. How many people attended the event? How many people left the event in the middle? How many of them interacted with each other? 


The platform should have the answers to all of these questions. The data generated will be vital for the events you wish to organise in the future. 


These are some of the details that you should consider while choosing a virtual platform for your event. However, this list is not exhaustive. Many other aspects may play an important role for your organisation. The only necessity is that you choose a platform that fits your needs and preferences.