Why Do Associations Need to Adopt a Virtual Event Community in 2022?
New year, new members for associations. With many countries still on lockdown, virtual events are a must. There is no better way for your association to gain new members than hosting online events. But first things first, what is a virtual event community?
What is a virtual event community?
A virtual event allows your members to interact with each other online. Your guests can meet during the event which leads to great networking opportunities. Your association can invite guest speakers to talk to your guests. Once the virtual event is over your guests can sign up for your association. It works as a physical event but of course, it is online!
Why does Your Association need To Sign up for a Virtual Event Community?
1. Increased Accessibility
Have you ever wondered how to increase your event attendance? Virtual events will allow people from all over the world to attend your event. Your event will appeal to a much broader audience. With a broad audience there will be many different and diverse conversations! People who normally wouldn’t have time to attend events will be more flexible to log on virtually. Don’t forget in 2021 many countries are in lockdown so moving your event online will open your event to them too. If you decide to charge for your online tickets more people means more money too.
2. Cut costs
Virtual events communities can cut down on the expenses of your event. Sure, you will need to invest in a virtual events platform, but you can use this for all future events and meetings. The main expenses you will save include:
- Hotel venues
- AV equipment
- Food
- Printed promotional material
Top tip: make a virtual event budget to keep track of your expenses. Include every item big or small and focus on what you need.
3. More audience engagement
A lot of you might think that virtual events have less interaction. Of course, we all miss the interaction of face-to-face events. But virtual event communities offer a different type of interaction for everyone depending on the platform. Some interactive features include:
- Polling
- Breakout rooms
- Lobby
- Chat
The beauty of virtual events is there’s a different level of interaction depending on the person. If you are too shy to turn off your mic and speak you can use the chat function. You can also chat to other guests in the lobby or breakout rooms!
4. More opportunities for speakers
Virtual event communities will allow you to have a guest speaker from anywhere in the world. There’s no need to worry about visas or flights, the person can virtually attend. An interesting guest will attract more guests to your event and make it stand out. Of course, it can be a little boring to only see your speaker’s face behind the camera at the event. But thanks to new technology you can virtually see the speaker in front of you. For example, your association could use AHRT media which stimulates the person moving in front of you. Now a holographic speaker, that would attract guests to your event.
5. Keep up with the times
Event trends show that virtual and hybrid events are here to stay. If your association continues to host physical events in 2021 you will fall behind. First of all, social distancing will only allow a small number of guests. Also people like the flexibility that virtual events have to offer. Virtual event communities offer your guests many benefits such as:
- Reduced time commuting to and from the event
- Reduced cost of traveling to the event
- They can tune in when they want if the event is recorded
- Watch from the comfort of their own home
With the new engaging event platforms, we’re seeing the technology itself as an escape. People feel like they’re leaving their homes when they log on and interact with similar people. Virtual event platforms are the new social hub spots.
What Next?
Now that your association knows why virtual event communities are a must, you’re ready! Let’s get started with your first virtual event. An engaging virtual events platform is the first thing you need. Why not check out our free trial with Remo. With our 24/7 customer support, we are a great virtual community for associations. We also have step-by-step tutorial videos if you want to find out more!
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