What Is a Virtual Event? Exploring the Benefits and Challenges

Have you ever joined a webinar from your kitchen table or attended a global summit without leaving your couch? Welcome to the world of virtual events, where connection, collaboration, and content come alive online.

But what is a virtual event, and why has it become such a powerful tool for marketers, community leaders, and managers alike? That’s exactly what this article aims to answer. Read on to discover the true meaning of virtual events, their core benefits, the different types of online experiences out there, and why they’re here to stay.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, virtual events have transformed from a temporary solution into a long-term strategy for brands, educators, and communities. Whether you're hosting a virtual trade show, a thought leadership summit, or an employee town hall, platforms like Remo offer endless opportunities to engage without borders.

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So, What is a Virtual Event?

A virtual event is an organized experience that takes place online instead of in a physical venue, allowing people to connect, learn, and collaborate from anywhere in the world. Think of it as the digital cousin of a traditional event, complete with speakers, attendees, interactive features, and sometimes even virtual coffee breaks. The goal? To share information, spark connections, and build communities, just without the commute or printed name tags.

But virtual events aren’t one-size-fits-all. They come in all shapes and sizes, each tailored to different goals and audiences.

Types of Virtual Events

Here’s a quick tour through the 5 most popular virtual event types:

• Webinars: Probably the most common virtual event, webinars are structured presentations or panels that happen in real time, usually with opportunities for Q&A. They're a powerful tool for marketers looking to generate more leads or raise brand awareness. 
• Virtual conferences: These mimic in-person conferences with multiple sessions, keynote speakers, breakout rooms, and networking lounges, all hosted online. They often span several days and cover a wide range of topics.
• Online workshops and training sessions: Hands-on and interactive, these events focus on skill-building or collaborative learning. Attendees might complete live exercises or receive real-time feedback.
• Virtual trade shows and expos: Think digital booths, product demos, downloadable brochures, and live chat, all wrapped into a branded virtual experience. These are especially popular in industries like tech, manufacturing, and healthcare.
• Hybrid events: These combine the best of both worlds, some attendees join in person, while others participate online. It’s a smart way to maximize reach and flexibility.

Want to know more about virtual event types? Explore the 9 popular online event types here.

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What’s the Difference Between Live Events, Virtual Events, and Webinars?

Now that you’ve seen the main types of virtual events, you might be wondering—how do they differ from live events or webinars? Let’s break it down.

• Live events are your traditional gatherings, big venues, catered lunches, and those in-the-moment conversations that just can’t be scripted.
• Virtual events bring all of that structure into a digital format, complete with networking lounges, speaker sessions, and even digital expo booths.
• Webinars are simpler. Think of them as laser-focused online sessions where one speaker (or a small group) shares knowledge, with just a sprinkle of interaction.

Here’s a handy breakdown of the key differences:

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Both live and virtual formats have their unique strengths. Live events bring that irreplaceable human spark. Virtual events open up opportunities for global reach, budget-friendly logistics, and deeper data insights. Webinars? They're your go-to for efficient, info-packed sessions with minimal fuss.

Still not sure which one suits your needs best? Try Remo’s AI Event Assistant, it analyzes your goals, audience type, and budget to recommend the right format for your event. Whether you're hosting a cozy product demo or a sprawling digital summit, it helps you make a confident decision in minutes.

Why Virtual Events Matter

Let’s be honest, initially, many of us turned to virtual events out of necessity (thanks, 2020). But now? It’s clear they’re here to stay. And for good reason. Here are some key benefits of virtual events: 

1. Cost-effective and resource-efficient

Gone are the days of printing stacks of brochures or footing the bill for international flights. Virtual events cut down significantly on logistics and overhead, making them more accessible for both organizers and attendees. You save on venue costs, catering, staff, and travel, without sacrificing impact.

2. Global reach and accessibility

Whether your target audience is in Tokyo, Toronto, or Timbuktu, virtual events break down geographic barriers. They open the door to international speakers, broader audiences, and more inclusive participation, especially for individuals who may face mobility or financial limitations.

Plus, with on-demand content and captioning tools, you can make your event more accessible to people with different learning styles or abilities.

3. Valuable data and insights

Here’s something traditional events can’t compete with: event metrics. From registration patterns and session attendance to poll responses and dwell time in virtual booths, virtual platforms give you deep insights into audience behavior. That means you can make smarter decisions for your next event and your broader virtual event marketing strategies.

4. Sustainability

Let’s not forget the environmental perks. Fewer flights, less paper waste, and zero plastic lanyards mean a significantly smaller carbon footprint. If your brand values sustainability, virtual events are a step in the right direction.

The Evolution of Virtual Events

Virtual events have come a long way since those early, glitch-filled Zoom calls—and they’re still evolving. With rapid advancements in technology, from artificial intelligence to virtual reality, the experience keeps getting more seamless and immersive.

• AI-powered tools now assist with matchmaking, content recommendations, and real-time support.
• Virtual reality and 3D platforms enable attendees to “walk through” event spaces, interact with booths, or engage in networking lounges as avatars.
• Live streaming and content production have improved drastically, making it easier to deliver high-quality, engaging content without the technical headaches.

We’re also seeing increased personalization through features like tailored agendas, breakout sessions based on interests, and smart networking that connects you with like-minded attendees.

Maximize Event Impact

Double registration & attendance

Boost engagement by 3.2x

Attendee data and analysis at your fingertips

Book Demo

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How to Host a Virtual Event

Alright, so you're sold on virtual events. But how do you make sure yours doesn’t flop? Here are a few tried-and-true tips on how to host a virtual event:

1. Choose the right platform

Not all virtual event platforms are created equal. Look for one that supports your goals, whether that’s high-quality video streaming, breakout sessions, interactive polls, or branded booths. Platforms like Remo offer a range of customizable features to suit different needs.

2. Engage your audience early and often

Let’s face it: screens can be distracting. To keep attendees engaged, bake interaction into every stage of your event. Think live Q&As, polls, chat prompts, and gamified challenges. You can even schedule “micro-moments” like 10-minute meditation breaks or surprise giveaways to re-energize the room.

3. Prepare your speakers and content

Even if you’re not hosting a webinar, chances are your virtual event includes some form of presentation. To make it truly engaging, start by offering speaker training, providing tech checklists, and keeping sessions concise. Shorter segments with strong visuals and storytelling tend to perform far better than hour-long lectures. For more tips on designing interactive webinars, check out our guide on interactive webinar design that helps turn passive viewers into active participants.

4. Plan for technical smoothness

Test everything, your platform, audio, video, screen sharing, and breakout functions, multiple times before going live. Have a tech support team on standby during the event to troubleshoot any surprises in real time.

5. Make networking easy

Use features like one-on-one chat, AI matchmaking tools, or themed breakout rooms to recreate the serendipitous connections of in-person events. You can even host a speed networking event to keep things fun and relaxed.

For more best practices, check out our blog on the 10 best practices for virtual events

Virtual Event Examples

Need some inspo? Here are a few virtual events that knocked it out of the park:

• ProductCon

ProductCon is organized by Product School and takes place four times a year, in San Francisco, New York, London, and online. Their online editions feature keynote talks and panel discussions from product leaders at companies like Meta, Google, and Amazon, drawing thousands of attendees worldwide. 

• AquaMaof’s Global Virtual Exhibition

When AquaMaof needed to showcase their global projects, they took things online—and made it count. Their virtual exhibition featured a sleek, custom-branded space where attendees could explore projects, book time with experts, and geek out on detailed audience analytics. The best part? Going virtual didn’t just keep the ball rolling—it actually widened their reach and helped them dig deeper into what their audience really cared about.

• DC Chamber of Commerce’s Member-Centered Series

Facing challenges in driving engagement, the DC Chamber turned to Remo to solve three big roadblocks: attendance, interactivity, and networking. Their series of town halls and workshops brought members together with built-in breakout tables and live chat, turning passive viewers into active participants.

• Virtual Tech Career Summit by We & Goliath

Produced for CodePath, this virtual summit wasn’t just another online event—it was a hit. Attendees raved about it, calling it the best virtual event they’d ever joined (high praise in the Zoom-fatigued world!). With a super intuitive platform and interactive features that kept both job seekers and recruiters engaged, this event proved that virtual career fairs can be personal, productive, and even a little fun.

• CASSS Multi-Day Symposiums, Poster Sessions, and Meetings

The Consortium for the Advancement of Surface and Sensor Science (CASSS) moved its annual symposiums and poster sessions online using Remo. To help attendees feel more comfortable and excited, they even designed a custom floor plan that served as a digital twin of their traditional in-person venue. Over multiple days, researchers presented groundbreaking work, held one-on-one poster discussions, and hosted Q&A panels—all within a cohesive virtual campus that felt just like the real thing.

Ready to Host Your First Virtual Event?

Virtual events aren’t just a trend, they’re a modern, flexible, and strategic way to bring people together. Whether you're looking to generate leads, build community, or share expertise, the digital world is brimming with possibilities.

So, are you ready to level up your virtual events?

Explore how Remo can help you craft immersive, human-centered digital experiences that go beyond the basics. Book a demo and bring your next virtual event to life!

Frequently Asked Questions about Virtual Events 

1. How to host a virtual event?

Start by defining your event goals and audience. Choose a virtual event platform (like Remo), plan your agenda, line up speakers, and promote the event across your channels. Don’t forget to include engagement features like polls, breakout rooms, or virtual networking lounges to keep things lively.

2. What is a hybrid virtual event?

A hybrid event combines in-person and virtual elements. Some attendees gather at a physical location, while others join online. It’s a flexible format that expands your reach and caters to different comfort levels or travel limitations.

3. What are some virtual event ideas?‍

There’s a lot you can do! Try virtual trade shows, webinars, interactive workshops, product launches, speed networking sessions, themed game nights, or even virtual career fairs. The key is to match your format with your audience’s needs and expectations.