Online-Events können ebenso vielfältig wie Präsenzveranstaltungen sein. Dank der technischen Möglichkeiten gibt es viele innovative Formate, die vor allem auf die Interaktion der Zuseher:innen abzielen. Einige kreative Ideen für Online-Events wären z. B.: Fishbowl, digitale Breakout Sessions oder World Café. Weitere Informationen zu Online-Events, Vor- und Nachteilen im Vergleich zu Präsenzveranstaltungen und Ideen für virtuelle Events finden Sie auf unserer Themenseite Online Events.
Virtual events
A look into the future of event industry
From online seminars to large trade fairs, many events now take place in the digital space. And not just since the Corona pandemic. Thanks to advancing digitization, the number of virtual events is constantly increasing. In our blog post we will show you the advantages and disadvantages of digital events and introduce you to virtual event ideas for your business sector.
What are virtual events?
A virtual event is not simply an on-site event that is digitized. Events designed exclusively for virtual participation have their own script. They follow their own rules. Not only visually, but also thematically. Not every topic can be mapped 1:1 in the online world. Also think about the different requirements of the users. Some people participate in the event via desktop PC, others follow the presentation on their smartphone or tablet. Internet connection or the ability to use the microphone can also vary greatly. Therefore, it is very important to determine the event characteristics (on-site/virtual) at an early stage of the organization. A checklist for event planning helps to structure the planning of the event well. If events include both digital and live components, it is called a hybrid event.
Compared to face-to-face events
Advantages & disadvantages of virtual events
Advantages
- Sustainability: At virtual events there is no arrival or departure of participants. This not only saves costs, but is also good for the environment.
- Reach: As an organizer you are not limited by factors such as room size, hotel beds or means of transport. Anyone can participate, regardless of where they are in the world.
- Monitoring of success: You can accurately measure the success of virtual events. At a glance, you can see statistics on length of stay on the page, number of clicks on specific topics and bounce rates.
- Profit: Especially when it comes to events in the field of knowledge transfer, you can increase the yield with a virtual event. You only have the one-time costs during production/recording and can then play and monetize the video as often as you like.
Disadvantages
- Experience: At virtual events, only two senses are addressed (hearing & seeing). At face-to-face events, the senses of smell, taste and touch also play an important role. As a result, on-site events are perceived more intensively and are remembered for longer.
- Technology: Although there are truly outstanding technical possibilities nowadays, even the best technology does not replace the real experience. After all, camera angle, microphone setting and other technical factors limit the representation of the event.
- Span of attention: Especially online, attention span is very short. Here it takes a lot of experience, tactfulness and technical finesse to keep the users on the screens.
- Target group: By now, almost everyone has access to the Internet. But not everyone is equally familiar with modern technology. In addition, the event experience differs depending on the technical and personal prerequisites.
creative virtual event ideas to make them stand out from the rest
Virtual event ideas
Fishbowl
This discussion method actively involves the participants. Like a digital panel discussion, there is a group of people discussing a specific topic. There is also one more free space in the round. Users who would like to actively participate in the discussion can register in the chat and become part of the panel discussion.
Breakout session
Breakouts are used to exchange ideas and work in small groups in both the real and the virtual world. Online breakout sessions can be easily implemented from a technical point of view by using separate chat rooms. It is also easier to mix groups again, since there are no walking distances. However, as in a real workshop, disciplined cooperation is also required, which should possibly be controlled by a presenter.
World café
The fact that it is so easy to change (virtual) rooms in the digital world makes the world café method ideal for exchanges between participants. As at a face-to-face event, one person remains seated at the virtual table and presents the results of the working group to all newcomers. The design of the online room can also be modeled on a real world café with tables and flipcharts.
Trade fair
Thanks to today's technology, even virtual trade fair visits are no longer a problem. Just like in real life, there are also exhibition stands, keynotes and networking areas at the digital trade fair. Discussions between exhibitors and interested parties take place either via live chat or in 1:1 video sessions. 3D models that copy real exhibition sites provide the typical trade fair feeling.
Fireside chat
An informal conversation between single participants in a relaxed atmosphere – this is what a traditional fireside chat looks like. Such a conversation is also possible virtually using video telephony. The participants do not necessarily have to sit in front of a computer. They can make themselves comfortable at home with their smartphone. A virtually designed fireplace in the background ensures a relaxed atmosphere.
Joint activities
What the fringe program is for a face-to-face event, loosening up in between the presentations is for a virtual event. Make sure that the participants leave the screens for a while by scheduling fitness breaks, sending out tasting boxes, hosting virtual city trips or playing digital games. The sky is the limit when it comes to imagination.
Virtual events
The events of the future?
Virtual events have many advantages and are clearly a future topic in the event industry due to ever-improving technology. Nevertheless, there will still be many topics that are better dealt with in a face-to-face event. Personal contact and the event experience in particular can be conveyed digitally only to a limited extent. A good compromise here is the hybrid event. Top modern Gurgl Carat is up to the challenges of the future. Depending on the customer's requirements, the event location can host on-site events or serve as a streaming location for virtual events.
Virtuelle Events
Frequently asked questions
How can you create both engaging and interactive experiences for participants in a virtual event?
The easiest way to create interactive experiences at virtual events is to draw users away from their screens. This can either be via fitness or yoga exercises during the break or, for example, through a joint cooking challenge. It is particularly important that you plan these activities well in advance. For example, if you are organizing a tasting, the packages have to be sent out a few days in advance. Or if you use special software or technology, you should also make sure that all participants have the necessary equipment and skills.
How can you measure the success of a virtual event?
The success of virtual events is much easier to measure than that of face-to-face events. As an organizer, you have access to tracking and analytics data from your website or app. For example, you can see how many people were logged in at a certain point in time, what users clicked on and how the bounce rate was for certain topics. Based on this data, you can constantly improve your event and make it even more professional. You can find more detailed information about virtual events on our website.
What creative ideas are there for online events?
Online-Events können ebenso vielfältig wie Präsenzveranstaltungen sein. Dank der technischen Möglichkeiten gibt es viele innovative Formate, die vor allem auf die Interaktion der Zuseher:innen abzielen. Einige kreative Ideen für Online-Events wären z. B.: Fishbowl, digitale Breakout Sessions oder World Café. Weitere Informationen zu Online-Events, Vor- und Nachteilen im Vergleich zu Präsenzveranstaltungen und Ideen für virtuelle Events finden Sie auf unserer Themenseite Online Events.
Online events can be just as diverse as face-to-face events. Thanks to the technical possibilities, there are many innovative formats that focus primarily on viewer interaction. Some creative ideas for online events would be, for example: Fishbowl, digital breakout sessions or World Café. Further information on online events, advantages and disadvantages compared to face-to-face events and ideas for virtual events can be found on our online events page.
How can I make my online event interactive and appealing?
The supreme discipline when it comes to online events is involving viewers who are connected digitally. After all, the distractions at home are many and varied, while the attention span in front of the screens is short. Therefore, make sure to present your content as briefly and concisely as possible. The rule is: as long as necessary and as short as possible. Also leave room for pauses where viewers can ask questions. Chats, question icons and other technical tricks are subliminal offers and increase engagement. There are now also many programmes that make it easier for users to interact with each other - for example through digital breakout rooms. In general, your content should be as entertaining and easy to absorb (‘snackable’) as possible. Rewards (e.g. quizzes, gamification) are also a good way to make your online event interactive and appealing.
Which platforms are best suited for organising online events?
Every day, new platforms come onto the market that are useful for organising online events. Which platform is best for organising your virtual event depends on the objective of your event. Firstly, consider the goal of your online event: Do you want to inform? Do you want participants to interact? Should there be room for questions or should all communication come from the speakers? Once you have clarified these points, find the right platform for you.
How can I organise a virtual team building event?
Above all, team building events should be fun and allow employees to network with each other. These are both points, entertainment and interaction, which are difficult to realise in online events. That's why our first tip is: don't set your expectations too high. Approach the virtual team building event carefully at first. Think about the following points: Which activities do my employees enjoy? Which activities can everyone take part in? How long do these activities last and - most importantly in this case - can these activities also be adapted digitally? You can find suggestions and tips for team building activities on our team building activities page.