The 2020 global outbreak of COVID-19 coupled with modern technology have become the driving force behind the dramatic growth of virtual events. Countless events have altered their event experience from in-person to virtual and have now added immersive virtual exhibit halls, interactive 3D avatars, and so much more!

So I ask the question: Are virtual events the future?

Here are 5 benefits of virtual events:

1. Cost Effectiveness: With virtual events, the cost of the venue, logistics, printed materials, travel, and others are eliminated.
2. Reporting and Analytics: With virtual events, it is very easy to measure the number of attendees, visits to virtual exhibits, downloaded materials, etc. Not so much with in-person events.
3. Scalability/Reach: While physical events restrict number of attendees by venue size, virtual events allow for expanded audiences for a fraction of the price.
4. Environmentally Friendly: With virtual events, hosts and attendees do not contribute to emissions produced from traveling, food waste, and one-time-used event products.
5. Reduced Risk: Hosts of virtual events have much lower risk to cost, resource constraints, etc. The ability to pivot is much easier than commitments made in a physical event.

HOWEVER…

…if virtual events are the future, then why was there a resurgence of in-person events in 2022 with a continued expansion of hybrid events? In fact, a recent survey conducted by vFAIRS indicated that people are inclined toward hosting onsite events going forward.

Here is the reality: There are some things algorithms can’t recreate, which include the complexity of emotion and being present with your friends and colleagues. Virtual events do not provide the same level of attendee experience because of the lack of physical networking.

Right now, people who have been working from home and craving inspiration, motivation, and the chance to talk to industry peers, are looking for ways to reconnect; humans are relational beings. We need other humans to connect with.

Is this possible with a virtual event? What about offering a hybrid option?

No matter the format, it is important that organizers provide such feasibilities to the attendees to increase engagement. While physical events already offer the engagement many people are looking for, organizers of virtual events can use breakout rooms, 1:1 meetings, interactive speaker sessions, and create fun-focused activities to drive engagement.