75 on a scale of one to 10, and only eight per cent said 10. This suggests that there is still room for improvement. But what features are actually important to attendees at virtual events? According to the white paper, respondents’ top priorities for virtual events were high-quality audio and video experiences (63 per cent), and ease of use (60 per cent). For hosts, combining a virtual platform with their management system could go a long way towards creating events that save time and money. It could also provide crucial insights into event performance. While ease of use and high-quality audio-visual experiences ranked highly, security and analytics were surprisingly low on the list of priorities at 25 per cent and three per cent respectively. This can be expected to change over time as privacy and performance become increasingly important in the virtual workplace. Also key to the success of virtual events is the opportunity for networking. Around 43 per cent of survey respondents cited difficulties in recreating the atmosphere of physical events and networking opportunities as an area of concern. Online event platforms are experimenting with using innovative technology, such as virtual and augmented reality, to create unique experiences for attendees. For example, BlueJeans is investing in exhibition-style booths and organising multi-session events to provide more networking opportunities. While it is a challenge to recreate organic social and networking opportunities from behind the screen, event organisers should look instead to promote the distinct advantages of virtual events to their audience, such as accessibility, convenience, personalisation and analytics. As we slowly move towards the more familiar in-person scenarios, the question must be asked: is the future hybrid? With 88 per cent of respondents at least somewhat agreeing that the future is hybrid, and with work and events continuing to take place both remotely and in person, the outlook for virtual event platforms is clear. Organisations will be looking to design and host events that combine live, in-person experiences with an engaging online component. But this is easier said than done. It is important that organisers take the time to re-evaluate how their current event platform fits in with their long-term goals, and whether it can be used to adequately deliver the hybrid experience that attendees will be looking for in the future. Read the full white paper at: https://bit.ly/3N8mXOh Maureen Beckman is a senior product marketing manager for BlueJeans by Verizon BlueJeans is investing in exhibition-style booths and organising multi-session events to provide more networking opportunities Photo: Unsplash/Headway
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