Definition: A virtual event is an online event that involves people interacting in a virtual environment on the web, rather than meeting in a physical location. Virtual events are typically multi-session online events that often feature webinars and webcasts.
The past nine months have forced event managers to literally re-write the charity event textbook…from scratch!
The big challenge is providing donors with an engaging experience when you’re not face-to-face controlling the emotive moments, yet still trying to ensure they donate similar funds to previous years. Event managers have embraced this new form of event and many have seen encouraging results - so much so that virtual events may not just be a temporary measure.
As with any physical event, a virtual event can be as small or as BIG as you want it to be. Both in terms of scale (e.g. number of attendees) or budget. The need for a virtual solution has led to hundreds, if not thousands, of new providers entering this marketplace within the last year. Trying to select the right platform for your virtual needs can be difficult. Given that some form of virtual event demand will be here to stay long after the immediate Covid pandemic has disappeared, we knew it was crucial for the Emma ecosystem to provide the capabilities to host one.
In terms of budget, complexity and flexibility, we have deliberately designed Emma to cater for virtual events on a medium scale. We recognise that a straight up zoom call may be ample for a simple webinar or engagement event, and when you get into the realms of networking and conference requirements, tech capability and budget soon spiral. We have also seen the likes of bespoke 3D venue builds and TV style productions that cost upward of six figures. While we work with a number of talented production agencies to bring these sorts of events to life, as with any event, ROI is always front of mind.
Allow Emma to assist you with selecting your next virtual event provider - small or BIG. Our experience in the market is something we absolutely love passing on to clients, and this quality of our free consultancy is something we like to think sets us apart. We all have a passion for events, so let’s embrace the community - in person or virtual.
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