The event industry is in a constant state of change. Even before the Corona crisis, digitalisation has also changed the classic event and has produced various forms of online events. Most specialist events have now become virtual. event planners around the world have had to acquire new skills, choose new technologies and adapt their events to a world where the physical has become digital.
What formats of digital events are there?
An online event will take place on the Internet. As a so-called virtual event, the event is exclusively held online. Various channels can be used.
Hybrid events are a mixture of online and real events. The participants can physically attend the event or participate interactively. It is important that all participants in a hybrid event have the same experience.
Hybrid events are close and interactive
A hybrid event takes place in a physical location and is simultaneously attended by a live and interactive online audience. In recent years, many events have become hybrids by offering live streams, webinars, podcasts and social networking activities.
Compared to traditional events, hybrid events have several key advantages. The biggest difference is that they can achieve greater reach. With hybrid events, organizers and audiences are not tied to physical or geographic boundaries – anyone could potentially participate – worldwide.
The important thing is that everyone attending the event feels the same atmosphere and feels part of it. In a workshop, for example, online participants can ask questions and interact with the speaker via a chat.
Virtual events are cost-saving and independent of location
Take part – no matter where you are. Virtual events take place online and not at a physical location. Events range from small question-and-answer sessions to large conferences with several thousand participants. They are highly interactive and similar to their physical counterparts.
While online meetings, livestreams and webinars are already part of everyday life, larger events that take place exclusively online still look somewhat futuristic. But trade fairs, congresses and conferences can also be held completely digitally.
Cost savings as well as the significantly higher reach are the decisive advantages of digital events – for organisers and visitors alike. Participants can be present from anywhere. The organizer has no costs for renting a venue or security personnel, etc.
How do online events broadcast?
In recent years, many different platforms and providers have emerged that enable organisers to hold some or all of their events online. In addition to social media such as Facebook, Twitch or YouTube, various providers have also established themselves who specialise in online video conferences and meetings. In 2019, Opus winner “Parallelwelten” could also benefit from a virtual performance in the theatre sector.
In addition, there are platforms on which webinars or on-demand videos can be made available after an event. Other apps and software solutions enable the digital audience to interact with the speaker or artist in a chat during an event.
