Virtual meetings existed even before the COVID-19 pandemic but were only prevalent in global companies on a rare basis. Using standard meeting platforms, companies conducted a few meetings on and off, only when meeting physically wasn’t feasible. The reason was that physical events were a norm and the need for an experiential virtual event was non-existent. The pandemic shook the events industry and just standard meeting platforms couldn’t fulfil the void of an event. There arose a need for platforms that could virtually imitate the experience of an actual event and stimulate the feeling of attending an in-person event in the attendees, and the era of virtual event platforms began.
It’s been more than two years and the reason to host a virtual event is no more a pandemic. Over the years virtual event platforms have evolved from just being an alternative to being a tool for formulating strategic events that are more flexible, simplistic, profitable and yet equally impactful means of brand building that businesses are increasingly switching to. The past few years have seen a significant shift towards virtual events, earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic and now due to its exemplary brand-building capabilities. While in-person events are still important, virtual events have become extremely viable, and their popularity is likely to continue in the future. In this blog, we will explore the future of virtual event platforms in 2023 and beyond.
What are Virtual Event Platforms?
Virtual event platforms are software applications that enable individuals and organizations to create and host online events, such as conferences, trade shows, webinars, and networking events. These platforms provide a virtual space for attendees to interact, share information, and participate in activities that would typically take place in person.
The Future of Virtual Event Platforms
1. The Norm of Hybrid Events
Hybrid events are a combination of in-person and virtual events. In 2023 and beyond, hybrid events will become the norm, as they provide a wider audience reach and increased engagement. Hybrid events will allow people to attend in-person events while also giving others the option to attend virtually.
2. Integration of Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning
Virtual event platforms will be enhanced with AI and ML capabilities, providing better automation and personalized experiences. AI and ML will enable event organizers to analyze attendee behaviour and preferences, providing recommendations for content and sessions. This will make it easier for attendees to find relevant information and engage with the event.
3. Immersive Experiences via Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) will provide attendees with immersive experiences, making virtual events feel more like in-person events. This technology will allow attendees to interact with 3D virtual environments, and to view and interact with products and services in a virtual space.
4. Enhanced Gamification to Increase Engagement
Gamification is the use of game design techniques in non-game contexts. Virtual event platforms will leverage gamification to increase attendee engagement. This will include the use of leaderboards, challenges, and rewards to encourage participation and keep attendees engaged throughout the event.
5. High Priority to Cyber Security
As virtual events become more popular, security will become a top priority. Virtual event platforms must provide secure environments that protect attendees’ personal information and prevent unauthorized access. This will include secure login processes, data encryption, and robust firewalls to prevent hacking and cyber-attacks.
6. Enhanced Personalization to Improve Satisfaction
Virtual event platforms will become more personalized, providing attendees with tailored experiences based on their preferences and behaviours. This will include personalized recommendations for content and sessions, as well as personalized messaging and communication.
7. Focus to Increase Inclusivity
Virtual event platforms will increase accessibility, making events more inclusive for people with disabilities or who cannot attend in-person events. This will include the use of closed captioning, sign language interpretation, and other accessibility features that make virtual events accessible to all.
8. Improved Data Analytics to Provide Valuable Insights
Virtual event platforms will give organisers data analytics that offers insights into attendee behaviour and preferences. This will enable organizers to improve future events, tailor content, and increase engagement.
Virtual event platforms have become a vital part of the events industry in the past few years, and their popularity is likely to continue in 2023 and beyond. Hybrid events, AI and ML integration, VR/AR technology, gamification, security, personalization, accessibility, and data analytics will be the key trends shaping the future of virtual event platforms. As the events industry continues to evolve, more and more advanced virtual event platforms are stepping into the market and focused towards improving the experience for the attendees as well as the organizers. One such exciting virtual events platform comes from ibentos. The ibentos virtual events platform has been disrupting the market with its industry-leading features like true-to-reality graphics, single-link access registration and events, multi-software integration and much more, targeted towards improving the ease and profitability for the organizers as well as the attendees. With the growing scope of virtual events in the market as an amazing brand-building tool, the ibentos virtual event platform is sure to play an important role in providing engaging and interactive experiences that reach wider audiences and improve attendee satisfaction.
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