What is a Virtual Event
A virtual event is a type of event that is hosted online, rather than in person. This can include conferences, trade shows, workshops, networking events, and more.
Participants can join the event from anywhere with an internet connection, either through a web browser or by downloading a virtual event platform.
Virtual events often have a mix of live and pre-recorded content, as well as interactive features such as chat rooms and Q&A sessions.
Types of Virtual Events
There are different types of virtual events:
- Webinars: These are online educational or informational events that can be accessed through a computer or mobile device. Webinars are often used for training or professional development purposes.
- Virtual conferences: These events are similar to in-person conferences, but they are held online and attendees can participate from anywhere in the world. They typically include keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities.
- Virtual trade shows: These events are designed to showcase products or services to a targeted audience. Attendees can visit virtual booths, participate in live demonstrations, and engage with vendors through chat or video.
- Virtual networking events: These events are designed to facilitate connections between professionals in a specific industry or field. They can include one-on-one meetings, panel discussions, and interactive networking sessions.
- Virtual concerts or live performances: These events can include live music performances, comedy shows, or other types of entertainment that are streamed online for attendees to watch from home.
- Virtual charity events: These events are used to raise funds and awareness for a particular cause or charity. They can include auctions, raffles, and other interactive activities to engage attendees.
- Virtual game nights or trivia nights: These events are designed to bring people together for fun and entertainment through virtual gameplay or trivia competitions.
Best Free Virtual Event Platform
Zoom
Zoom is a virtual event platform that allows users to host and attend online meetings, webinars, and video conferences.
It offers a free version, which includes many of the basic features of the paid version, such as the ability to host meetings with up to 100 participants, screen sharing, and recording.
However, the free version has some limitations, such as a 40-minute time limit on meetings with three or more participants, and a limit on the number of participants that can join a meeting at once.
Despite these limitations, Zoom’s free version is still a great option for hosting small virtual events, such as online classes, business meetings, and personal gatherings.
Google Meet
Google Meet is a free virtual event platform that allows users to host and participate in online meetings, webinars, and video conferences. It is integrated with Google Calendar, making it easy to schedule and join meetings directly from the calendar.
One of the key features of Google Meet is its ability to support large groups of participants, with the capability to host up to 250 participants in a single meeting.
It also has a range of tools to enhance the virtual event experience, such as screen sharing, recording, and breakout rooms for group discussions.
Google Meet also has a range of accessibility options, such as closed captioning, and the ability to join meetings by phone.
Skype
Skype is a great free virtual event platform that allows users to host and attend virtual events such as webinars, meetings, and conferences through audio and video calls. The platform is easily accessible and can be used on a variety of devices including computers, smartphones, and tablets.
To host an event on Skype, the host simply needs to create a Skype account, invite participants through a link or by adding them as contacts, and then initiate the call.
During the call, the host can share their screen to display presentations, documents, or other materials. Participants can also share their screens and interact with the host and other attendees through the use of chat and video features.
Skype also offers a recording feature, which allows the host to record the call for later use or for participants who were unable to attend.
Additionally, the platform has a chat feature that allows participants to communicate with each other during the event.
Overall, Skype is a convenient and cost-effective way to host and attend virtual events as it does not require any additional software or costs and is easily accessible to users.
Microsoft Teams allows users to host and attend online meetings, webinars, and conferences.
It offers a variety of features and tools that make it easy to set up and manage virtual events, including the ability to schedule and invite attendees, share presentations and documents, and conduct live polls and Q&A sessions.
One of the key features of Microsoft Teams as a virtual event platform is its ability to support large groups of attendees. It can handle up to 300 people in a single meeting, making it a great option for hosting webinars and conferences.
Additionally, Teams allows users to record their meetings, which can be useful for creating on-demand content for attendees who were unable to attend live.
Another key feature of Teams is its integration with other Microsoft products, such as PowerPoint and OneNote. This allows users to easily share and collaborate on presentations and documents during the event.
Additionally, Teams also offers built-in collaboration tools, such as chat and video conferencing, which make it easy for attendees to interact and engage with one another during the event.
Overall, Microsoft Teams is a versatile and user-friendly virtual event platform that offers a wide range of features and tools to help users host successful online events.
Webex
Webex is a virtual event platform that allows users to host and attend meetings, webinars, and conferences online.
It offers a range of features such as video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, document collaboration, and more.
As a free virtual event platform, Webex allows users to host meetings with up to 100 participants. Users can also schedule and join meetings, share their screens, and collaborate on documents in real time.
Additionally, the platform offers a range of customization options such as the ability to add a personal background or logo to meetings.
Webex also offers a range of tools for hosting webinars, such as the ability to poll attendees, conduct Q&A sessions, and record the event for later viewing.
It also offers analytics and reporting to help users measure the success of their virtual events.
Overall, Webex is a versatile and user-friendly virtual event platform that offers a range of features for hosting and attending meetings, webinars, and conferences online.
GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is a web-based video conferencing and meeting platform that allows users to host and attend virtual meetings, webinars, and events.
It is designed for businesses and organizations of all sizes and provides a range of features to enhance collaboration and productivity.
As a free virtual event platform, GoToMeeting allows users to host and attend meetings and events with up to 100 participants.
It includes features such as screen sharing, recording, and breakout rooms, which can be used to facilitate interactive discussions and presentations.
Additionally, it allows users to schedule and join meetings directly from their calendars and provides a range of tools to help manage and organize events.
GoToMeeting also allows users to customize their virtual events with branded backgrounds, logos, and other branding elements, making it an ideal platform for hosting webinars, training sessions, and other marketing events.
Furthermore, it provides a range of analytics and reporting tools that can help users measure the success of their events, and make data-driven decisions to improve their virtual event experience.
Overall, GoToMeeting is a versatile and easy-to-use virtual event platform that enables users to host and attend professional, interactive, and engaging virtual events.
Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Meet is a free and open-source video conferencing platform that allows users to host and participate in virtual meetings, webinars, and other events online.
It utilizes WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) technology to provide high-quality audio and video for participants, and it can be accessed through any web browser or mobile device.
Jitsi Meet is a great option for virtual events because it is completely free to use and does not require any downloads or installations.
It also provides a variety of features, such as screen sharing, recording, and the ability to host meetings with up to 100 participants.
Additionally, Jitsi Meet is fully encrypted and end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that all communications are secure and private.
One of the key features of Jitsi Meet is its flexibility. It can be used for a variety of different types of events, such as virtual conferences, webinars, training sessions, and team meetings.
It also allows users to customize their events by adding branding and custom backgrounds.
Overall, Jitsi Meet is a great option for anyone looking to host a virtual event because it is free, easy to use, and provides a variety of features that make it easy to host and participate in virtual meetings.
BigBlueButton
BigBlueButton is a free and open-source web conferencing system that allows users to host and participate in virtual events, such as webinars, online classes, and meetings. It is designed to be easy to use and accessible for all users, regardless of their technical skill level.
BigBlueButton offers a variety of features to support virtual events, including:
- Audio and video conferencing: Users can join the event via audio and video, allowing for real-time communication and engagement.
- Screen sharing: Presenters can share their screen with the audience, making it easy to share presentations, documents, and other materials.
- Chat: Participants can communicate with one another in real time via chat, making it easy to ask questions and share information.
- Breakout rooms: Organizers can create smaller, more intimate groups within the main event, allowing for more focused discussions and networking.
- Recording: Events can be recorded and made available for later viewing, allowing attendees who were unable to join live to catch up later.
BigBlueButton is a great platform to host Free Virtual Events, as it offers all the features and functionalities required for an event and is available for free.
This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly option for organizations and individuals who want to host virtual events without incurring significant costs.
Remo
Remo is a free virtual event platform that allows users to host and attend online events such as webinars, conferences, and networking events.
It features a virtual conference room that simulates a physical event space, complete with interactive elements such as breakout rooms, polls, and Q&A sessions.
Users can access Remo from any device with a web browser, eliminating the need for software downloads or installations.
It also allows for easy integration with other tools such as Zoom and YouTube, making it easy to host live streams and webinars.
Remo’s virtual conference room also allows for easy networking and engagement among attendees, as they can interact with each other through video, audio, and text chat.
The platform also offers analytics and data tracking, so users can get a sense of how their event is performing in real time.
Overall, Remo is a great option for businesses, organizations, and individuals looking to host a free virtual event.
It is user-friendly, easy to set up, and offers a variety of features that can help make your event a success.
Hopin
Hopin is a free virtual event platform that allows users to create and host online events, such as webinars, conferences, and networking events.
It offers a range of features that allow event organizers to customize their events, including the ability to create custom branding and branding, create and manage agendas, and interact with attendees through chat and video.
Hopin also offers live streaming capabilities, allowing event organizers to broadcast their events to a global audience.
Attendees can participate in the event through the platform, which includes features such as live Q&A, polls, and breakout rooms for networking and discussion.
One of the key features of Hopin is its ability to host virtual expos, where attendees can visit virtual booths and interact with exhibitors through video, chat, and other interactive features.
Overall, Hopin is a comprehensive virtual event platform that offers a range of features to create engaging and interactive online events, and it’s completely free to use.
Whereby
Whereby is a free virtual event platform that allows users to host and attend online meetings, webinars, and video conferences.
It is designed to be easy to use and does not require any downloads or installations for attendees.
The platform features include screen sharing, recording, and breakout rooms for smaller group discussions. Users can also customize their virtual meeting rooms with their own branding and background.
Whereby is a great tool for remote teams, businesses, and educators who want to hold meetings or events online without the need for expensive or complicated software.
StreamYard
StreamYard is a live streaming platform that allows users to stream live video to multiple platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch, simultaneously.
It also includes features such as the ability to have guests join the stream, screen share, and interact with the audience through live chat.
StreamYard is considered a free virtual event platform because it allows users to host and participate in virtual events, such as webinars, live Q&A sessions, and online workshops, without any cost.
Additionally, it offers a free plan that includes many of the basic features, such as the ability to stream to multiple platforms and have up to three guests on a stream.
Steps You Should Follow Before Holding a Virtual Event:
- Determine the purpose and goals of the event: Clearly define the purpose of the event and what you hope to achieve through it. This will help you determine the type of event, content, and target audience.
- Choose a virtual event platform: There are various platforms available for hosting virtual events, such as Zoom, GoToWebinar, Webex, and more. Choose a platform that fits your needs and budget and is user-friendly for attendees.
- Promote the event: Once you have chosen a platform and created an event schedule, it’s time to start promoting the event. Use social media, email marketing, and other channels to spread the word about the event and encourage attendees to register.
- Plan the content and schedule: Determine the content and schedule for the event, including any guest speakers, panels, or interactive sessions. Make sure to allocate enough time for each activity and allow for breaks throughout the event.
- Set up the virtual event space: Prepare the virtual event space by setting up the platform, creating any necessary visuals or slides, and testing the audio and video. Make sure to have a backup plan in case of technical issues.
- Engage with attendees: During the event, make sure to engage with attendees through polls, Q&A sessions, and other interactive activities. Encourage attendees to ask questions and participate in discussions to make the event more interactive and engaging.
- Follow up after the event: After the event, make sure to follow up with attendees and gather feedback. Use this feedback to improve future events and ensure that they are successful.
What features should I look for in a virtual event platform?
When choosing a virtual event platform, there are a few key factors to consider:
- The number of attendees: Some platforms have limits on the number of attendees that can participate in a virtual event. Make sure the platform you choose can accommodate the expected number of participants.
- Audio and video quality: The platform should have a reliable audio and video experience for all attendees.
- Features: Consider the features that are important for your events such as screen sharing, recording, polling, chat, and others.
- Ease of use: It’s important to choose a platform that is easy to use for both the host and the attendees.
- Security: The platform should have robust security features to protect the privacy and security of attendees.
- Integrations: Some platforms can integrate with other tools such as calendar, CRM, and registration software, which can make it more efficient for the event organizer.
It’s also important to note that while these platforms may offer free plans, they may have limitations or restrictions on certain features or the number of attendees.
It’s recommended to check the specific features and limitations of each platform to ensure that it meets your needs.
Hi there! My name is Shruti Sharma and I am a digital marketing blogger with a passion for helping small businesses and startups succeed online. I have been working in the industry for over 5 years, and have a wealth of experience in SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and more. In my blog, I share my insights and tips on how to effectively market your business in the digital world, and help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and strategies. Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for a while, I hope my blog can provide you with valuable information and inspiration to help your business thrive.
