The rise and continuous advancement of technology has revolutionised our world, introducing new ways of doing things that were not considered possible before. One of which is the ability to connect with others around the world remotely through online platforms. Along with safe distancing measures and safety restrictions put into place due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, the use of online platforms has become highly prominent. This is especially so when it comes to events. On-site events in Singapore are now being shifted online to meet safety standards and restrictions set by the government.
Though virtual events bring about many benefits including greater convenience for attendees and cost-savings for organisations, there are individuals who still prefer physical events and due to past experiences, end up disliking the idea of having to attend virtual ones. As such, this article will explore some of the reasons why people might dislike virtual events and provide tips on how to combat such opinions.
#1 Lack of Interactivity
Undoubtedly, the most glaring difference between physical and virtual events lies in the lack of interactivity in virtual ones. A survey has shown that audience engagement is the largest challenge when it comes to virtual events. The next biggest challenge is interaction. Humans are after all, intrinsically social creatures and having that basic human interaction can improve happiness. Walking along exhibit halls, meeting new people and bumping into friends and colleagues all contribute to part of the fun of physical events. People tend to have the misconception that virtual events revolve around the host speaking and the audience simply listening throughout, which is not the case.
Creating more immersive and engaging experiences is a great way to address the lack of interactivity that virtual events usually face. Live Q&As, polling and surveys encourage audience participation, bridging that gap between audience and host. It promotes 2-way communication and eases the responsibility and workload of hosts having to keep energy levels high. Participants also get to feel more involved, which keeps them engaged throughout the event. Organisations hosting virtual events would do well to consider an event management system that integrates such features to empower higher levels of interactivity. At Evention, we offer all these interactive features in our solutions including a virtual photo booth, boosting engagement in any virtual event from virtual conferences to virtual exhibitions in Singapore.
#2 Potentiality of Technical Issues
Technical and connectivity issues are a dime a dozen when it comes to virtual conferences and events. 38% of marketers say they run into technical problems when hosting virtual events. How often has it happened that audiences can’t hear what the speaker is saying, the screen freezes, or speakers fail to project their presentations on screen. It is true enough that virtual events bring networking opportunities but they also come with many technical difficulties. Software limitations, poor Internet connectivity and even a host or participant’s lack of technological knowledge can prevent virtual events from running smoothly. Such problems not only hinders efficiency and good time management but also diminishes interest in audiences.
Mastering the technical elements of virtual events is no easy feat. Even experienced organisers may run into some technical difficulties from time to time. In this case, partnering with a trusted virtual event company, using their event management software and leveraging on their expertise to help you can be the best solution. The right events service provider can provide you with structured training programs to ease the learning curve and help you familiarise yourself with the best virtual event practices. They are also there to help should any technical difficulties arise, ensuring the most seamless experience possible.
#3 Data and Privacy Concerns
Shifting your event from a physical to online space also means possible exposure to cyber threats. Such threats happen when organisers view virtual events as nothing more than temporary workarounds, use unsuitable virtual event management systems and fail to consider the need for security measures. Though virtual events hold little longevity, it is still integral to implement cybersecurity. Valuable video assets, participant information and other sensitive data made available during the event must be guarded against cyberattacks. The vast array of virtual event management systems with varying cybersecurity measures can make this tricky to navigate.
Event planners have to bear the responsibility of protecting themselves and their attendees especially when the exchanging of confidential information is likely to occur. When it comes to keeping your virtual events safe, secure and confidential, maximising on a unified event management system with built-in security and privacy is the way to go. At Evention, we mitigate cybersecurity threats by providing global access with secure hosting. You can choose to live-stream to social media platforms as well as private, secure channels and give your audiences the peace of mind they deserve when attending your virtual event.
Ultimately, though there are fathomable reasons for people to dislike virtual events, these reasons and concerns can be easily resolved by partnering with the right virtual event company to provide you with the right virtual event management system.
Evention is a virtual event company in Singapore that provides you with a one-stop event management solution through our premium software – offering a user-friendly, seamless experience for both organisations and audiences. Boost audience engagement and enjoy the results with our event management systems. Contact us for enquiries today!
