Are Virtual Events Better Than In-Person?

by PORT on Nov 7, 2022 8:00:00 AM

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In today’s post-COVID-19 pandemic world, more people are working from home than ever. While this has some distinct advantages, such as convenience for employees and a larger talent pool for employers, it’s challenging coordinating and hosting meetings across multiple time zones.

That’s where virtual events come in! They allow leadership and employees to connect when they can’t be together in person. Many companies have realized the benefits of remote meetings and are taking advantage of their convenience. The global virtual event market is expected to reach $504.76 billion by 2028.

However, there’s been a resurgence in in-person events since the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down.

Are virtual events better than in-person events? And what about hybrid events? The answer is that all three of these have distinct advantages of virtual events and a purpose. Read on to learn more.

Advantages of virtual events

Virtual events allow employees from all over the world to connect in real-time

Virtual events are incredibly flexible. Unlike in-person events, they don’t need to take place at a single location. Participants can log in to a remote meeting from anywhere if they have a computer and internet connection.

No participant limit and increased attendance

221108-are-virtual-events-better-than-in-person The flexibility of virtual events means businesses can attract more participants than in-person events. In addition, because they’re not limited by venue size and have no cap on the number of participants, companies can reach more people.

Lower environmental impact

With global warming and other climate crises taking center stage, businesses should do everything possible to lower their negative environmental impact.

According to a recent study, a single attendee of an in-person event had the same environmental footprint as a staggering 7,000 virtual event attendees. The energy companies use at in-person events – everything from electricity to trash – also impacts their carbon footprint.

Less expensive

In-person meetings can be expensive. It can cost a business tens of thousands of dollars to fly employees to a specific location. Other expenses can include venue rental, refreshments, and even venue insurance.

Often, attendees of events such as trade shows must pay directly from their own pockets for plane fare and hotel costs.

Interactive options

Features such as live chat, Q&A, quizzes and questionnaires, and polls can help keep participants engaged at a virtual meeting. They also allow organizers to gather real-time data to help create best practices for future remote meetings.

Advantages of in-person events

Networking and collaboration

221108-are-virtual-events-better-than-in-person-1 There is no substitute for live interaction at in-person events. Participants can strike up casual conversations at sales booths or during coffee breaks. Live events help attendees strengthen existing relationships and forge new connections. Face-to-face meetings also foster greater collaboration, which makes it easier for attendees to share ideas.

Fewer technical difficulties

Technical glitches aren’t typically a huge challenge at in-person events but can be a huge hindrance at virtual events. You can’t be sure you won’t encounter annoying and disruptive problems such as freezing, low-quality audio, feedback, or slow internet connections, which can result in participants talking over each other.

Increase brand awareness

In-person events such as trade shows can be effective in increasing brand awareness through booths, giveaways, and swag bags. In addition, company team members can position themselves as industry leaders during presentations and panel discussions.

Advantages of hybrid events

Flexibility

Hybrid-virtual-portion Hybrid events are tremendously flexible and combine many of the best benefits of both virtual and in-person events. They allow companies to cater both to those who wish to attend in person and those who prefer to join virtually. Companies are catching on, as 67% of businesses use virtual events to enhance their in-person gatherings.

Better return on investment

Hybrid events can reduce financial risk for businesses because companies can scale in-person activities and expand remote access based on attendee preference.

A competitive edge

In today’s highly competitive environment, businesses must do everything they can to capture and hold the attention of team members, potential clients, and other stakeholders. Hybrid events, which have something for everyone, can provide an edge to meeting company goals.

PORT – Event experts

At PORT, our team has decades of experience in delivering flawless experiences. We are experts in drapes, event lighting, and total event production. For your remote meeting or hybrid event, we provide:

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