Knowing how to juggle virtual events in an increasingly technology-driven world can be challenging. But hosting a virtual get-together is perfect for helping your team make connections, boost engagement, and feel better connected to the organization.
Key Takeaways
- V – Versatile
- I – Increased accessibility
- R – Resource-efficient
- T – Time-saving
- U – Unified team experience
- A – Audience engagement soars
- L – Learning opportunities available
As a corporate emcee, I’ve played a role in nearly all types of corporate events. And without a doubt, virtual events can provide unique benefits that can be otherwise hard to come by.
Keep reading, and I’ll share seven benefits of hosting a VIRTUAL event for your team.
See Related: 9 Qualities To Look For In A Corporate Emcee
#1. Versatile
Hosting an event for your team can be a great way to treat them to something special. But it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Event planning can be a real challenge, and sometimes it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
From juggling communications with vendors to picking out the perfect event speaker, you likely have your hands full. And the hardest part can often be orchestrating all the little details that go into any event.
However, there is one thing that can make all that planning a bit less intense. And that is a virtual event!
Creating An Event Unique To You
Virtual events offer amazing flexibility and can be tailored to various formats and agendas. Unlike traditional in-person events, virtual events provide a much greater degree of versatility.
When hosting a virtual event, it’s much easier to create a unique experience for your event attendees. From training sessions to conferences to corporate events, it’s exceptionally straightforward to make your event exactly how you want it to be.
Regardless of your event objectives, virtual events are easier to host and put together. There’s so much more freedom!
#2. Increased Accessibility
Event planning and hosting come with their fair share of obstacles and challenges. But one of the most frustrating can be getting everyone together.
That’s because you often need to battle geographical barriers and travel constraints for your guests.
However, your team members likely have a ready internet connection and mobile device on hand at home. So, by hosting a virtual event, all of your event attendees are able to log in from the comfort of their living rooms or home offices!
Regardless of location, any and everyone can join. It’ll open the door to so many more possibilities and allow your attendees to skyrocket.
Guests Can Join From Anywhere In The World
Employees will be able to join from their office, backyard, commute, or even vacation spot. This greatly reduces and even eliminates the need for costly travel expenses that often turns people off to events.
In addition, virtual events can offer assistive technologies like language interpreters or closed captions for those with disabilities. It paves the way for a truly inclusive and friendly event!
#3. Resource-Efficient
If you’ve ever had a hand in planning an event, you know that one of the biggest constraints and challenges can be the budget. You only have a limited amount of resources available to bring your vision to life, and it often isn’t enough!
For those in-person events, you’ve likely had to consider things like the venue, equipment, furniture, security, and beverages. All of these things quickly add up, and they can drain your event resources in a flash.
For example, an event of two hundred people would require that you arrange sitting areas, facilitate food and drinks for them all, hire security, decorate a large venue, and much, much more.
But for a virtual event, the biggest things you need to worry about are having a good mic, headphones, and a webcam!
Letting You Focus On What Matters
Virtual events save time, money, and resources by eliminating the need for physical venue rentals, catering services, and printed materials.
You can still effortlessly deliver a high-quality experience for your guests without the hassle, cost, and challenges of a traditional in-person event. In fact, 79% of event planners have reported being able to lower their event expenses by going the virtual route.
Because of the money and resources you’ll be saving, it’ll also be easier for your event to attract many more patrons, sponsors, and exhibitors, thus further offsetting the cost of your event.
#4. Time-Saving
One of the biggest resources that events can eat up is time.
But virtual events eliminate the need for long commutes and travel time. People can more easily join your event without disrupting their work schedules and day-to-day lives.
They can simply join from their computers or mobile devices, saving valuable time that can be utilized for other tasks or responsibilities!
On top of that, virtual events save you time in the planning process. It’s much more straightforward and simple to plan a virtual event instead of an in-person one. You also don’t need to worry about tasks like facilitating security, decorating a large venue, or creating party favors.
Bonus: 6 Leadership Retreat Ideas You’ll Want A Corporate Emcee To Guide You Through
#5. Unified Team Experience
Your team deserves both a break from day-to-day norms and a chance to revel in some amazing entertainment. And that’s why events are such wonderful things!
One of the biggest benefits of any event is the amazing experience they provide for attendees. But for virtual events especially, attendees are truly able to partake in a unique adventure while creating everlasting memories.
Virtual events provide a consistent experience for all participants, regardless of their location or time zone. Each and every employee, despite where they physically are, can engage in the same fantastic event.
This allows them all to have equal access to information, discussions, and networking opportunities. It unifies everyone in the virtual audience, allowing them to feel closer than ever to each other.
And when it comes to corporate events, this connection is crucial. Now is the chance to show your team what your organization is all about and give them a deeper purpose.
#6. Audience Engagement Soars
An event is just the thing your employees need. They’re probably tired of the same ol’, same ol’, and are yearning for a chance to break free!
Company events give your team a chance to unwind, relax, and let their hair down. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to spend time outside of the office with their coworkers. And it helps them grow bonds and develop positive workplace relationships.
But that’s not all that company events can do. They are also a great way to boost motivation and employee morale while increasing engagement.
The best way to do all of that is by picking the best speaker or emcee for your event!
The Key To Any Successful Virtual Event
If you want your event to be a success, you need to plan for it. And the key to it all is finding the perfect event speaker.
Even for virtual events, you need to book the right speaker. This person will be able to steer the event in the direction you want it to go while ensuring everyone says entertained!
As a corporate emcee, I’ve hosted my fair share of both in-person and virtual events. And I’ve been able to create a welcoming and engaged atmosphere just by knowing how to entertain the audience!
The Foundation Of Great Online Events
If you want to host a killer online event, you need to focus on what matters. And that is audience engagement.
No one wants to attend an event that airs on the boring side. Instead, they deserve to have their minds tickled from the moment they arrive!
Virtual events offer a unique way to keep your guests interested. It’s easy to incorporate plenty of interactive features and sessions on your virtual event platform.
For example, you can effortlessly include things like live chat, polling, Q&A sessions, and virtual breakout rooms. You can also incorporate fun activities like virtual escape rooms and other games!
These interactive elements create an engaging and dynamic event environment. And this is crucial for facilitating meaningful interactions and fostering a sense of community for your team.
#7. Learning Opportunities Available
Corporate events are great for two things: entertainment and learning. Your team deserves to be wowed by a hilarious keynote speaker and walk away at the end of it all with some newfound knowledge.
By hosting a virtual event, you can expose your attendees to a broader range of expert speakers, trainers, and resources. It’s easier to provide access to renowned industry professionals, subject matter experts, or thought leaders.
Even if you’re looking to book a funny keynote speaker from the other side of the world, virtual events make it not only possible but easy to do so.
That way, your guests can truly benefit from your event in a more profound way.
Virtual platforms also enable easy sharing of online knowledge. You can share plenty of digital resources, presentations, and training materials, enhancing learning and development opportunities for employees.
Wrapping Up
Hosting a virtual event doesn’t need to be a challenge. Now that the world has wholeheartedly embraced the idea of virtual meet-ups, putting together your own online event is easier than ever.
By hosting a virtual event, you can expose your employees and attendees to a slew of benefits. Plus, it’s easier for everyone to partake in the festivities when they can join from anywhere!
Keep Reading: How To Introduce Yourself As Emcee
—
Adam Christing has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000 company meetings, special events, gala celebrations, and more. He is the author of several books and founder of CleanComedians.com. For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
