Avoiding Virtual Event Platform Pitfalls
Imagine this – after months of planning, your big virtual event is finally here!
You log in early, excited to connect with attendees and execute the agenda you’ve been preparing for weeks.
But as soon as you enter the event platform, your enthusiasm fades.
Glitchy video, confusing navigation, people asking how to access sessions in the chat…it becomes clear this software just isn’t cutting it.
We’ve all been there – virtual event platforms that fall short of expectations and leave you frustrated.
But it doesn’t have to be this way!
Choosing the right virtual meeting planner from the start makes the difference between a disjointed event and a seamless, engaging experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing virtual event software, like ease of use, networking capabilities, and data insights.
We’ll also provide recommendations on platforms that consistently get it right, based on our experience running virtual and hybrid events at We & Goliath.
Key Factors When Choosing a Virtual Meeting Planner
When evaluating virtual meeting planners, keep these key factors in mind:
Ease of Use
Look for an intuitive interface that allows event staff and attendees to easily navigate the platform.
The best virtual meeting planners require minimal training.
They also offer built-in wizards and templates to simplify planning.
Scheduling and Session Management
Robust scheduling and session management tools help you organize every detail down to the minute.
From creating the agenda to assigning session times, the platform should make it easy to plan your entire event program.
Registration and Event Promotion
Your virtual meeting planner should help you register attendees, customize registration questions, and accept payments.
It should also allow you to create branded event pages and emails to promote your event.
Engagement and Networking Features
Facilitating connections is a top priority.
Seek out virtual meeting planners with built-in networking lounges, customizable profiles, 1:1 video meetups, and live group chats.
Gamification through points, rewards, and leaderboards also boosts engagement.
Sponsor and Exhibitor Options
Provide value to your sponsors and exhibitors by selecting a platform that allows them to showcase promotions, distribute collateral, host meetings, and generate leads.
Data and Analytics
Gain insights into your event and attendees through analytics like registration and attendance tracking, poll results, engagement metrics, and lead retrieval reports.
Support and Customization
Look for responsive customer support and extensive customization options to match your brand identity.
Most platforms also offer professional services to help execute your event.
Recommended Virtual Meeting Planners
Based on our experience and criteria above, here are our top recommended virtual meeting planners to consider for 2023 events:
Webex Events
Webex Events belongs to Cisco and stands out for its enterprise-grade features, security, and scalability.
While it has a steeper learning curve than some competitors, the platform delivers when it comes to large-scale events.
Whova
Whova wins praise for its intuitive, easy-to-use interface.
It makes it simple for organizers and attendees alike to access all event details in their mobile or desktop dashboards.
That’s not all.
For exhibitors, Whova provides tools to highlight promotions, generate leads, and collect data.
It also enables organizers to quickly build schedules, customize registration, and track engagement analytics.
Airmeet
Airmeet shines when it comes to engagement.
It offers interactive spaces like networking lounges, virtual expo booths, and session Q&As.
Airmeet says their platform can handle over 100,000 attendees.
So it scales seamlessly from small meetings to massive conferences.
With quick setup times, affordable pricing, and no downloads required, Airmeet delivers on flexibility and accessibility.
Brella
Brella’s strength lies in attendee networking.
It uses AI matchmaking to suggest tailored connections and nudge introductions based on attendee interests.
With its mobile-centric platform and focus on smart networking, Brella creates unique virtual and hybrid event experiences.
It’s best suited for small to mid-size events.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Platform
When selecting a virtual meeting planner, keep these key considerations in mind:
Start Planning Your Next Event
Virtual meeting planners make organizing successful online events simple.
With the right software, you can create an immersive attendee experience that encourages networking and engagement.
Platforms like Webex Events, Whova, Airmeet, and Brella rise above the competition based on our criteria and experience.
Each offers robust features tailored to enhance virtual and hybrid events.
Now that you know what to look for in a virtual meeting planner, it’s time to start planning your next online event!
Map out key goals, build your agenda, and research pricing.
Map out key goals, build your agenda, and research pricing.
We recommend starting small by hosting meetings internally before executing large-scale client events.
At We & Goliath, our team of experts provide guidance and done-for-you execution of virtual, hybrid, and in-person events.
Our full-service offering delivers customized platforms, dynamic content, and marketing tools to exceed your business goals. Reach out today to bring your next event vision to life!
Even the best platforms fall short without expertise bringing them to life. Don’t just meet expectations, exceed them!
Our team at We & Goliath has produced over 500 flawless virtual and hybrid events.
We intimately understand how to craft immersive experiences that spark meaningful connections and drive results.
Let’s connect in a complementary strategy session to map out your event vision.
With our full-service solutions tailored to your goals, we’ll make your next online gathering stand out from the sea of lackluster events.
Bring your biggest ideas and get ready to finally partner with the pros who can execute them.
