Best Software for Virtual Event Management
Virtual events have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing a convenient and accessible way to bring people together from all over the world.
From conferences and trade shows to workshops and webinars, virtual events allow organizers to reach a larger audience and offer unique experiences for attendees.
The success of virtual events relies heavily on the tools and software used to manage them.
Virtual event management software helps to streamline the process and provide a seamless experience for both organizers and attendees.
It offers a range of features, including customizable registration and ticketing options, live streaming capabilities, breakout room management, and integration with other tools.
In this blog post, we will explore what to look for in virtual event management software and compare the top options available in the market.
Whether you’re a seasoned event professional or new to virtual events, this post will provide valuable insights to help you choose the best software for your needs.
What to look for in virtual event management software
When choosing virtual event management software, it’s important to consider the following key features:
User-friendly interface
A user-friendly interface is essential for virtual events, as it helps to ensure a seamless experience for both organizers and attendees. Look for software with a clean, intuitive design and easy-to-use navigation.
Customizable registration and ticketing options
Virtual event management software should provide customizable registration and ticketing options to fit your specific needs. Look for software that allows you to easily create custom registration forms, manage ticket sales, and send automated confirmations and reminders.
Live streaming capabilities
Live streaming capabilities are a must-have for virtual events. Look for software that offers high-quality video and audio, as well as easy-to-use tools for recording, broadcasting, and hosting live events.
Breakout room management
Breakout rooms are an important feature for virtual events, allowing attendees to participate in smaller, more intimate sessions. Look for software with the ability to easily create and manage breakout rooms, and assign attendees to specific rooms.
Integration with other tools
Virtual event management software should be easy to integrate with other tools, such as email marketing platforms and payment systems. Look for software that integrates with your existing tools to streamline your workflow and reduce the amount of manual effort required.
Robust analytics and reporting
Robust analytics and reporting capabilities are crucial for measuring the success of your virtual events. Look for software with the ability to track attendance, engagement, and feedback, and generate detailed reports to help you improve future events.
By considering these key features, you’ll be able to choose virtual event management software that will help you deliver high-quality virtual events and engage your audience in new and exciting ways.
Top virtual event management software
With so many virtual event management software options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some of the top software options to consider:
1. Zoom
Zoom is one of the most popular virtual event management software options available, and for good reason. Here’s why Zoom is considered one of the best options for virtual event management:
User-friendly interface
Zoom offers a clean and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for organizers and attendees to use. The platform is intuitive and simple to navigate, making it ideal for virtual events of all sizes.
Customizable registration and ticketing options
Zoom provides customizable registration and ticketing options, allowing you to create custom registration forms, manage ticket sales, and send automated confirmations and reminders. This makes it easy to handle the logistics of your virtual events, so you can focus on delivering a great experience for your attendees.
Live streaming capabilities
Zoom’s live streaming capabilities are top-notch, offering high-quality video and audio that makes it easy to host live virtual events. The platform also offers easy-to-use tools for recording, broadcasting, and hosting live events, making it a great option for virtual events that require live streaming.
Breakout room management
Zoom’s breakout room management features are a standout feature, allowing attendees to participate in smaller, more intimate sessions. The platform makes it easy to create and manage breakout rooms, and assign attendees to specific rooms, providing a great experience for your attendees.
Integration with other tools
Zoom integrates with a range of other tools, including email marketing platforms and payment systems, making it easy to streamline your workflow and reduce the amount of manual effort required. This makes it a great option for virtual events that require integration with other tools.
Robust analytics and reporting
Zoom provides robust analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing you to track attendance, engagement, and feedback, and generate detailed reports to help you improve future events. This makes it a great option for virtual events that require robust analytics and reporting.
Overall, Zoom is a great virtual event management software option that offers a range of features, making it ideal for virtual events of all sizes.
Whether you’re hosting a conference, trade show, or webinar, Zoom has the capabilities to help you deliver a high-quality virtual event experience for your attendees.
2. GoToWebinar
GoToWebinar is a popular virtual event management software option that’s known for its robust webinar capabilities. Here’s why GoToWebinar is considered one of the best options for virtual event management:
Webinar-specific features
GoToWebinar is specifically designed for webinars, making it a great option for virtual events that involve presentations, demonstrations, and live Q&A sessions. The platform offers a range of features that are ideal for webinars, including live streaming, recording, and presentation tools.
User-friendly interface
GoToWebinar offers a clean and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for organizers and attendees to use. The platform is intuitive and simple to navigate, making it ideal for virtual events of all sizes.
Customizable registration and ticketing options
GoToWebinar provides customizable registration and ticketing options, allowing you to create custom registration forms, manage ticket sales, and send automated confirmations and reminders. This makes it easy to handle the logistics of your virtual events, so you can focus on delivering a great experience for your attendees.
Live streaming capabilities
GoToWebinar’s live streaming capabilities are top-notch, offering high-quality video and audio that makes it easy to host live virtual events. The platform also offers easy-to-use tools for recording, broadcasting, and hosting live events, making it a great option for virtual events that require live streaming.
Interactive features
GoToWebinar offers a range of interactive features, including live Q&A sessions, audience polls, and surveys, making it easy to engage with your attendees and gather feedback. This makes it a great option for virtual events that require interaction and engagement.
Robust analytics and reporting
GoToWebinar provides robust analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing you to track attendance, engagement, and feedback, and generate detailed reports to help you improve future events. This makes it a great option for virtual events that require robust analytics and reporting.
Overall, GoToWebinar is a great virtual event management software option that’s ideal for virtual events that involve presentations, demonstrations, and live Q&A sessions.
With its user-friendly interface, customizable registration and ticketing options, live streaming capabilities, interactive features, and robust analytics and reporting, GoToWebinar is a great choice for delivering a high-quality virtual event experience for your attendees.
3. Webex
Webex is a widely-used virtual event management software option that offers a range of features to support virtual events of all sizes. Here’s why Webex is considered one of the best options for virtual event management:
Comprehensive virtual event features
Webex offers a comprehensive set of features for virtual event management, including live streaming, video conferencing, screen sharing, and collaboration tools. The platform makes it easy to host virtual events, meetings, and webinars, and provides a seamless experience for attendees.
User-friendly interface
Webex has a clean and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for organizers and attendees to use. The platform is intuitive and simple to navigate, making it ideal for virtual events of all sizes.
Customizable registration and ticketing options
Webex provides customizable registration and ticketing options, allowing you to create custom registration forms, manage ticket sales, and send automated confirmations and reminders. This makes it easy to handle the logistics of your virtual events, so you can focus on delivering a great experience for your attendees.
Live streaming capabilities
Webex’s live streaming capabilities are top-notch, offering high-quality video and audio that makes it easy to host live virtual events. The platform also offers easy-to-use tools for recording, broadcasting, and hosting live events, making it a great option for virtual events that require live streaming.
Collaboration tools
Webex offers a range of collaboration tools, including screen sharing, document sharing, and whiteboarding, making it easy for attendees to interact and collaborate during virtual events. This makes it a great option for virtual events that require collaboration and teamwork.
Robust analytics and reporting
Webex provides robust analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing you to track attendance, engagement, and feedback, and generate detailed reports to help you improve future events. This makes it a great option for virtual events that require robust analytics and reporting.
Overall, Webex is a comprehensive virtual event management software option that offers a range of features to support virtual events of all sizes.
With its user-friendly interface, customizable registration and ticketing options, live streaming capabilities, collaboration tools, and robust analytics and reporting, Webex is a great choice for delivering a high-quality virtual event experience for your attendees.
4. Google Meet
Google Meet is a widely-used virtual event management software that offers a range of features to support virtual events of all sizes. Here’s why Google Meet is considered one of the best options for virtual event management:
Easy integration with Google Workspace
Google Meet is integrated with Google Workspace, which includes popular tools such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive. This integration makes it easy to schedule, host, and manage virtual events within a familiar and user-friendly environment.
User-friendly interface
Google Meet has a clean and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for organizers and attendees to use. The platform is intuitive and simple to navigate, making it ideal for virtual events of all sizes.
High-quality video and audio
Google Meet is known for its high-quality video and audio, which makes it ideal for virtual events that require clear and reliable communication. The platform also offers easy-to-use tools for recording, broadcasting, and hosting live events, making it a great option for virtual events that require live streaming.
Easy screen sharing
Google Meet makes it easy to share your screen during virtual events, which is useful for presentations, demonstrations, and collaboration. The platform’s screen sharing tools are intuitive and easy to use, making it a great option for virtual events that require screen sharing.
Accessibility features
Google Meet is designed with accessibility in mind, offering features such as closed captioning, screen reader support, and high-contrast mode. This makes it a great option for virtual events that require accessibility features.
Secure platform
Google Meet is a secure platform, offering encryption and other security features to ensure the privacy and protection of your virtual events. This makes it a great option for virtual events that require security and privacy.
Overall, Google Meet is a comprehensive virtual event management software option that offers a range of features to support virtual events of all sizes. With its easy integration with Google Workspace, user-friendly interface, high-quality video and audio, easy screen sharing, accessibility features, and secure platform, Google Meet is a great choice for delivering a high-quality virtual event experience for your attendees.
5. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a widely-used virtual event management software that offers a range of features to support virtual events of all sizes. Here’s why Microsoft Teams is considered one of the best options for virtual event management:
Integration with Microsoft 365
Microsoft Teams is integrated with Microsoft 365, which includes popular tools such as Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint. This integration makes it easy to schedule, host, and manage virtual events within a familiar and user-friendly environment.
User-friendly interface
Microsoft Teams has a clean and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for organizers and attendees to use. The platform is intuitive and simple to navigate, making it ideal for virtual events of all sizes.
High-quality video and audio
Microsoft Teams is known for its high-quality video and audio, which makes it ideal for virtual events that require clear and reliable communication. The platform also offers easy-to-use tools for recording, broadcasting, and hosting live events, making it a great option for virtual events that require live streaming.
Easy screen sharing
Microsoft Teams makes it easy to share your screen during virtual events, which is useful for presentations, demonstrations, and collaboration. The platform’s screen sharing tools are intuitive and easy to use, making it a great option for virtual events that require screen sharing.
Robust collaboration features
Microsoft Teams offers a range of collaboration features, including chat, file sharing, and whiteboarding, making it easy for attendees to interact and collaborate during virtual events. This makes it a great option for virtual events that require collaboration and teamwork.
Secure platform
Microsoft Teams is a secure platform, offering encryption and other security features to ensure the privacy and protection of your virtual events. This makes it a great option for virtual events that require security and privacy.
Overall, Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive virtual event management software option that offers a range of features to support virtual events of all sizes.
With its integration with Microsoft 365, user-friendly interface, high-quality video and audio, easy screen sharing, robust collaboration features, and secure platform, Microsoft Teams is a great choice for delivering a high-quality virtual event experience for your attendees.
6. BlueJeans
BlueJeans is a virtual event management software that offers a range of features to support virtual events of all sizes. Here’s why BlueJeans is considered one of the best options for virtual event management:
Cross-platform compatibility
BlueJeans is compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, making it easy for organizers and attendees to use, regardless of the device they prefer.
High-quality video and audio
BlueJeans is known for its high-quality video and audio, which makes it ideal for virtual events that require clear and reliable communication. The platform also offers easy-to-use tools for recording, broadcasting, and hosting live events, making it a great option for virtual events that require live streaming.
Customizable event experiences
BlueJeans offers a range of customization options, including custom backgrounds, branded landing pages, and personalized email invitations, making it easy to create a unique and branded virtual event experience.
Interactive features
BlueJeans offers interactive features, such as Q&A, polls, and chat, making it easy for attendees to engage and interact during virtual events. This makes it a great option for virtual events that require interaction and engagement.
Secure platform
BlueJeans is a secure platform, offering encryption and other security features to ensure the privacy and protection of your virtual events. This makes it a great option for virtual events that require security and privacy.
Overall, BlueJeans is a comprehensive virtual event management software option that offers a range of features to support virtual events of all sizes.
With its cross-platform compatibility, high-quality video and audio, customizable event experiences, interactive features, and secure platform, BlueJeans is a great choice for delivering a high-quality virtual event experience for your attendees.
What is the best platform for virtual event?
The best platform for virtual events depends on a number of factors, including the size and scope of the event, the type of event, and the specific needs of the event organizers and attendees. Some popular virtual event platforms include Zoom, GoToWebinar, BlueJeans, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Webex.
How do you manage virtual events?
Managing virtual events requires a combination of planning, preparation, and technology. Here are some key steps to managing virtual events:
Determine the goals and objectives of the event
- Choose the right virtual event platform
- Plan the event schedule and agenda
- Create a marketing plan and promote the event
- Prepare materials, such as presentations and handouts
- Set up the virtual event environment, including audio and visual components
- Manage the event day-of, including monitoring attendees, answering questions, and addressing any technical issues
- Evaluate the event and gather feedback from attendees
How do you organize a successful virtual event?
Organizing a successful virtual event requires careful planning and preparation, including:
- Setting clear goals and objectives
- Choosing the right virtual event platform
- Creating a detailed event schedule and agenda
- Preparing and testing technology and audio/visual components
- Marketing and promoting the event
- Offering engaging and interactive content
- Providing clear instructions and support for attendees
- Continuously monitoring and adjusting the event as needed
What platform will you use to hold the virtual part of your event?
The platform used for virtual events will depend on a number of factors, including the size and scope of the event, the specific needs of the event organizers and attendees, and the budget. Some popular virtual event platforms include Zoom, GoToWebinar, BlueJeans, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Webex.
What is better than Eventbrite?
The answer to this question will depend on the specific needs of the event organizers and attendees. Some virtual event platforms that are often compared to Eventbrite include Zoom, GoToWebinar, BlueJeans, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Webex. Each platform has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to compare them and choose the one that best fits your needs.
What is the most popular virtual meeting platform?
Zoom is currently one of the most popular virtual meeting platforms, due to its ease of use, reliable video and audio quality, and wide range of features and capabilities. However, other virtual meeting platforms, such as Microsoft Teams and Google Meet, are also becoming increasingly popular.
How do I manage an event in zoom?
Here are some key steps to managing an event in Zoom:
- Schedule the event and send out invitations
- Test audio and visual components before the event
- Prepare presentations and other materials
- Start the event and welcome attendees
- Monitor the chat and Q&A features during the event
- End the event and thank attendees for their participation
How much does it cost to run a virtual event?
The cost of running a virtual event can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the size and scope of the event, the platform used, and the specific needs of the event organizers and attendees. Some virtual event platforms, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, offer free versions, while others, such as BlueJeans and GoToWebinar, charge a fee based on the number of attendees and the specific features and capabilities required.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, virtual event management is a complex process that requires careful planning, preparation, and the use of the right technology.
With so many virtual event platforms available, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your event.
However, by considering factors such as the size and scope of the event, the specific needs of the event organizers and attendees, and the budget, you can select the platform that best fits your needs.
Whether you choose Zoom, GoToWebinar, BlueJeans, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or another platform, it’s important to invest time and resources into planning and executing a successful virtual event.
By doing so, you can connect with your audience, achieve your event goals, and provide a positive and memorable experience for attendees.