What are the 5 things to consider while choosing a virtual events platform

With rapid technological advancement, events are no longer just about ideas, but more about how they are implemented. Virtual events as many mistake it for, are not video conference calls. They require proper planning, an innovative idea and an efficient team to bring it all together. So even while you have a lot of options in terms of vendors, you need to choose the right partner that understands your business ethos and designs an event that suits your taste, generates leads, but is also not heavy on your pocket.

Tips to choose right virtual event partner: Experience and market feedback

With growing demand for virtual events, there are multiple event management companies entering the market every day. However, one must be very careful while choosing a virtual event partner. Remember to look for a platform that has a website exhibiting details of their past experiences, client profiles and list of feedback and testimonials from its clients.

Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.

It helps if the platform has past experience with on-ground events as well, to help them with the overall understanding of the event ecosystem and its dynamics. Make sure to look at some of their recent properties, go through clips and recordings of the recent events. Ask for a temporary login access to browse through the company portfolio. It is essential to look at the way in which the past events were organized, if any glitches happened and how were they resolved. Do not forget to ask for a free dummy trial or a demo.

Look for customizations

Adding a brand background is not customization. Look for a virtual event vendor who believes in putting together tailormade events. From the registration desk to auditoriums, photo booths and other virtual representations along with the overall ambience, everything about the event should be unique and custom-made. Ask your vendor for options and make sure they do not replicate any other brand events just because they were successful. Gone are the days of ‘one plan fits them all’. Some vendors promise to bring in unique customizations according to client needs, ask them for a demo and engage with them to see their visualization of your brand and its event.

Ask for end-to-end support

When finalizing on an event partner, remember to ask them if they provide 24*7 IT support, interactive demos, event-based cloud services and admin support before and during the event. If they do, then you have found the best partner for your success. Digital event consulting services is an added advantage. IT support before, during and after the virtual event is a must-have and there can’t be any compromises on this. You have to make sure your big day runs smoothly and without any hiccups.

Get detailed analytics

Carly Fiorina, an American business woman known for her stint as the CEO of Hewlett-Packard had once said, “The goal is to turn data into information and information into insight”. Your digital event partner should be able to give you a detailed insight into every element of your event. From registration details to attendee demographics, login tenure, interests, preferences to suggestions and feedback. This will not only help you understand your target audience and client better, but also guide you in making your next event even more successful.

Look for value for money

At the end of the day, it all boils down to optimization. While sky is the limit for budgeting, your target should be to zero in on a partner who gives you value for money. Ask for a cost analysis from your event partner and make sure to take budget plans from at least three service providers. However, it is important to remember that the most inexpensive option is not always the best option. The one that offers maximum services at affordable rates and also assures returns, is the partner you are looking for. Do not shy away from paying a premium if it accelerates your case and assures you great returns.