With the world changing in an unprecedented way due to COVID-19, many activities, such as events, have been moved to the online space. Before the pandemic, in-person events were the dominant way of getting people together for an event. The pandemic didn’t stop people from doing what they do best, instead, it forced people and companies to do things differently. This is where a boom of virtual events happened and became extremely successful.
Even with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic reducing, and restrictions all over the world being lifted, online events continue to be a popular method of hosting an event for individuals and businesses. If you own a business, it can be difficult to know which method to choose when you are planning an event.
Why should you plan or attend an event?
Planning an event for your business is vital if you want to make your clients and investors happy, as well as enable you to increase your brand awareness and your credibility. Whether you choose to host an online event or an in-person event, both have many benefits to your business.
Events aren’t always the first thing businesses think about doing but can be one of the most powerful acts that can skyrocket your growth. First, by hosting an event you will be able to attract PR attention that puts your business in the spotlight and increase brand awareness. Media attention can also help increase your turnout and the talk about your event afterward. This echoes down to your ideal customers and creates a more positive reputation.
Every event has a purpose. This can be to launch a new product and get people excited, connect with your community, network with other businesses or show investors what you are about in the hope you will pique their interest. An event bridges the gap you have between your clients and investors and provides you with an opportunity to show the face behind the brand, showcase what you have to offer, and connect with them on a more personal level. Business events are extremely successful and can help your business grow. But which event should you choose to host? Here is some more information on what an in-person event can offer, versus an online event.
In-person events
In-person events enable you to bring people together and connect in a way that just isn’t possible over the internet. Socializing is one of the biggest benefits of an in-person event, as you can meet new people and capitalize on opportunities. Human interaction is just not something that can be replaced.
An in-person event will also enable you to control the atmosphere that you create, as everyone will be in the room that you have set up and free from distractions. You will have all their attention and can create your own event display. Whether you are hosting the event or you are at a networking event, these are great ways to help clients and investors experience you and your business firsthand. You can also offer things that will enable clients and investors to have fun, and remember your brand. For example, you might have different speakers, canapes, food trays, games, party tricks, party bags, activities, and much more.
In-person events will take more careful planning and will require a larger budget. This is because you will need to hire a venue, accommodate guests, supply food and drinks, and much more.
Virtual events
Virtual events are a great way to create an event that can be accessed by more people. Your guests will not need to travel to the venue or find accommodation which can ensure you have a higher turnout, as it is much easier to show up to an online event in the comfort of your own home. It also enables you, as a business, to widen your network. As guests will not need to worry about the location, you can invite clients and investors from all over the world to attend. This is a great benefit for any business to connect and network with people they wouldn’t normally get the chance to.
While you cannot create the same in-person environment at a virtual event, you can still have fun. With the COVID-19 pandemic, technology companies were forced to innovate. Now, online virtual events are not limited to video conferences. They can now include many fun features such as breakout rooms, where participants can go off into smaller groups and get to know each other better. There are also improved functions that will enable music, fun backgrounds, interactive games, and much more.
Another great benefit of virtual events is the time and cost. Without having to hire a venue or cater to your guests, you can save a lot of money. You will only need to invest in a virtual meeting platform and any additional equipment you wish to have to enhance the event. Some companies will send their guests gift baskets that they can open and use at the virtual event too. You will also save a lot of time, as you will not have to plan an in-person event that requires a lot more items such as drinks and snacks. You will, however, still need to spend time planning the event, creating promotions, and marketing the event.
There are a plethora of benefits to both in-person and virtual events. Depending on your business goals, your time, your budget, and your ideal clients, you might find one will benefit your business over the other. Many businesses will even offer and attend both in-person and virtual events so they can connect with clients and investors on a regular basis. This is an excellent way for a business to increase brand awareness.
You can also take a hybrid approach, and set up an in-person event that is live streamed. This means your business can benefit from both.
Make sure you consider what your business needs and what you want to achieve from the event, and then you can start planning. Events are one of the best ways to grow your business.
