The heart of virtual events is event technology. Technology makes it possible to host virtual tradeshows, webinars, conferences, and live performances online. What are the most important tech tools to organize a virtual conference? Drive registrations and engagement and manage the event smoothly? We will be examining the best virtual event technology tools to create events that inspire, entertain, and educate.

Check out our top event technology tools.

Website for virtual events

Virtual events can benefit from a dedicated website, just like in-person events. These websites are a “home base”, which gives virtual events a real sense of reality. Each digital event attracts active guests on social media, others who check their email, and others who don’t. A website for events keeps everyone on the same page.

These are the key elements of a website for a virtual event:

• What time and where? What is the start and end time for the event? What is the location for people to meet online? (i.e., What is the central online platform to host the event?
• Tell us about the event and why people should attend. Give details of what attendees will gain from the virtual event. Knowledge? Networking opportunities? Entertainment? This is the event pitch that gets you registrations.
• Clear branding. It should immediately be obvious who is in charge of an event. The event is sometimes the primary brand. However, the primary branding will be the organization or company hosting the virtual program for many events.
• Title of the event. A simple title for your event that clarifies its topic or goals. The event hashtag should be chosen at the same moment.
• Call to action and registration. Prospective guests should be able to register easily. Your CTA should be prominent and encourage clicks.
• Images that are appealing and reflect the event. Photos that represent the event’s goal should be included. Have happy interactions over the internet in real-time? Studying and learning? Images that demonstrate what people can expect.
• Previous events responses. You can add testimonials from attendees if this is a repeating event. These responses will be collected in surveys after the event, but they can also be found on social media.

Register for an event

Event registration is the link between your event marketing and your virtual event. It must be seamless and secure. A flexible website design for your event and a registration platform which combines design with the registration process can be used. You can also add a registration link on an existing website. No matter which route you take, registration and payment should be easy and secure. In general, registration should include at least five pages.

• Information for attendees
• Register items (level of access, VIP Tickets)
• Session sign-up
• Summary of the inputs and choices made by attendees
• Payment page

It is possible to ask registrants questions about the event, such as what they liked about individual breakout sessions. These questions can help you improve your virtual event planning and marketing strategies.

Apps for events

Mobile devices are the most common way people access event information, at least partially. Your event will be more interactive and experiential if it has a mobile app. Your event app, just like your website, should reflect your brand and provide a list of benefits. It should be simple to create, as you are busy planning virtual events, such as securing sponsors and finalizing speaker contracts.

Apps are the best tools for virtual events because they allow attendees to engage with them. Apps can help:

• Professional networking
• Knowledge building through original content from events
• Gamification and Q&As can sustain interest.
• Understand the event through surveys of attendees before, during and after it

Event apps can increase event revenue by featuring sponsors and advertising for sponsors.

Software for live streaming

Many online events can be streamed live in whole or in part. To do this, attendees will need to connect to a live-streaming app to see the keynote speeches, product rollouts, training seminars, and other performances you have planned. You have many options when it comes to live-streaming events.

• YouTube Live
• Facebook Live
• Periscope
• Livestream
• Brightcove
• Twitch

Digital video equipment

You will need digital video equipment to capture your virtual event’s focus, whether live streaming or a combination of recorded and live video. You could capture a panel discussion in a studio or remote performance on a podium, or even a keynote speech in the speaker’s home. These tools will help you capture moments, whether you are hiring event videographers or as low-tech or not.

• Digital video camera (a professional digital camera or a smartphone)
• Tripods
• Lighting equipment