7 Reasons companies and party planners are switching to 'Virtual Events'

Virtual events have come into the spotlight ever since the coronavirus has brought life to a standstill. Major events like E3 2020, the event that allows game developers to showcase their new games and the Mobile World Congress 2020 (MWC 2020 for short) has also been cancelled owing to the pandemic. These events were the go-to platform for various companies to showcase their projects and also give consumers the first glance at what they have been working on.

Luckily, the pandemic has pushed companies to release their own ‘virtual events’ that give consumers and journalists to see what they have been working on. Big name companies like Apple and Samsung have already shown the world that virtual events are slowly becoming the norm - at least for the moment. Not only that, many non - IT companies are working on virtual events that allow anyone and everyone to participate in it. Virtual events go to show just how flexible and adaptable a company really is.

It is not only businesses that benefit from virtual events. Friends are now able to be an active participant in movie watch-alongs, birthday parties can now be attended from any part of the world - these are just a few examples of how virtual events are currently booming. Gaming networks like Twitch and Discord have recently boomed in popularity and that is all thanks to the fact that these platforms make accessibility to various virtual events a whole lot easier. Let us go a little bit more in depth as to why virtual events are the new norm and a couple of ideas for your first virtual event!

Reason 1- Cost

People don’t really need to pay anything to access any virtual event since they aren’t really paying for any service. Services like Discord, have made playing games a lot easier especially due to the fact that they are free and they are like any other messaging services. Not only that, even people who organize these events are significantly saving costs, which greatly help the company from a financial perspective.

Reason 2 - Safety

Gone now are the days when people used to meet in crowded venues, deciding when a certain event took place. The virus has brought a very important ‘rule’ to the fore - social distancing. People don’t want to contract the virus and spread it to others. It ensures and in a way almost, promotes people to stay at their homes by offering various ways to keep themselves entertained at home. It is a way to ‘safely gather.’ No more money wasted on fancy banquets!

Reason 3 - Reusability

Virtual events allow us to use a platform over and over again, unlike a real venue. Venues often are booked by other people and virtual events is one way of avoiding all of that hassle. Something else that is overlooked is that virtual events are global! People from all over the world can meet up on a platform, eliminating the need to travel long distances which brings us to the next point.

Reason 4 - Time is saved

Most of us are aware of the old anecdote:- time is money. People don’t really need to visit faraway places anymore which saves a lot of time. They can attend the event even when they travel, which is an awesome thing to do. This is essentially what had happened with recent keynote events like Apple’s WWDC where they had pre recorded what they planned on showcasing and ultimately allowed users like me and you, to access the event whenever you want. You can also rewatch the event at any given point!

Reason 5 - Health and Safety

Given that the pandemic has forced us all to stay at our homes, virtual events have allowed us to take care of our own health. There is no need to call for ambulances when someone gets injured  or no more bad food that may cause poisoning at the theatre. Virtual events have essentially allowed us to escape serious health hazards which is something to look forward to.

Reason 6 - Comfort

We all love staying at our own home, comfortably sitting and doing whatever you want. Want to walk around naked? No one’s around to judge you. Watching Netflix while you are in a meeting? No one can tell! Another reason to love virtual events is that you can do whatever you want from the comfort of your own home. You can set up a birthday party for your friend, or you can watch movies with a wide audience. You can also showcase your gaming skills to the internet! Virtual Events are awesome!

Reason 7 - Saves the environment.

This one is actually quite serious. A study in the UK, pointed out that in regular events, people are more likely to throw garbage around them. 

Virtual events are one of the most sustainable ways that one can host an event today. When one hosts a physical event, say a wedding, so much food goes to waste and rubbish is created. Especially in times where cleanliness and avoiding filth is the norm, virtual events certainly help avoid it and guess what? You don’t even need to worry about those!
If you are planning to host your own virtual event, here are some great ideas to help you get started!

Bonus: Ideas For Your Next Virtual Event!

Trivia Parties!

Everyone knows trivia parties are fun. Thanks to the internet, which one can use to their advantage, trivia parties become a lot more fun! There are so many contests that are being held right now and maybe, even your local bar might be conducting one. It also promises quality fun! Be sure to check out our selection of Trivia Zoom Apps, Downloadable Powerpoint Presentations, and Music Bingo Cards.

​Movie/Sports 'Watch-Alongs'

So many YouTubers, Discord servers and Twitch streamers have recently started streaming their favourite anime series, movies etc. and have been watching it with their friends and people who subscribe to them. This is a really fun and unique way as it allows them to interact with each other and discuss fan theories! What are you waiting for? Call your friends and watch your favourite rom-com (if you know, that’s your thing. No judgement!)

The future seems to be done on the internet and events are no exceptions. With the world edging towards virtual events, it is safe to say, they will be the way forward in this crazy new world we live in.

Written By Farhan Subi

How are Virtual Events changing your home or workplace? Please feel free to keep the conversation going in the comment section below.