5 Benefits to Taking Your Event Online

February 6, 2016

With constant enhancements in technology and the continuous fight to remain competitive, there has been a surge in ways to increase event revenue. With this surge  we are seeing a dramatic shift in the way content is being consumed at events. Virtual and hybrid events in the form of conferences, job fairs, and trade shows are becoming the norm, adding a new approach to traditional events.

If you’re thinking about hosting one yourself, here are 5 benefits to going virtual. 

1. Extend the Life of your Event

One of the most helpful elements of a virtual event is the fact that it has an afterlife. 

Sessions can be recorded and referenced as on demand sessions for users to reference back to, re-watch, and share. There is no need to worry about taking notes or missing a big idea because every presentation, chat, and Q&A session is recorded.

2. Drive Overall Engagement

The interactive features of a virtual event allow for more conversations to take place within the presentation. Games, chat, polling, and Q&A allow for continuous audience 

engagement, learning, and creating meaningful connections. These tools also help the client to better understand the audience’s perception and gain valuable insight.

3. Quick Set Up and No Tear Down

Virtual events include all the same elements you would see in a physical event like  handouts, sponsor booths, and breakout sessions without the hassle of setting up large stages or breakout rooms. A major highlight of virtual events is that there is no complicated set up or break down after the event. You simply end your last session, and it’s a wrap!

4. Reach a Global Audience

Adding a virtual event to your event strategy offers many great benefits including the ability to reach a mass audience. You can extend your reach with the ability for attendees to easily share your registration pages beyond your list of participants. Anyone can attend a virtual event regardless of where they are located, and they can also view and participate from any mobile device making virtual events perfect for people on the go.

5. Receive Metrics and Audience Data in Real Time

With virtual events, you are able to track new leads, see how engaged your audience is, and track which attendees convert to physical attendees at the next event. With this data at hand, you can easily measure results and make continuous improvements to your program.

Virtual events are rising to the top as a preferred way to learn, network, and share ideas with like-minded people regardless of their location. There are many great use cases for adding a virtual component to your next event. Companies use virtual events to help create interest and drive physical attendance for future events. Some use virtual events as teasers to promote content and attract a larger audience to their physical event. Others use virtual events to generate more sales. Regardless of the use case, virtual events are being used more frequently to lower costs, connect dispersed audiences and increase their event ROI.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact