• Event Creation and Management: Research the tools which will help you create the event, manage the user numbers and guest list, and choose if you want your event publicly available or just for specific users.  
• Accessibility and Cross-Platform Compatibility: Not everyone is guaranteed to have the same devices or virtual reality headsets. Although most virtual events platforms are created for a VR-first experience it is always beneficial to research platforms that can be accessed through laptops, desktop computers, and even phones and tablets for those who may not have access to headsets. 
• Venue: Most virtual event platforms come with ready-made environments to host a variety of virtual events. However, depending on the event itself, you may want something more bespoke. Platforms like ENGAGE offer studio teams that can build bespoke environments depending on the needs and requirements of your event. 
• Interactive Features: Like virtual learning environments, some virtual events may need tools and features that allow for group collaboration. Features such as whiteboards, sticky notes, and other 3D interactive objects can give participants a greater sense of immersion in your virtual event. Always consider your events from the participant’s point of view and how you can increase the interactive elements throughout your event.  
• Multimedia Features: Also like virtual classrooms, tools that integrate media such as videos, imagery, and 360 enhance the virtual experience for the participant. 

The price of virtual events can vary depending on the event type, platform subscription packages, and number of users. Many virtual event platforms will allow free users to attend your events, but they may have to set up a free account. For example, a small conference or networking event may use ready-made locations, require little technical support and no creation of bespoke 3D models or locations. This event has the potential to run cheaper than a physical event where the organizers would need to rent a location and provide refreshments etc.  Other events, however, may require a completely tailored experience, which may need technical support. The best advice would be to engage with your chosen platform early and they will be able to offer guidance on various packages to suit your event’s needs.   

• Creative and Music Industry: There are many artists who have fans and advocates based all around the world. Sometimes fans will travel thousands of miles to be the first to see a product or attend a first concert/showing. Having a virtual premiere, or simply an event, opens up the accessibility for more fans to attend these special events. This increases the connection between fans and may also give them more opportunity to interact in a year-on-year basis by lowering the cost barrier to entry for them as they will have no travel fees.  
• Automotive: Virtual events can be used by automotive brands for car design concepts and demonstrations. Designing a 3D model to reveal a new range of cars can connect brands to their customer base. It also gives the opportunity to get direct feedback on the models, which would prove costly for automotive brands to change once a concept has reached production. 
• Fashion Brands: Similar to music and entertainment, fashion brands have followers all over the world. Designing 3D models of the latest fashion trends or constructing an immersive experience around a new product range gives brands the opportunity to engage with their super-fans wherever they are based in the world.  
• Technology: Product launches and demonstrations are popular in the tech world. In the past some brands have held virtual launches simultaneously with a physical event. Widening the accessibility for their avid users. 
• Educational: Many people like to visit an educational institute before they attend but sometimes this can require long travel to do so. Virtual online open days would allow potential students to get a greater understanding of the suitability of the campus and the teachers before committing to travel. For institutes that offer remote courses, hosting virtual events for remote students has the potential to increase student engagement and social interactions between peer groups.  
• Professional Development: Training workshops and seminars can be held virtually. This may be especially beneficial when a workforce is dispersed worldwide. It will also give participants the chance to network with colleagues they may not know from various offices – giving a greater sense of belonging. 
• Healthcare and Medical: Virtual events can benefit medical and healthcare professionals by enabling them to learn about the latest research and treatments, and to connect remotely with industry experts and peers. 
• Real Estate: Who hasn’t watched a real estate program on TV? But imagine being able to host your real estate show in virtual reality. Allowing people to immerse themselves in a virtual property, with the added benefit of being able to tailor the aspects such as the potential decor or even the time of day, to show the property in a different light – figuratively and virtually.  

 

A virtual event platform is a simulation platform that allows organizations to hold virtual events, conferences, and product demonstrations for their workforce, customers, or followers. These events can replicate real-world events or transform them into something more visionary and imaginative depending on the event brief. Participants can then log in remotely from anywhere around the world and interact with the event itself and other participants.