In a world where almost everything – including businesses – has come to depend more on technology, companies can no longer rely on face-to-face interactions in their bid to stay relevant, build and maintain relationships, and grow.
Whether it’s for cultivating close relationships with your network or building new relations, promoting your brand, keeping in touch with clients, or staying productive, virtual events offer businesses tremendous opportunities to put their name out there and do something memorable.
Not sure if you should use virtual events as part of your business strategy?
Here are 6 ways virtual events can benefit your business:
1. They provide opportunities to connect with a bigger audience.
Online events eliminate the need to travel or attend one at a set schedule, and they also tend to be less prohibitive in terms of costs. This is precisely why virtual events usually register higher participation figures when compared to their conventional counterparts.
When more people register for your event, you’ll have options to connect with a bigger audience. Whether you are part of the event as an organiser, sponsor, speaker, attendee, or media partner, there’s a world of opportunities waiting for you.
In fact, a lot of online conferences facilitate networking as part of their program. So if you’re planning to tap an overseas market or network with like-minded people abroad, a digital event might just be the avenue you need to start building strategic connections.
2. They enable more valuable, meaningful interactions.
Traditional exhibitions and similar events usually involve the use of impressive booths or stalls designed to make people want to take a closer look. And one worry of exhibitors is the presence of empty booths in physical venues.
Virtual events allow participants to connect virtually with fellow exhibiting companies, sponsors, partners, and clients through virtual social communities.
There’s no giving away of business cards that might just end up in a box. Instead, you’ll know right away there’s genuine interest when someone reaches out to you after seeing your virtual exhibit or interacting with you via an online event.
Virtual events also provide the opportunity to leverage technology like the latest AI matchmaking tools, to create relevant meetings, and foster improved conversations by matching the right people at the event based on their preferences and objectives.
3. They create brand awareness.
You may have a great product or service that deserves recognition on the world stage. However, without the right exposure, it could remain in relative obscurity.
By participating in a virtual event, you can put the name of your brand out there as a sponsor, media partner, or speaker. As an attendee, you can also use your participation in the event as an opportunity to get noticed, network, and build connections that could help you spread the word about your brand.
For example, if you’re using an online event as the medium for your product launch, you know the spotlight is on you and your brand. Make the most of this pivotal moment by putting what you’ve been painstakingly working on for months or years on full display.
Present a unique perspective. Establish what makes your product, service, or brand special. Engage with the audience and hook them in so they end up wanting more.
It doesn’t matter if it’s more information about what you’re offering or your company that they want. What’s crucial is that you’re now top of mind among your prospective clients and customers.
Who knows, you might even attract investors in the process.
4. They can help establish your position as a thought leader.
If you have a wealth of experience to contribute to the current knowledge base in your industry, why not use virtual events as your platform?
People are quick to support individuals and organizations that are authoritative in their field of expertise. You can establish yourself or your company as an industry or market authority by sponsoring or speaking at a virtual event, such as a conference or webinar.
When attendees find your participation at an event to be informative and insight-laden, they’ll not only be singing you praises but also looking at your business and your brand more closely.
5. They can interest investors and prospective clients.
Participating in a virtual event can earn your company the attention it needs to grow.
By taking part in one as a sponsor or speaker (or some other noteworthy role), you can show potential investors that you have something unique and valuable to offer.
As virtual events allow for valuable networking opportunities, it can be easier for you to approach investors or client prospects who’ve attended the event down the line.
What’s important is to ensure your role in the event is impressive enough to attract the notice of and engage stakeholders that can help you drive your business forward.
6. They give you more opportunities to learn from industry leaders.
If you’re a fledgling company or startup looking to grow in the next few years, attending virtual events relevant to your industry might help you gain insights that can enrich your leadership and your business. Moreover, virtual events give you tremendous opportunities to learn from the best, as you can attend as many as you want wherever you are located.
Besides, by participating in virtual events, you won’t be limited by geographical barriers and you certainly can attend more than one or two events in a year. In fact, you can attend as many as you want.
To make the most of virtual events as a participant, choose ones that feature speakers who are known for their contributions to your field or the sector your business is part of. Make sure you ask questions that are relevant and generate value for other members of the audience as well.
Remember, even as an attendee, you have the opportunity to stand out by asking the right questions – and don’t forget to mention your company name when you’re prompted to introduce yourself.
Time to Take Part in a Virtual Event
Virtual events about strategy management, sustainability, project management, human resources, or some other value-laden industry topic provide businesses many opportunities to get noticed.
During events, you can create and nurture connections, establish your position as a market leader, attract the attention of stakeholders, and so much more.
Ensure you don’t miss out on these advantages by harnessing the potential of virtual events as an attendee, speaker, media partner or sponsor – or simply taking part in a meaningful way.
