So if you’re like me, you had to find a quick solution to carry on with your events. Most of you used what you had on hand. But let’s be real : these solutions are far from what we actually need to digitize our events. Video conferencing systems and webinar tools don’t have what it takes to transform real life events into virtual ones.
Here’s a list of reasons why tools like Microsoft Teams or zoom are not adapted to our needs as event organizers.
They’re not made for virtual events
OK, we’ll admit that this one is obvious. But we need to stress the fact that video conferencing software and webinar tools are made for what their names entail.
Video conferences are used to replace physical business meetings while you’re on the go. They’re also used for quick team meetings to make some decisions, discuss important topics, and deliver urgent information. In essence, short simple team meetings to replace physical conference rooms or traditional offices.
They lack the interactivity options needed to engage your audience
Let’s face it, online conference participants are sitting in front of the computer screen doing something else like being on their phone or watching TV. What’s more is that they’ll unmute themselves to laugh a few seconds or say “yes, that’s right” to show others that they’re interested, but that’s far from the truth. This would never happen at a physical event ! That’s why we need to offer sufficient ways to interact so that they can feel like they are a part of the conversation.
In a standard video conferencing system, the closest thing they have to interactivity is the chat. That just doesn’t cut it. Participants want to be engaged. They want to reply to polls, ask questions, answer quizzes, and engage with both the speakers and other participants. You can’t really do this with the video conferencing system. If you don’t engage your participants they are going to doze off I miss out on important information.
They’re anything but secure
We all heard about the zoom hacks at the beginning of the year. Hackers were taking over zoom conferences left and right. These takeovers should be avoided at all cost for corporate events. Sensitive and confidential information are shared during online events.
A virtual events platform like Eventdrive is not only secure but GDPR compliant. Eventdrive’s Recent audit by leading banking and pharmaceutical institutions received a security score of 99%. Your data is also encrypted so in the event someone does obtain your information, they’ll have a hard time figuring out what it is. For European companies, your data is hosted on servers in France thus respecting local regulations.
They don’t provide the branded experience found at live events
When we participate in a physical event, we are immersed in the brand’s identity. Company and sponsor logos as well as slogans and promotional videos are around every corner. When you’re on Microsoft teams or zoom you’re on THEIR platform and not yours.
With Eventdrive, you’re able to customize your virtual event space with your brand image and provide a whole different kind of experience.
They are not adapted to Event Organizers
Event professionals aren’t there to send out video conference links. Their job is to design an event with their company‘s values in mind and ensure a memorable participant experience.
Using an event management software allows them to easily organize their events including registration, event marketing, attendee engagement, and drive their overall event performance. In essence, event technology allows event organizers to fully manage their events from A to Z.
Data centralization is important. With an EMS, your data is centralized in one dedicated spot, from participant information to post event survey results.
Event marketing is made easy. With a virtual events platform they can publish a customized event website in minutes where participants can access important event information including agendas, speaker biographies, shared documents, and even the recorded sessions for those who weren’t able to attend the live stream. Email confirmations and reminders can be automatically programmed to save time and money that would be otherwise spent on an email marketing platform. Multiple birds, one stone.
In a nutshell, Event organizers need a tool that is adapted to their needs. One that...
1. Centralizes their data
2. Is secure and GDPR compliant
3. Can be customized with their brand identity
4. Allows them to really engage their attendees.
You wouldn’t screw in a screw with a hammer, so why use a video conferencing tool to organize your online events?