Virtual Event Platforms Review: EventMind - June 2020

​EventMind does not endorse any particular virtual event platform or software. We review the platforms available on the market monthly (through a combination of client feedback, test events and demos). There’s no platform which is an ‘all in one’ or ‘all inclusive’ solution when it comes to virtual event platforms. Bear in mind, most virtual event platforms were originally live event apps or software. Covid19 accelerated many platforms to pivot into creating virtual event solutions. In the long run, this seems to be a smart move as hybrid events are likely to become standard (especially if you understand how to monetize hybrid events and maximise global audience reach). 

​If you are planning several events or a series of events, it’s always worth asking platforms about an annual license as this will save you money,  and also allow your virtual event platform partner or IT team to get used to modifying and monitoring one platform consistently which will result in better event design. It’s useful to note that designing and delivering virtual events are not necessarily cheaper than in-person events. You have to be aware of additional and hidden costs relating to recordings of live streams, extra booths, networking lounges etc etc. Also spare some thought to extending the event window. Some platforms are willing to sell you a package which allows your event to run longer than a day or two. This is why it’s important to consider engaging a virtual event partner as we have the knowledge and ability to negotiate where necessary. 

It’s also important to ensure you are satisfied with the level of customer service provided by platforms (particularly if you are going straight to the platform provider) as this will likely impact your experience of using the platform. Of course, if you use a virtual event partner, like EventMind, you won’t have to deal directly with the platform during the event design and delivery process. 

Below are a list of virtual event platforms to consider:

https://hopin.to

Hopin is a UK based virtual platform which describes itself as the ‘virtual venue for all your events’. The platform allows for multiple streams of content to be facilitated at the same time. Attendees can move in and out of different rooms with ease. The platform also has a ‘backstage’ function which means that speakers, presenters and hosts can be held backstage and transitioned onto a ‘mainstage’ to deliver content if the event is live. You can also create virtual booths for vendors, sponsors and partners and attendees can request to meet with each other. You can upload images, videos and documents into the virtual booths including a welcome video which introduces you to visitors. 

https://inevent.com

The customer service and support provided by this platform is swift and comprehensive (and this really matters when delivering virtual events). The platform features a virtual lobby in which event organizers can upload pre-recorded welcome videos for attendees/visitors. If you want to take it a step further you can have a team member manage the virtual lobby live. The navigation experience for visitors is simple. Available activities and rooms are listed on the left hand side of the screen at all times once a visitor has entered a room. On the right hand side, attendees can chat with other attendees live, find out who else is in the ‘room’, download files and view sponsors. Live presenters and hosts can pull attendees into the mainframe during live sessions which is rather handy and increases audience engagement.

https://live.remo.co

This is an interesting platform for virtual events. It works rather well for networking events whether they be external or internal. The visuals representation of a networking room is familiar to attendees. The screen which attendees land on shows clusters of tables with chairs. An attendee can select a seat and join a virtual table. A video screen will pop up and you can see all of the other attendees on the virtual table. Hosts and presenters can run polls and Q&A segments easily with audiences. If the event organizers want to start a main speech, talk or keynote there is a facility which allows the presenter to cut through all of the smaller networking streams and deliver content to everyone present on the platform. It’s visually appealing and relatively easy for attendees to navigate and understand. 

https://www.teooh.com

This is an interesting platform as the visuals are interesting for attendees and visitors. Teeoh, the provider of an avatar-based virtual gathering platform, recently secured €4 million in seed funding. Another London-based company which builds custom virtual venues for individuals and businesses. Since its launch in April, Teeoh has hosted more than 4,000 events. Its visual are modern, colourful and funky. 

https://socio.events

This is an interesting platform as it was originally an app (like most virtual event platforms) but the web version is in development. This platform has really found its feet over the last few months in the purely virtual environment. Completely customizable, this platform allows event organisers to create polls and competitions for attendees to participate in. The platform features a content library, games, announcements feeds and plenty of sponsorship placement opportunities. This is a real plus to using a platform like Socio if you are looking to monetize as much of the virtual experience as possible, as you can create as many sponsor opportunities as you can imagine. It’s a brilliant app for creating hubs for networking and dynamic audience engagement.

https://get.swoogo.com

This is another interesting platform as it combines two things -  a 3d like exhibition room visual and a simple interface for attendees. The platform is simple, modern and funky. Completely customizable, the visual presentation really lends itself to internal employee events, award shows as it allows you to brand your event and enhance the attendee experience. All event content, personalized calendars, virtual booths are easily accessible in a top navigation bar which makes it super easy for your attendees. 

https://hubilo.com

This is a very interesting platform for tradeshows, exhibitions and conferences. The visual layout is very familiar for most attendees and visitors. Items, talks and the feed appearance is very similar to a Facebook, amazon and eBay feed. All of the menu labels are customizable and fixed at the top of the page. There are plenty of sponsorship placement opportunities including a hero banner which sits front stage and centre on the main platform landing page. In addition, the platform features video networking lounges that can be branded and sponsored creating more monetization opportunities for event organizers. It’s also useful to note that this platform will allow you to have longer live events (up to two weeks at a time). This means more visibility and longer term value  for sponsors, partners and attendees. 

EventMind helps organisations design, develop and manage virtual events and experiences. We enable organisations to create community, encourage collaboration and wow attendees using digital tools and platforms. Our expert teams use their industry knowledge and our signature Virtual Profit Framework to create custom and strategic virtual events which support organizational goals, needs and challenges. The four pillars of our framework are also our core values: content, community, creativity and collaboration. Drop us an email (team@eventmindpro.com) or call 0333 050 9360 to discuss how we can help you.