August 2, 2021

How to Attend Virtual Events from Home or Office?

With the whole world embracing virtual events, you’ve probably attended (or even hosted) an online event or exhibition. For many, the move towards digitalized events may have felt overwhelming. You might’ve been exceptional at networking in physical events, but had a hard time behind a screen.

As experts in the ever-growing field of virtual events, we’ve compiled a list to make the process less daunting. Follow the tips below, and you’ll find yourself making the most of any and every virtual event!

1. Put It in Your Calendar

Give online events the same time and attention as physical events. Most often, individuals underestimate virtual events since they take place online; but it is necessary to take a couple of hours off your daily responsibilities to fully enjoy the event. By booking the event into your calendar, you ensure to attend and avoid scheduling anything else at the same time.

2. Test Your Device and Internet Connection

Making sure that you have a working device and reliable internet connection is key when attending virtual events. Whether you are using a computer or smart phone, it is important to test your device’s compatibility with the virtual events software. Additionally, some virtual events tools do not work well over specific connections; thus, make sure your wifi or data is suitable for the platform that you are using. It is best to perform these tests well before your event so you have enough time to address any issues.

3. Familiarize Yourself with the Events Platform

Have you ever been late to a physical event because you couldn’t find any available parking spots? Not familiarizing yourself with the online events platform can have the same outcome! Take enough time prior to the event to get to know the event tool. Play around with the different functionalities the platform offers and watch any tutorials that may have been provided. It is absolutely necessary that you know how to navigate the virtual event in order to make valuable connections and efficient use of your time.

4. Review Available Information

Most events provide attendees with relevant information prior to the event. These include event agenda, speakers, exhibitor booths, and more. It is a good idea to review these beforehand and pick the sessions that seem most interesting to you. If you have access to the full attendee list, you could even create a list of individuals you want to network with.

5. Avoid Distractions

It’s easy to get distracted and multi-task while attending a virtual event. When visiting an event from the comfort of your home, make sure to put a limit on possible distractions – turn off your notifications, alert your loved ones that you will be unavailable, and solely focus on the event. Additionally, make a genuine effort to be on time. With no location and geographic barriers, attending virtual events are easy.

Tip: dress up for the occasion. This will encourage you to pay more attention and break out of your day-to-day routine.

6. Ask Colleagues to Join You

People typically attend physical events with colleagues or friends, the same can be done with virtual events. Invite like-minded individuals to attend the online event with you and explore the event together.

Some virtual events platforms, such as HoloFair, even allow for multi-user events. This means that you can walk alongside your invitee in the virtual event in real-time. Your avatars will navigate the event side by side, similar to a physical event.

7. Set Appropriate Goals

As Benjamin Franklin wisely stated, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. It is important to outline what you aim to achieve out of attending the virtual event. Are you looking to grow your network? Are you interested in investing in a start-up? Are you trying to gain more knowledge about a specific topic? Set the right goals and analyze how closely you’ve reached them post-event.

8. Network and Mingle

By attending virtual events, you gain access to individuals from all over the globe. These can be industry experts, well-known businessmen, or other attendees like yourself. It is vital to make use of these connections.

Luckily (for those of you who are more of an introvert), virtual events remove the face-to-face barriers of networking. All you have to do is pop a chat or call and you’ve already established the initial connection. You can even exchange virtual business cards and contact them at a later stage.

Final Thoughts

As we move towards a progressive future, virtual events have become the norm. It is absolutely recommended to welcome these changes and arm yourselves with the necessary training to make the best use of them.

To learn more about how you can host virtual events on our 3D virtual events platform, HoloFair, contact us directly.