The 5 biggest misconceptions about online events

The 5 biggest misconceptions about online events

For some they are a true blessing and for others a red rag: online events. But no matter which side you are on, have you ever noticed which misconceptions and myths persist around online events? We have brought back a few from recent conversations with colleagues, both internal and external. Some of them make you smile, others make you tear your hair out. But they all have one thing in common: They can make you or your colleagues think.

Phenomenon 1: Planners reduce their requirements to a minimum

This is something that most event planners would only do for presence events in dire need: Reduce their requirements for the upcoming event.?

What do we mean by this? Again and again we come across event planners who drastically reduce their requirements for the online event. For example, because the video conferencing tool or online event platform of their choice does not include certain features or does not allow for interactions.

• An online survey is not included? > Then we will do without surveys this time.
• We can't present exhibitors on the platform because it's only a video conferencing tool? > Then we will present the exhibitors on the upcoming event website. That will have to do.
• There is no list of participants on the platform? > Oh, that's not so important anyway and always a general data protection regulation nuisance.
• We can't connect participants live? > Never mind, no one will volunteer for a live question in front of the camera anyway.
• Online quizzes and other gamification elements are not possible? > Our target group is not that playful anyway.

Imagine that at your upcoming event. Would you reduce your upcoming event to one day just because the location cannot offer you a two-day rental period? Would you ask for a location for 5,000 participants and then rent one for 2,000 participants because the overall concept of the location was more coherent and the price was cheaper??

Phenomenon 2: Everything is free on the internet

In fact, a lot of things are free on the internet. A lot of content that we had to buy from bookshops, video stores, publishers and the like before the advent of the internet cost money. Today, almost everything is permanently available for free: News, the best restaurant tips, white papers and webinars, search engines, map services and much more. What most people forget about these free services is that they pay for them with their data, e.g. with the display of suitable advertising. So not everything on the internet is free, but only supposedly available for free.

But this myth persists and is also automatically transferred to online events by some. "Why should I spend money on a platform when Zoom and MS Teams are available (almost) free of charge?" is a frequently asked question.

For the sake of good order, we would like to answer this question briefly:

• Because with us you get much more than a video conference.
• Because with us you do not pay with your data.

Phenomenon 3: We have built our own event platform

Maybe when the pandemic started, the platform that meets your needs didn't exist yet and you set out to create something yourself. But unless you are also an IT provider, you probably don't put all your resources into developing a platform.

Event platform providers, however, are dedicated 24/7 to just that - an online event platform. That's exactly why we and our competitors know it so well. It's like your events for which you are the expert. Perhaps you will also grow a grey hair or two if everyone who has organised a wedding or a birthday party thinks they can also organise large-scale or business events.

Phenomenon 4: There is always someone who does it cheaper

This goes a bit in the direction of phenomenon number 2 and the freebie mentality on the internet. But what is meant here is the comparison of two prices that do not have the same basis.?

In short, you will always find a provider for your upcoming event who offers it cheaper. We can't tell you for sure whether they offer the same service and the same expertise. We can only say this much with certainty: only compare what is comparable. Or do you turn down the TOP location in a metropolis with the words that you have now found a youth hostel in the countryside that offers it cheaper after all?

Phenomenon 5: I don't have time to talk to you - I need to get on with my event planning.

This or similar is the sound of event planners who are stuck in manual legwork or assembling online tools for their next online event instead of relying on solutions that are easy to put together and use.

Have you heard the story of the farmer who spends all day on his farm rounding up his chickens? When asked why he doesn't build a fence, he replies that he doesn't have the time, after all, he has to catch the chickens.?

Don't fall into this trap. Instead, go straight for an upcoming event platform that is easy to use, has many useful features and integrates other tools and media - with just a few clicks.

Conclusion

Online events can be really successful - if you set them up correctly and choose a platform that fits your requirements and your target group. If you want to know what trember has to offer, arrange a short demo right away and let us show you how your online event could inspire your target group.