The COVID-19 epidemic hastened the spread of virtual technology platforms and had a major impact on virtual events. Below is a list of seven major consequences. Due to lockdowns, social isolation, travel limitations, and health concerns, many in-person events had been cancelled. Conferences, trade exhibits, social gatherings, training sessions, etc. were all provided by video conferencing. Event planners are quickly switching to virtual event platforms as a substitute. There was significant growth in tools like Hopin, vFairs, Webex, MS Teams, and Zoom.
Participants’ and organizers’ learning curve for using virtual platforms. There were problems like video conference tiredness.
Experimenting with novel approaches to engagement, monetization, and virtual event forms. Examples include gamification, 3D virtual worlds, and virtual happy hours. The spontaneity and unpredictability of in-person events are difficult to replicate online. It was difficult to network and engage in casual conversations.
Many organizers are considering permanent hybrid virtual/in-person models because of advantages including reduced expenses, a larger audience reach, and reduced travel time. Uneven adoption in sectors and regions according to demography, tech limitations, and digital maturity. The COVID-19 epidemic sped up the adoption of virtual events and caused disruptions in the events sector. Virtual events are now seen as a component of the contemporary events toolset.