Animation graphic of two business people sitting at their desks with an event going on between them

Virtual Meetings vs. Virtual Events: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Needs

Whether we like it or not, in-person gatherings are few and far between, and workforces are becoming more and more spread out. Today, virtual formats reign supreme, offering flexibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. But with this evolution comes a new question for event planners: virtual meetings or virtual events? Which one makes more sense, and when? Let’s dive in and explore the key differences to ensure you select the perfect platform for your needs.

Understanding Virtual Meetings: A Collaborative Cornerstone

Virtual meetings are the lifeblood of many remote teams, fostering real-time business communication and collaboration even when team members are scattered across the globe. These meetings, conducted through video conferencing or online meeting software, provide a virtual “meeting room” experience.

 

This allows teams to conduct interactive discussions, share presentations and documents, and brainstorm ideas together in real time. Virtual meetings, when organized properly, are perfect for status updates, project check-ins, client calls, candidate interviews, and a variety of other scenarios where a focused group needs to come together and achieve a specific goal.

Exploring Virtual Events: A World of Possibilities

Virtual events, however, take communication and engagement to a whole new level. They extend far beyond the simple functionality of a virtual meeting, offering a dynamic and immersive experience for much larger audiences. Imagine replicating the energy and excitement of a conference, complete with keynote speakers, engaging content and live Q&A, —all within a virtual environment. 

 

But that’s not all. Virtual events open doors to a world of creative possibilities. Livestream product launches, town halls, HR updates, or interactive and certified training sessions—the options are virtually (no pun intended) limitless. Think customizable registration pages, interactive lobbies, gamification elements, and built-in social networking features—all designed to keep your attendees engaged from the moment they log in.

Key Differences Between Virtual Meetings and Virtual Events

While both virtual meetings and virtual events play a vital role in today’s business landscape, some key distinctions will help you choose the right platform:

  • Scale and Audience Size: Virtual meetings are ideal for smaller, collaboration groups. Virtual events, on the other hand, can accommodate thousands of attendees simultaneously.
  • Planning and Organization: Virtual meetings require minimal planning, while virtual events involve a more complex orchestration of speakers, sessions, content, and attendee engagement.
  • Interactivity and Engagement: Virtual meetings offer basic interaction features like chat and screen sharing. Virtual events leverage a wider array of tools—polls, Q&A sessions, live chats and certifications, —to keep attendees engaged and foster a dynamic online community.
  • Session Variety and Content Delivery: Virtual meetings typically revolve around a single agenda or presentation. Virtual events offer a much richer tapestry of content, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and pre-recorded sessions.

Distinct Use Cases for Virtual Meeting and Virtual Event Platforms

So, when should you be looking to utilize virtual meetings, and when should you go with a virtual event? Sometimes it can be tough to tell—here’s a breakdown of some of the most common use cases for each type of platform:

Virtual Meeting Platform Use Cases

Daily Team Stand-Ups and Project Check-Ins

Kick off your day with a quick virtual meeting to keep everyone on the same page, discuss priorities, and identify any roadblocks.

Connect with clients face-to-face without the hassle of travel. Deliver impactful presentations, share proposals, and answer questions in real-time.

Welcome new hires into the fold with interactive virtual onboarding sessions. Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for your team members, regardless of location.

Generate innovative ideas and solutions through collaborative brainstorming sessions. Share screens, whiteboards, and documents to fuel creative thinking.

Conduct efficient and effective interviews with top talent from around the world. Evaluate skills, experience, and cultural fit through virtual interactions.

Virtual Event Platform Use Cases

Town Hall Meetings

Livestream company updates, conduct live Q&A sessions with leadership, and leverage polls and surveys to gather real-time employee feedback.

Host virtual investor events, share financial updates through live presentations, and facilitate interactive Q&A sessions to address investor concerns. 

Lead captivating virtual product launches, conduct interactive webinars with industry experts, and showcase your solutions at virtual tradeshows. 

Onboard new hires and offer ongoing training and development opportunities for your team through interactive virtual workshops and seminars. 

Expand your reach and open access to education with virtual learning experiences. Issue online courses, workshops, and certification programs for a global audience.

Conduct product demos and generate leads through targeted marketing campaigns and virtual booths.

Choosing the Right Platform: Virtual Meeting or Virtual Event

Now that you understand the core differences, how do you decide which platform to use? Here’s a guiding principle:

  • Virtual Meeting Platforms: Opt for a virtual meeting platform when you need to connect smaller teams for collaborative discussions, brainstorming sessions, quick catch-ups, client calls, interview candidates, or project check-ins. These platforms are ideal for day-to-day business communication and internal teamwork.
  • Virtual Event Platforms: When your vision involves a large-scale audience, multi-session agendas, high levels of engagement, and a broader range of content delivery formats, virtual event platforms are most ideal. With a comprehensive suite of features—from pre-event promotion and registration to live event execution and post-event analytics—you’ll offer a much more robust and fruitful experience than a simple virtual meeting.

Understanding the distinctions between virtual meetings and virtual events empowers you to make informed decisions when planning your next online gathering. By aligning your platform choice with your specific objectives, you can create impactful and successful virtual experiences that leave a lasting impression on your audience.

 

At GlobalMeet, we’re passionate about helping you unlock the full potential of virtual events. Contact us today or watch a demo now and see how GlobalMeet can transform your next virtual event into an extraordinary success!

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