Virtual seminars have always been popular events for businesses looking to host educational workshops for their employees or clients. They provide a platform for brands looking to educate others on their services or showcase new products, making them a brilliant marketing tool, especially when reaching an audience that spans different regions.
Predictably, there was a sharp increase in virtual seminars during 2020 and 2021 when the global lockdown prevented everyone from interacting in person. But has this changed now that restrictions have been completely lifted?
A 2021 report by Technavio revealed that the virtual events market is expected to grow by £200.2 bn between 2021 and 2025, with corporate events falling into that statistic. It’s clear that the benefits of hosting online seminars go far beyond the need to socially distance which is why they show no signs of slowing down.
Those who get the most out of virtual seminars are businesses within industries that offer complex products or services which require extensive explanations. For example, tech, finance, pharmaceutical, retail and marketing companies.
A digital workshop is a highly effective way of educating people and provides the opportunity to not only present and talk through the services or products but also play videos, display photos, and even lead demonstrations while offering a platform for participants to interact and ask questions.
Though it is unlikely that virtual seminars will ever completely replace physical meetings, they have many benefits that make them a more appealing option to plenty of businesses.
The main allure of virtual seminars is their cost-effectiveness. It costs approximately 75% less to deliver a seminar virtually than face-to-face, according to research by Aventri. Without the need to hire a venue, travel to the said venue, or invest in stationery, snacks or other items, businesses can save a lot of money by hosting their events online.
They can also save time, for similar reasons. There is no longer a need to spend hours looking for a suitable location to host and then travelling to and setting up the venue which frees up time to focus on other areas of business.
Another significant factor in the choice to opt for a virtual seminar is that it can be more engaging and offer better strategic opportunities for your business.
For example, a virtual seminar can be easily recorded and repurposed as a downloadable offering to those who weren’t able to attend - again, eliminating the cost of hiring a videographer. Attendees may also feel more comfortable asking questions in an online chat than holding a microphone or standing up in a room full of strangers. This, in turn, increases crowd participation and makes the experience that much more impactful.
The engagement encouraged by the set up of a virtual seminar can be boosted further with promotional products.
Promotional products present a unique opportunity to add a personal element to virtual interactions which is the key missing ingredient from this type of event. When people attend in-person seminars, being gifted promotional items has come to be expected and is viewed as part of the entire experience.
By providing attendees with branded merchandise at a virtual event, that benefit is no longer lost and keeps the excitement and enticement of branded event merchandise.
It also make the digital element feel less distant and disconnected which is often quoted as the main downside of such events. Promotional products allows virtual event organisers to bring a sense of camaraderie, community and involvement despite everyone being in different locations.
When hosting a virtual seminar for external clients or potential customers, sending them printed products as a sign of appreciation for their attendance can be used to encourage people to sign-up helping to market the event itself. Additionally, it leaves attendees with a lasting reminder of the event and your brand, which helps build brand recognition over a longer period of time. Not to mention the role it plays in fostering closer relationships with those who are engaging with your brand.
Printed products can be just as effective for virtual events that are being hosted for employees, such as internal conferences or training for remote workers or teams across multiple offices. Businesses can tap into branded merchandise as a means of connecting the team, increasing morale and showing recognition for the hard work of your team and their participation in the event.
To get the most impact out of your promotional items, you need to consider what type of product makes sense for your business, the target audience and the type of event.
Here are some suggestions that might aid you in planning your next virtual seminar:
There isn’t a single business event where a notebook or notepad won’t be useful for the participant, so a custom printed one can act as both a functional piece of stationery equipment and a marketing tool for your brand. Your employees can use it to take notes during their training, or clients can hold on to it for their next meeting.
Take a look at our best-selling company notebooks for 2024
Printed t-shirts or company hoodies, for example, or even novelty items such as custom socks, can be a fun way of building a sense of community amongst the attendees of the event. You could even encourage them to wear the item at the virtual event which makes for a great photo opportunity!
A thoughtful branded desk item, such as a promotional coaster or custom-printed mouse mat, is practical long after the event is over and will increase brand visibility when used in the workplace or at home. Why not explore handy promotional technology gifts with a high perceived value, novelty element, and custom gift boxing options?
Another helpful merchandise item is the printed bottle, which can be used during and after the virtual event and act as a healthy reminder of your brand for years to come. Customised with event branding, the printed bottle reinforces the event's message and acts as a conversation starter, both online and offline. This physical item can also be shared on social media, increasing visibility and excitement.
You could go the extra mile and invest in a collection of branded gifts that align with your company values and the needs of your audience.
These personalised gifts make attendees feel valued, enhancing their emotional connection to the event and the company. Promotional items are physical reminders of the event, increasing commitment to attend and participate. Branded merchandise fosters a sense of unity and brand loyalty, while also providing useful materials that can be utilised during the event, enhancing the overall experience. This thoughtful gesture demonstrates appreciation, helping to build stronger relationships and encourage active engagement throughout the event. Why not explore our company gift boxes, with promotional notebooks, printed pens, and even custom water bottles to make an impact on your virtual audience
At The Branded Company, we believe in making your virtual seminar an extraordinary online event. By partnering with us, you can elevate your event with smooth execution and impactful promotional gifts that your attendees will love.
Our extensive range of branded products ensures that every participant leaves with a memorable item that enhances their experience and keeps your brand at the forefront. From eco-friendly notebooks to custom water bottles, our gifts cater to diverse tastes and needs, providing practical and lasting reminders of your seminar.
Our dedicated team excels in managing virtual events and offers personalised solutions tailored to your unique requirements. We understand the importance of engaging your audience and ensuring seamless logistics so you can focus on delivering valuable content while we take care of the details.
Promotional gifts are key to making your virtual seminar stand out. They serve not only as tokens of appreciation but also as powerful branding tools. Our high-quality merchandise products are designed to impress and leave a lasting impact, reinforcing your brand's message long after the event concludes.
Work with us for a professional and comprehensive service that ensures your virtual seminar is a resounding success. Let's create an unforgettable experience together!
Need your company gifts delivered to individual addresses, not problem we can arrange this for you ahead of your event.
Written by Muzi - Account Manager At The Branded Company
Tel: 0116 298 2555
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The Branded Company, Unit D14, Leicester Business Centre,
111 Ross Walk, Leicester, LE4 5HH, United Kingdom