Virtual Events - Conveniency Over Human Connection
By Sophie Salem, Staff Writer
Ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous meetings, schools and get-togethers have turned virtual. While the change from in-person events to virtual events may have been drastic, aspects such as accessibility and price make for a smooth and civilized gathering.
Online accessibility has shown to be the most beneficial factor of virtual events. Though virtual events may lack face-to-face interaction, they compensate with other benefits that are missing from live events. For example, these events give you the opportunity to attend from almost anywhere. You can work from the Bahamas or even Italy if your heart desires! On normal terms, people may be unable to travel the distance of the event, so by working from your own home, everyone can attend.
Since COVID-19 has completely taken over our lives, our schedules seem to be wide open, leaving more room for virtual events. On regular terms, our busy schedules likely wouldn’t leave us with enough time to attend an event or maybe we wouldn’t be able to get there due to the distance. Now, online events allow us to attend without the lengthy commute. The only distance you have to travel is from the kitchen to your room. Easy enough, right? Juniors Maddie Landon and Johanna James have hosted events in the previous weeks and plan on hosting a virtual Halloween bonding event for Samo’s Key Club.
“[Virtual events] help keep everyone involved while not having to give up too much time, and since we aren’t meeting each other in person, they are a good way to connect while stuck at home,” Landon said.
As events have become virtual, cost per attendee has significantly decreased. Once again, you don’t have to commute, eliminating the large cost for gas. Beside the travel distance, in-person events may force you to pay to spend the night, increasing the cost even more. Virtually, however, a host doesn’t have to pay for staff, a venue, setup and takedown, making the event not only more cost effective for the attendee but also for the host.
One of the biggest advantages of online events is that they are global. Whatever the cause may be, planners are often trying to increase their event’s reach and engage more people. You can easily promote events online whether that is domestic or international. Because virtual events are faster paced, it’s easier to make connections.
“Since we are all so isolated at home it can give us a glimpse of being back together,” James said.
Information can easily be recorded, connecting both audience members and hosts. Like in-person events, feedback is crucial. Through a computer screen, attendees can effortlessly answer polls, making sure the event is the best it can be. Real-time feedback can help presenters garage how the session is going and adjust what can be improved.
While COVID-19 has left virtual events as our only choice of interaction, there are some great benefits to take into consideration. Virtual events are cheaper, conveniently accessible, and are designed more effectively to accommodate each and every attendee.