The Essential Guide to Virtual Conference Platforms

We have been tracking and reporting on virtual conferences—not to mention hosting our own—for years, but clearly interest in and demand for them skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, interest in finding the best virtual conference platforms has also risen dramatically.

In this post, we aim to highlight and categorize a range of platform options and also to provide guidance on how to go about selecting a virtual conference platform. Note: We have also launched a new virtual conference platform (VCP) review site, ReviewMyVCP. If you have used virtual conference software, please help others by contributing a review.

What Is a Virtual Conference?

First, knowing that the term can be interpreted in many ways, we want to be clear about our definition of a virtual conference. For us, a virtual conference is a Web-based event that replicates many aspects of a traditional place-based conference, membership meeting, or trade show. It may take place on a standalone basis or in conjunction with a place-based conference (i.e., a “hybrid” event).

Virtual conferences feature multiple sessions (not just a single Webinar or Webcast) and may include keynote presentations, training and education workshops, discussion areas, social networking opportunities, exhibit areas for vendors, and various other features. Activities in a virtual conference may take place in real time (synchronously), on demand (asynchronously), or some combination of the two.

While we have used the above definition in the past for “virtual event,” we have come to appreciate over time that the term “virtual event” tends to be used much more loosely and may apply even when many of the elements in the definition above are absent. If you like, you can say that we are focused on virtual event platforms for conferences.

We want to be clear that our focus here is specifically on virtual conferences and platforms that can support the definition above. At the same time, to the extent that a platform can support a virtual conference, it can most likely support any other type of virtual event.

Virtual Conference Platform Capabilities

The best virtual conference platforms should be able to support most, though not necessarily all of the elements contained in the definition above. It is possible, for example, for a platform to not have an exhibit hall capability and still be a legitimate virtual conference option. Not all virtual conferences—including our own—feature exhibits, after all.

The core functionalities that any platform listed here must support are the following:

Ability to stream live (i.e., in real time) and/or captured video-based content
Ability to provide for access to multiple streaming sessions (not just a single Webinar) through a single registration transaction—i.e., a user has to register only once to access multiple sessions, rather than register for each session individually
Ability to make that access available through a single interface/page that presents the sessions as a schedule/agenda for the attendee

Arguably a conference does not require video, but our sense is that very few, if any, organizations would be interested in a virtual conference platform that does not support video streaming. The more important consideration for most will be the capabilities the platform has beyond video streaming. With that in mind, we have defined a set of core capabilities that might be considered in vetting whether specific virtual conference software will meet an organization’s needs:

Ability to host/manage concurrent sessions
Ability to host an exhibit hall
Ability to showcase sponsors
Ability to provide networking opportunities outside of the live sessions
Ability to manage conference-related content
Ability to manage speaker information and material
Ability to manage or easily integrate with evaluation capabilities
Ability to attach continuing education credit (CE, CEU, CME, etc.) to sessions
Ability to provide gamification elements
Ability to scale without performance degradation

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list—just one that is useful for setting a baseline and establishing different categories of platforms. Every organization should take the time to determine the extent to which any or all of the above are truly necessary to achieve strategic goals and what other functionalities and features may be necessary.

Critically, for whatever list of requirements you arrive at, don’t simply accept a “yes, we’ve got that” on any of them. Make sure you actually see how a requirement is met by a platform and confirm that it aligns with the user experience you need to create. Even better, get access to the administrative side of the platform and try it yourself.

Additionally, we urge anyone involved in selecting a platform not to rely solely on features. The history, experience, and even the “personality” of the platform company—including its values—are very important considerations. That may seem like an obvious point, but we find it is often overlooked in practice. Take the time to get to know the company you will work with; often there is a lot at stake.

Finally, keep in mind that there is no single best virtual conference platform. There is only the best platform for your organization at this time, and even then you may find that there a few that could fit the bill. In that, choose they one that represents the lowest costs (directly and indirectly) and move one. Don’t get bogged down by the technology.

Virtual Conference Platform Categories

We know from many years of helping organizations select technology platforms that it is very important to compare apples to apples—or, at the very least, be aware when you are comparing apples to oranges. Otherwise, you are likely to review a group of platforms that vary widely in their ability to meet your requirements, and you may end up more confused and frustrated than when you started. (Believe us—we’ve seen it happen many times.)

With that in mind, we have developed categories of virtual conference platforms. We’ll be the first to admit that these are not perfect, but even imperfect categories can help a great deal. Additionally, we’ll note the differences among the categories are usually a matter of degrees of emphasis rather than hard and fast distinctions. The lines are necessarily blurry when trying to sort through the best virtual conference platforms.

Classic Conference: Virtual conference software that strives to emulate all core elements of face-to-face conference in a single platform. These would cover all of the core capabilities we’ve listed.

LMS-Based Conference: Platforms built on top of learning management system (LMS) capabilities. Typically, these also strive to emulate all core elements of a face-to-face conference in a single platform, but most aren’t quite as robust (yet) as those in the Classic Conference category.

Streaming-Focused: Focused less on emulating all aspects of face-to-face conferences (though they typically emulate many) and focused more on high-quality, highly scalable video streaming.

Classic Lite: Similar to Classic, but not as feature-rich—usually lacking exhibit hall capabilities and the ability to support concurrent sessions readily, if at all. Often used more for marketing / lead generation events.

Specialty/Apps: These tend to complement the other types of platforms listed above rather than serving as full-fledged conference platforms themselves (though some could).

Service Providers: These companies don’t tend to emphasize platform (though they may have one or have preferred choices). Rather, they focus on providing production and support services.

The Big List of Virtual Conference Platforms

We haven’t yet attempted to categorize this full list. We will do that over time as we also add more entries to this page. If you have experience—good or bad—with any of these companies, please contact us and share it. You’ll be helping other event providers by helping us determine how to categorize these companies and what to say about them on this page.

Also, we are not trying to rank the best virtual conference platforms here – we rely on actual platform users to do that at ReviewMyVCP.

If you represent a virtual event platform provider and do not see your company listed above, please contact us.

Classic Conference

These are among the best virtual conference platforms for recreating the full experience of a classic face-to-face conference as completely as possible in an online environment. They were built from the ground up for this purpose—that is, they are not an extension of another type of platform, like a face-to-face event system or a learning management system (see the next section, LMS-Based Conference, for more on those types).

6Connex

6Connex covers a range of enterprise online event services—from online trade shows to virtual job fairs hosting to e-learning—on a cloud-based platform. What 6Connex excels at is giving its clients the ability to recreate the feel of a physical event, complete with customizable virtual booths.

A factor that potentially sets this platform apart from its competitors is that it is (according to the company) the only HTML5 platform on the market, which means it can be reliably accessed from any device, on any browser. It also boasts 99.9% uptime, is easily configured, and offers enterprise-level security.

6Connex also provides the opportunity for direct interaction and connection among virtual event attendees with social features like live chat, polls, RSS and social media sharing options.

For a platform architected primarily for virtual events, the e-learning capabilities are noteworthy. Key features include a flexible content matrix to organize training programs into the most logical path, organize activities and specify prerequisites, the capability to conduct quizzes and polls, and education-oriented reporting tools.

Finally, 6Connex appears to place a very high priority on customer relationships—its CEO personally interacts with each client.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.6connex.com.

Communique Conferencing

Communique’s virtual conference platform offers attendees an in-person feel through a 3D virtual experience that features realistic-looking exhibit halls and lobbies with booths to showcase products and services. Attendees can view demos, pick up brochures, and chat with sales representatives.

Attendees are able to view videos and presentations, visit booths, apply for jobs (in the case of career and job fairs), and network much like at an in-person event.

Communique’s webcasting capabilities support broadcasting audio and video to up to 30,000+ attendees in a collaborative webcast with polling and Q&A capabilities.

The company places significant emphasis on its global presence—offices in 26 countries—as well as its high level of customer support—live 24/7 user assistance in 19 languages. Finally, Communique provides consulting services and professional project management for events.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.communiqueconferencing.com.

Engagez

Engagez seeks to reduce the complexity of producing virtual events by providing all of its capabilities through a single user interface and a single analytics engine (a number of platforms rely on piecing together multiple interfaces—something to check on when you are vetting). The platform integrates with major webinar and web conferencing tools, including Zoom, and can handle both small and large events across all types of devices.

Built-in translation tools make it possible for events to be viewed and understood globally. Engagez provides analytics tools to help measure event success, including activity-based lead scoring, as well as demographic and behavioral scoring. These analytics can be integrated with an association management system (AMS), customer relationship management (CRM) system, or Google Analytics.

Access controls are built in to provide the ability to give access to specific content to specific groups of people. You can also control which locations and speakers can be viewed by attendees, as well as with whom they can communicate.

While Engagez is a self-service platform, the company does have a services team that can be hired for help with planning and execution.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.engagez.com.

Event Tech Group (Community Brands)

Event Tech Group’s virtual conference platform is part of a suite of technologies designed to provide for the end-to-end management of events, both online and off. The platform, which can support more than 50 exhibitors and 10,000 attendees at once, features customizable lobbies, unlimited networking lounges, exhibit booths, and webcast auditoriums.

Capabilities for interaction and communication in the platform are noteworthy. Text and video chat are available throughout the networking lounges, exhibit halls, and auditorium and can be leveraged for one-on-one meetings between exhibitors and attendees as well as for managing a virtual help desk for attendees.

Finally, one of the key selling points for Event Tech Group is the full suite of modules it offers, from abstract submission to speaker management to badge printing to marketing automation. Each of these can be integrated with the virtual events platform.

To find out more and request a demo, visit https://www.eventtechsoftware.com/enterprise-virtual-conference-software.

Pathable

Pathable bills itself as an “intuitive platform and mobile app powering virtual, hybrid and in-person events.” The company also position itself as a way to transform traditionally time-limited events into a “365-day virtual community.”

The platform offers a range of sponsor and exhibitor features and places particular emphasis on reverse trade shows and hosted buyer tools that assist vendors in getting pre-scheduled appointments with qualified buyers. Vendors can see who visited their virtual booths and gather lead contact information.

In addition to facilitating vendor-attendee appointments, the platform also supports “matchmaking” among attendees—even on an automated basis, using algorithms to coordinate schedules and meeting tables. Multiple meeting styles are supported, from speed dating to preferential matchmaking to interest-based matchmaking. Additionally, Pathable offers a number of gamification elements to promote interaction among event participants.

For associations, pre-existing integrations with AMSes include YourMembership, Abila NetForum, NimbleAMS, and iMIS. The platform also integrates with a range of ticketing, registration, CRM, and other event-related systems.

While Pathable doesn’t appear to offer for-hire event production and management services, it does assign each client a dedicated “happiness manager” to assist with all aspects of executing a successful online event.

Finally, Pathable is one of the only companies in this category that provides pricing information on its website.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.pathable.com.

Pheedloop

Pheedloop is subscription-based event management software that provides technology for every step of the virtual event process, from planning to completion. Registration, event apps, automated e-mail and push notifications, in-app chat and discussions, the ability to book meetings, personal agendas, session note-taking, live polls, and slide downloads are just a few of the features offered.

Custom graphics and colors are available to ensure the event app effectively matches your branding. Pheedloop’s apps also include interactive maps, session attendance scans, wireless badge printing, and a multitude of other features. Pheedloop operates on all web browsers, as well as any iOS or Android operating system.

Attendees have access to private chat and can scan badges of other attendees in order to network. Pheedloop also measures engagement and download statistics in real-time so you can measure app performance.

Pheedloop is another company that provides at least baseline pricing information. The subscription starts at $99 per month and goes up from there. Fill out the form on their website for a customized quote.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.pheedloop.com.

vConference

vConference provides services for virtual conferences, job fairs, trade shows and reverse trade shows, and education/continuing education. The platform can support single- and multi-day events. It offers an extensive list of options for monetization, including exhibitors, advertisements, games for attendees, and event DVDs.

Job fair booths are capable of supporting video, downloadable material about companies, and live chat. Direct links to social media profiles help increase social interaction and generate interest among attendees. Trade shows through vConference are presented with customized booths, interactive chat, and sessions in the booths.

vConference offers the option to captured sessions remotely, on-location at your event, or in-studio at their professional presentation studios.

From the perspective of continuing education, the platform has the capability to track attendee participation in sessions, assess learning, and issue certificates for single sessions or collections of sessions. Finally, vConference features a reporting module that houses built-in reports for attendee activity, progress, and event reports.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.vconferenceonline.com.

vFairs

vFairs has worked with large companies like Ford, 3M, Six Flags, T-Mobile, American Airlines, and Nestle, to name a few. Their virtual event platform offers virtual conferences, job fairs, trade shows, career fairs, and a range of other options.

Attendees at a typical vFairs event are initially greeted by a virtual 3D lobby and information desk that acts as a guide to show them where they should go. vFairs also gives attendees a “virtual briefcase,” where they can store information they’ve collected throughout the event and then download it once the event is over.

vFairs provides each client with an event manager who can help set up the event and handle any issues or questions that may arise before, during, or after the event. Additionally, the company can provide event operation support to handle technical, content, and design needs. (It is unclear whether there is a separate charge for these services.) Finally, vFairs provides free marketing consultation to support promotion of your event and live support during the event to address any attendee or exhibitor issues.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.vfairs.com.

LMS-Based Conference

These platforms provide most, if not all, elements of a Classic Conference platform but are built on top of an underlying learning management system (LMS).

On the one hand, these platforms generally enable much more sophisticated management of continuing education and professional development than is available in the Classic Conference platforms. And they enable you to offer access to conference content alongside other online educational content you provide. There are certainly among the best virtual conference platforms if education is your focus.

On the other hand, the virtual conference feature set is often not as robust or wide-ranging as that of dedicated Classic Conference solutions. That said, this category is maturing rapidly, and we expect to see significant progress in the coming year—i.e., feature additions and improvements.

Blue Sky eLearn

Through its learning management system, Path LMS, Blue Sky eLearn provides its clients with the ability to manage all aspects of a virtual conference, from registration, to session delivery and capture, to tracking of continuing education credit, to e-commerce sales of on-demand content from the event.

In combination with Blue Sky’s event services, Path also offers capabilities for recognizing sponsors and hosting a virtual exhibit hall.

Add-on capabilities that Blue Sky can provide include dedicated event planning and coordination, customized interactive lobbies for attendees, breakout rooms, managed attention checks, and detailed event engagement metrics.

Blue Sky has video streaming and capture capabilities that are on par with many of the vendors covered in the Streaming-Focused category. The company uses an HLS streaming format for video delivery through an HTML5 native player, which means attendees won’t need to worry about additional plug-ins or downloads. Additional features include a premium content delivery network (CDN), live analytics, scalability for large audiences, and automated delivery of adaptive bitrate for attendees.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.blueskyelearn.com.

CE21

CE21’s LMS enables organizations to manage the full-event cycle, from a small, single-day event to a larger, multi-room event spanning days. Key features include registration and payment processing, continuing education credit tracking and certificate issuance, strong abilities for replaying pre-recorded sessions at scheduled times, a forum for sponsors to deliver customized offers, and reporting on learner performance.

As part of the CE21 LMS, clients are able to distribute continuing education content via the CE21 mobile app. Additionally, the company hosts a marketplace that enables customers to share their on-demand content with other participating CE21 customers, potentially providing additional revenue streams.

The company notes that every aspect of its platform, from the images and labels used to the catalog and viewer layouts, can be customized to fit an organization’s specific needs. Additionally, the platform is built in Microsoft Azure cloud services as an approach to maximizing the bandwidth and computing power available to customers.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.ce21.com.

CommPartners

CommPartners describes itself as an “all-in-one learning platform.” Their Elevate LMS—a learning management system designed primarily for nonprofits and associations—is the core from which everything else flows. Elevate is fully integrated with CommPartner’s professionally produced and fully managed webinars and webcasts. The company also specializes in live-stream events, virtual conferences, and content recordings.

Elevate provides strong support for helping you generate revenue. From selling registrations to live events to recording and streaming your sessions, you can leverage your content and sell access in multiple ways. You can also easily feature sponsor logos and information during the event.

To support successful deliver of your virtual conference, CommPartners employs and maintains ongoing contract relationships with a combination of experienced event planners who professionally manage the details of your event and experienced multimedia technicians who make sure your event goes off without a hitch.

CommPartners’ live-streaming services are delivered via their proprietary platform, MediaCenter 2.0. MediaCenter 2.0 is mobile-friendly, offers attendees the opportunity to engage, and offers dual encoding and redundant back-up streams. The webinar and webcast technology give presenters the option to use any type of content including videos, flip charts, documents, whiteboards, presentations, online demonstrations, and resources.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.commpartners.com.

Oasis LMS

Although its website does not currently offer details, Oasis LMS does provide for a virtual conference solution through its LMS. A demonstration site can be found here, and there is also a mocked-up marketing site to support the demonstration.

As an LMS provider, Oasis has consistently stood out for the level of customer support it provides. The company provides free implementation of its system, provides a “proof of concept” sandbox before purchase, and is known for doing many customizations for free.

For more information or to request a demo, visit oasis-lms.com.

Web Courseworks

Built on the company’s CourseStage learning management system, Web Courseworks’ Conference Now platform supports live sessions, pre-recorded tracks, live chat, community features, and more.

For delivery of live session content, the platform relies on pre-existing integrations with popular Webinar and streaming platforms like GoToMeeting, Zoom, Adobe Connect, and Vimeo. If you use one of these platforms already, you can continue using it with Conference Now.

The platform also features a virtual trade show and exhibit hall functionality that enables sponsors and exhibitors to host virtual booths. In these booths, they can share PDF informational resources, video demos, and respond to live chat from conference attendees.

Web Courseworks fully manages the platform during your event and provides a dedicated contact to answer questions and address issues before, during, and after the event. Web Courseworks also offers event production services to assist your presenters in delivering live Webinars, pre-recorded sessions with live moderation, and live video streaming.

To find out more and request a demo, visit webcourseworks.com/virtual-event-platform-conference-now.

WBT Systems

The TopClass LMS from WBT Systems has long featured a higher level of face-to-face conference management capabilities than found in most LMSes. Those capabilities have now been enhanced and extended to provide for full-featured virtual conferences and hybrid experiences.

Virtual conferences powered by TopClass can support single-track or multi-track events.

The platform relies on either Zoom or GoToWebinar for delivery of live sessions, with single sign-on (SSO) for registered attendees. (Links to other webinar platforms are also supported but without SSO). TopClass also supports discussion forums and integrated online communities to enable learners to engage in networking and conversations before, during, and after events.

Sponsors and partners can be recognized on carousels on the welcome and agenda pages for your event with hyperlinked logos. Additionally, while there is not full-fledged exhibit hall capability, the platform does provide for an exhibitor tab with logos, links to websites, vendors descriptions, contact details, and categories for organizing different types or levels of vendors.

To find out more and request a demo, visit wbtsystems.com/product-tour/virtual-conference.

Streaming-Focused

These companies are focused primarily on high-quality streaming and capture of content from conference settings. While most also provide many, if not all, of the features covered by Classic Conference platforms (and, in some cases LMS-Based), the configuration of these capabilities is often more on a manual or customized basis. Again, the main focus is on video—if high-quality video capture and streaming, particularly to large audiences, is your main aim, then these companies are among the best virtual conference platform choices.

Digitell

Digitell has a long track record as a provider of webinar solutions and of video streaming and capture services at face-to-face conferences. Those capabilities serve the company—and its customers—well as a provider of virtual and hybrid conference solutions.

Digitell’s technology can stream and capture a session exactly as presented, with synchronized audio and PowerPoint or Keynote format, including animations, video, and mouse movements. Streamed and captured content is accessed through a customer-branded instance of the Digitell player. Access can be marketed through e-commerce, and sponsors and exhibitors can be acknowledged and linked to in a number of ways.

To take things a step further, you can move to Digitell’s OPUS DX content monetization platform. Digitell positions OPUS DX as capable of replacing or working alongside your current learning management system. The platform combines on-demand content delivery, live content delivery, and robust mobile capabilities—all of which include e-commerce and continuing education tracking capabilities. A range of additional modules—from gamification, to microsites, to closed captioning—are available at extra cost.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.digitellinc.com.

Intrado

Intrado (formerly INXPO) is one of the most established virtual event streaming providers. Live streaming, webcasts, virtual events, and video portals are offered for events and conferences of any size. Intrado’s platform is cloud-based and built on HTML5 technology (so no need for additional software or plug-ins) and offers a large assortment of helpful features and tools.

One factor that sets this platform apart from many others is the option for on-location video production in a full-service studio. You can rent full or half days in one of the company’s studios for your event, and they provide lighting, sound, camera work, technical direction, and satellite trucks to make your event go as smoothly and as professionally as possible.

Another distinguishing capability is Amplify. Amplify is an adaptive caching application that optimizes your network for video delivery. This tool eliminates bandwidth issues that often plague virtual events that involve a lot of high-quality video streaming.

In addition to these capabilities, Intrado offers all the standard features you would expect in a full-featured virtual conference you’re used to: reporting tools, integrations with social tools and other applications, audience engagement (live polling, chat, etc.), branded events, and mobile access.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.inxpo.com.

Mainstream Media

Mainstream Media is located in Chicago, IL, but services the globe with its virtual events platform. From pre-production through post-production, this platform supports the entire process of planning and hosting a virtual event. Boasting huge former clients such as McDonald’s, Kia, and Pampered Chef, Mainstream Media does a little bit of everything.

They have the capability to stream 4K webcasts globally and offer services for small virtual meetings all the way up to global conferences and festivals. This platform takes you all the way from web design and graphic development to event highlight reels and project archival, and everything in between. Events can be monetized by adding a subscription, paywall, or sponsorship.

Like most virtual event platforms, Mainstream Media offers webcasts, webinars, and live streams. They integrate with major social platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, enabling the audience to have easier access to your content. Onsite and remote support are available to help things run smoothly.

Through Mainstream Media, virtual meetings cost $1,600, with the possibility of additional costs with add-ons, and include a virtual producer. Virtual events cost $4,800 plus add-ons, and virtual conferences are priced on a case-by-case basis.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.mainstreamchicago.com.

Specialty/Apps

In some cases, the platforms listed here may be sufficient for managing a virtual conferences, but they are more likely to be valuable when used in conjunction with other technologies.

Airmeet

Airmeet’s goal is to help you host virtual events that feel as real and authentic as in-person events. This includes networking events, workshops, company events (town halls, product launches, internal meetings), meetups, Webinars, and—of course—conferences.

Airmeet provides for truly interactive atmosphere. The platform provides for multiple video “tables” where conversations and presentations can take place, similar to what you might experience in an in-person conference hall. Hosts can “go backstage” to interact with speakers and manage the event—again, much like what happens backstage at live events. Hosts can also invite participants to briefly join the panel on stage and host live Q&A sessions.

Airmeet works in all modern browsers and is easy to use for both attendees and organizers. There are no extra downloads or drop-offs to worry about. It uses a single interface to publish event details, manage registrations, and go live with events. The platform also accounts for fluctuating attendee count by auto-scaling with zero change in quality—and that scaling goes all the way up to an impressive one million users.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.airmeet.com.

All in the Loop

While it could conceivably be used for a fully virtual event, All in the Loop is a platform geared primarily toward enabling virtual participation in face-to-face events—in other words, facilitating hybrid events. It helps you quickly and easily build custom, fully branded apps for your conference that can handle registration, attendee participation, and benefits like lead retrieval for vendors.

The platform allows for virtual offsite participation via live-stream presentations in real-time and grants mobile access to event activity and content. You can conduct live Q&As, polls, and forums to attendees anywhere in the world. Offsite attendees can also participate in face-to-face virtual meetings.

A key distinguishing feature is All in the Loop’s capabilities for advanced networking and matchmaking. This feature matches attendees with people who share their interests or other characteristics, suggests sponsors and sessions based on their interests, and facilitates long-lasting connections in general.

All in the Loop provides good tools for reporting on the variety of activities it supports. You can track connections and communications from the event, provide engagement data to sponsors and vendors, and see what worked and what didn’t to help make decisions for future events.

The company’s in-house team of developers creates custom apps that showcase your own branding, instead of using generic templates. You also have the option of placing sponsor ads and logos throughout the apps—a potential source of additional revenue.

To find out more and request a demo, visit allintheloop.com/event-app-pricing.html.

Classic Lite

These platforms have many of the capabilities of the Classic Conference platforms but are generally not quite as robust and/or feature-rich. They usually lack an exhibit hall capability and/or the ability to support concurrent sessions readily, if at all. In many cases, they are designed more for marketing, lead generation, and customer events and are the best virtual conference platforms for that purpose.

Bizzabo

Bizzabo is at the upper end of this category, falling outside of our Classic Conference category only because it does not have exhibit hall capabilities and has not responded to inquiries about whether it supports concurrent sessions. The company markets itself as the only “event success” platform on the market. Its all-in-one event management platform handles virtual, in-person, and hybrid events and integrates with over 1,900+ other platforms (Salesforce, Marketo, Slack, etc.).

Bizzabo also offer a networking community that integrates with LinkedIn to “create rich attendee profiles.” There’s also messaging, lead marking, live polling, and session registration to enhance social engagement among attendees throughout the life cycle of the event.

The platform addresses most keys aspects of events from start to finish, including website, registration, a mobile app, agenda, online community, attendee, updates, polls, e-mails, and reports. Opportunities for sponsorship are also integrated throughout the platform, but there does not appear to be a true exhibit hall capability.

Bizzabo also offers analysis tools in the platform that provide insights in real time. The platform can handle events of any size, from small meetings to large conventions.

To find out more and request a demo, visit www.bizzabo.com.

HeySummit

HeySummit is a platform that helps with the planning and organization of virtual events. Once everything is put into place, HeySummit integrates with other platforms for the actual event, such as Zoom, YouTube, Vimeo, and Wistia. You can view a live demo directly from their website to get a feel for what the platform does.

HeySummit’s distinct tool, SideKick, was built to reduce stress on the planners of the virtual events. This is a team of coaches and virtual assistants put in place to simply help you out. The SideKick services start at $7,500, come in packages, and include helpful things such as project management, managing giveaways and incentives, providing feedback on the configuration of your event, finding speakers, event setup, and mapping out your event plan.

There are three different tiers of subscriptions: Basic, Professional, and Business. When billed monthly, Basic starts at $29 per month, Professional is $99, and Business is $249. If you choose to do a year subscription, there is a price break on all options.

To find out more and request a demo, visit heysummit.com.

Virtual Conference Platform Selection: Free Webinar

Additional Resources

For resources and tips on running a virtual conference, see: