Who are the top vendors for a virtual events system?

Todd,

There are many different ways to hold a "virtual" event that can be as simple as a live streaming video and web conferencing to full platforms like virtual events or virtual worlds. Knowing which solution to select depends on your budget, objectives and strategy. Without knowing these, some solutions include (in alpha):

1. Webcasting: BrightTalk, On24, Stream57 (an Intercall company)
2. Web Conferencing: Adobe Connect, Citrix Webinar to Go, WebEx
3. Virtual Events Platforms: 6Connex, InXpo, On24, Unisfair

Let me know if you have any questions.

Hi Todd,

before you decide which vendor you will choose, may advice is that you take into consideration a few selection criteria.

Mostly:

1. Previous experience of each vendor / nº of organised events and presence in markets or industries you are going to deliver your virtual event

2. Customisation posibilities and localisation support is a must for International virtual events.

3. Price and, what is more important, how this price escalates while adding more features, stands or customisations.

4. Main features, both in the stand and real time interaction tools

5. Need of plugins or additional downloads (avoid plugins at any cost!)

6. Maximum concurrent allowed attendees (no less than 500 should be considered)

7. User experience (integration of pseudo 3D environments, smooth navigation, neat design using usability conventions, direct access to information, etc)

8. Data management / Metrics / Stand Management backend

Said that, I would add to the list the european leading provider, IMASTE. You can check out the site at http://www.imaste-ips.com or the platform at http://demo.imaste-ips.com

In any case, try to select a provider with at least 100 successful delivered events and with some kind of presence and experience in your time zone/market.

Good Luck!,
Miguel

Todd,

I forgot to add that there are international players who also do work in the US. The ones that come to mind are:
Canada-based: 360 Virtual Events
Spain (Europe/Latin America): Imaste

ALL great answers for Todd.

For me, the key word in the question is "system". Todd, you'll want to explore what your system needs are (e.g. reporting/metrics, as Miguel points out: customization options, flexibility on the fly, overall user experience, etc.). In short, what are your success metrics?

Then, compare your options side by side. Price is certainly important, but so is delivering a solution that meets all of your project's needs over the long haul.

Speak with references, too. They'll tell you the "war stories" that will be helpful in determining which option is the best for you.

Like everyone here, I'm happy to help with any questions.

Best of luck,
Scott

Todd, ansewering directily your question, The top ten are:

USA: 6Connex, CGS, InXpo, ON24, Unisfair

Europe: Imaste, Ubivent and VisualMente

Good luck with your virtual events, you have a lot of business opportunities on there

Hector
www.visualmente.com

Hi Todd,
Happy to connect and have a client side discussion on the platforms and what pitfalls you need to look out for depending on the type of Virtual Event you are executing.

Email: marie.cottrell@hp.com

Regards,
Marie Cottrell
Corporate Events Marketing Manager
Hewlett-Packard

Most of the companies I would list are already covered. I strongly recommend conducting internal diligence to outline your requirements upfront and ensure that they directly map to your objectives, both short and long-term. All of the major players have different strengths and approaches thus, having a vendor questionnaire up front will help you quickly identify who might be a good partner for your company that you can scale with.

This is very helpful. We are looking to try our first virtual trade show, with capacity for 1-3 each a year for US market, UK and Asia/Pac. Charles Kao www.TravelMole.com

Todd: I'm with INXPO and happen to think our virtual events platform is pretty darn good ;-) If you let me know the types of virtual events you plan to do - and what your objectives are, I can provide additional thoughts and advice. Thanks!

Todd,

You've gotten great set of feedback here. A few additional items for your consideration:

1) How often would you hold these virtual events and what kinds? If frequently and combination of webinars, workshops and virtual conferences and expos, you might want to consider a platform that provides a uniform user experience for branding, registration, and navigation, flexibility in integrating best-of-breed audio/video point solutions, with an integrated back-end reporting and analytics across all these events.

2) Virtual events are high value offerings and great to build communities around. If this is important to you, don't send your attendees to a one-off no-man's land. Establish a community and bring the event to the community.

3) Self-service option: even when you outsource the event management, selecting a self-service platform gives you leverage in negotiating and flexibility in planning your future events

If you'd like to learn more about InfoNeedle, our hosted virtual event destination for the electronics, semiconductor and clean tech industries, SemiNeedle, other verticals or white label platforms, please let me know.

Best with your virtual events.

Todd

Digitell's integrated 2D and 3D solutions provide your users with two (2) levels of engagement opportunities. If you are looking to meet the needs of all of your potential users then providing just one user experience does not meet the needs of both the early adopters and the late adopters.

Our solution provides both an immersive "avatar" based platform, of which 85% of users select this option, and a silverlight 2D platform that integrates with the 3D so that all users can ask question, chat, take polls and engage in the event. We find less than 15% of users select this option, but it is still important to meet the needs of these attendees.

While other platforms are struggling to engage the user, our immersive environments engage them the minute the enter the environment. Take a look at this survey that was just completed by one of our client's, The Special Library Association, and you will see why the future of online engagement is in a 3D space. These aren't our numbers, these are the actual responses from the Users.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/sr.aspx?sm=Bu1zeMe8crPHsZdP4u2MCbIcAvOaL_2f3l9pRW...
Now, I will admit, it will take a little more tech support to get your users familiar with the platform but I equate it to running a F2F meeting in Hawaii. A little harder to get there but worth the trip!!
Let me know if your interested in a virtual tour.

Jim Parker
jparker@digitellinc.com

Hi Todd
There are a few platforms out there, but the only one integrated with e-commerce functionality is Expos2. If you are in Europe, why not call me on 00447717575262 or visit www.avantarget.com

Ruxandra