The Rise of Virtual Events: 4 Reasons they will increase in 2023

The rise of virtual events is a trend that will continue to increase in 2023 for organizations of all types according to a new global survey.

The research from Kaltura revealed that almost half of the organizations surveyed intended to hold more virtual events and many planned hybrid gatherings.

So why are virtual events here to stay?

Virtual events are convenient

Virtual events are more practical. Virtual events, both on and off-site, are preferred by a wide range of people, including attendees, planners and even keynote speakers. According to Kaltura’s poll of 1,250 organizers and attendees, 84% wanted the option of attending a virtual or hybrid event.

Virtual gatherings also create simpler logistics.

Rather than waiting weeks for an event to begin, events may now be planned rapidly and based on the needs of the organization.

For nonprofit events, imagine being able to add a virtual gathering rapidly if a yearly golf tournament is rained out or if a new wave of COVID-19 hampers a fundraiser.

Audiences actually like virtual events

The events have improved throughout the pandemic with better production techniques, staging and content.

According to the Kaltura global survey, 73% of audience members were happy with their virtual experience and 93% felt event companies did a good job moving from in-person events to online ones.

Virtual events give every audience member the best seat in the house and allow for unique ways of interaction, not to mention the potential to integrate social proof and other donor engagement strategies.

Now, every virtual event is different but expect them to stick around in some form or another.

Virtual events cost less and have less risk

Another advantage of virtual events is their lower cost of production and attendance. There’s no need to rent a ballroom or pay for food that guests likely don’t want anyway.

Instead, you get to focus on what’s important, telling your nonprofit organization’s story.

They allow for nonprofit storytelling

The move to virtual events allows you to shift to a storytelling-driven approach to fundraising making it easier than ever to highlight success stories.

They provide a way to humanize your organization and its work and reach more people in the process.

Virtual events will continue to increase in 2023 due to these benefits, making it easier than ever for nonprofit organizations to connect with their audiences and donors.

With that said, opportunities for networking should still be a focus of any nonprofit with donor engagement and retention always on the mind.

The absence of socialization is one of the most important drawbacks of virtual gatherings and is likely why many donors attend traditional galas.

Tools like chat and social amplification can help with this, but only so much.

Remember, it’s about a complete nonprofit digital strategy that combines the best bits of all forms of marketing to find and retain donors.