Following the boom in virtual and hybrid events, many creators are turning to video conferencing events to take their businesses to the next level. From streamlining attendee interaction to increasing your audience range, all while sticking to a budget, there are plenty of reasons why large-scale video conferences are key to growing a business. Plus, video conferencing software comes in handy for communicating with your team and sponsors prior to the event itself.
With all that in mind, we’ve put together a list of some of the best video conferencing tools available for businesses. Whether you’re after virtual event engagement tools or a platform that specializes in custom branding, each of these tools can help your event run just the way you need it to.
1. Best virtual event tool for on-the-go
GoToMeeting is an ideal choice if you need virtual event tools that help you host video conferences while you’re out and about. Within a matter of minutes, you can set up and start a conference from your smartphone via an easy-to-use Android or iOS app. The platform also has a capacity for up to 250 participants at a time, making it ideal for large-scale events. You can quickly divide your attendees up into breakout groups by turning your conference rooms into collaboration centers, and easily put safety precautions in place, thanks to GoToMeeting’s advanced security features, like meeting locks and passcode protection.
2. Best for accessibility
With no upfront costs, Google Meet is a great tool for video conferencing events, whatever your budget. It’s quick to access — without the need to download separate software — and creates a dial-in phone number for every meeting so that attendees can still join when they don’t have an internet connection.
3. Best video conferencing tool for interactivity
Zoom has become the go-to video conferencing software. Recognized as one of the best video conferencing platforms around, it makes attendees feel just as connected as if they were in the same room. From sharing screens to the smooth chat function, Zoom allows guests and speakers to collaborate with ease. It also integrates seamlessly with Eventbrite, so that you can collect custom information about registrants and create multiple ticket types, helping to reduce the stress of producing a multi-person live stream.
4. Best for customization
Put your own stamp on your business event with ClickMeeting. This platform’s webinar pages are fully customizable, allowing you to showcase your brand in its best light. With just a few clicks, you can create a personalized, professional-looking design for your video conferencing events. Brand your registration and thank-you pages with a logo and signature colors, and even customize the waiting room layout with the drag-and-drop editor. It helpfully includes options for a pre-event agenda where you can let attendees know the order of the day. ClickMeeting also makes it easy to embed tools like Facebook pixels for tracking attendee activity.
5. Best tools for virtual educational events
Designed for online learning, BigBlueButton allows you to share audio, video, presentations, and your desktop with attendees. If you’re looking for education-focused virtual event tools, then BigBlueButton makes it more straightforward with features like a multi-user whiteboard, shared notes, and polls. Challenge attendees to a problem-solving task by grouping users into breakout rooms for team bonding and collaboration.
6. Best virtual event engagement tool
The best tools for virtual events allow your attendees to engage with the discussion during your video conference. Slido makes it easy to interact with your guests through live polls, Q&As, and quizzes. On top of this, users can ask questions anonymously, so that everyone will feel comfortable speaking up. Glisser is another great engagement-friendly platform, enabling attendees to interact with presentations and enter virtual booths, and allowing creators to track attendee engagement in real-time.
7. Best for networking
Networking might seem like something that can only be done in person, but there are video conferencing tools designed to make it happen just as effectively online. Using NetworkTables, you can set up interactive roundtables, one-to-one meetings, and breakout sessions where attendees can network with each other and industry experts. It’s also worth taking a look at Brella, which has a matchmaking feature that enables guests to book their own meetings before and during a conference.
8. Best tools for hybrid events
ON24 provides a great interface for event creators who want to have more control over the flow of their video conferencing events by including both live and recorded elements. You can pre-record webinars to help speakers prepare content ahead of the event, before switching to live mode for a Q&A after the session to engage with the audience in real-time. Opting for a hybrid event also lessens the impact of potential tech issues, like poor internet connection or failing microphones.
9. Best for a truly virtual experience
When you want virtual event tools that let you emulate the in-person experience as closely as possible, try hosting a business event via vFairs. Perfect for online trade shows, job fairs, and open days, this interactive platform turns attendees and exhibitors into avatars and your entire event into a virtual world. Guests can visit booths and speak to exhibitors just like they would in the real world while using fun features like scavenger hunts to maximize interactions.
10. Best online tool for webinars
Streets ahead of most mainstream video conferencing tools, Hopin is an all-in-one event management platform that helps you plan, produce, and evaluate your webinar event. Top-notch features include custom branding for your webcast, an interactive reception area, an in-depth registration page, and virtual booths in the expo. With the flexibility to host a large audience, private and public livestreams, and one-on-one chat capability, it outclasses other webinar software and virtual event tools on the market.
11. Best for multi-day virtual events
Looking for video conferencing tools to use at your multi-day virtual event? Webex is the answer. Their cloud-based conferencing and collaboration suite boasts features including fully branded registration, professional live streaming, and virtual event engagement tools such as native chat, polling, and video rooms. Flexible ticketing enables multiple ticket types and prices, group discounts, and promo codes — all perfect for giving people the option to attend your whole event, specific days, or individual sessions.
Take the first step
If you’re new to video conferencing events and wondering where to start, then choosing the best tools for virtual events is the first step. Of course, it’s not the only thing you’ll need to consider when organizing a virtual event. From finding specialist speakers to choosing the format and accessing the right video conferencing equipment, our in-depth guide takes you through all you need to know about planning and hosting your event.
Set up your virtual conference today and give attendees a truly seamless event experience.
