Organizing a conference or event can be a daunting task. From sourcing the right location to finding speakers and hosting activities, myriad tasks need to be addressed. Thankfully, with the advent of technology, today’s events have gone virtual! Virtual conference platforms provide an easy way to host events online from anywhere in the world, saving you time and money.
In this article, we’ll look at the best virtual conference platforms of 2023 – from video conferencing services to platform-specific solutions for hosting virtual events and conferences. We’ll also discuss how these platforms can help you easily plan, host, and manage your virtual event. So whether you’re planning an online conference, virtual summit, or a large-scale event, we’ve got you covered.
What is the Best Virtual Conference Platform?
A virtual conference platform is an online software or service that allows you to host and manage virtual events. It provides all the necessary tools for event planning, from scheduling sessions to providing speakers with virtual meeting rooms. It also offers live streaming capabilities, interactive Q&A sessions, feedback mechanisms, and more. With these platforms, you can easily host events, engage your audience, and even monetize them to make a profit.
The Best Virtual Conference Platforms of 2023:
- Zoom: Best for Webinars & Video Conferencing
- Google Meet: Best for Business Collaboration & Online Meetings
- Skype for Business: Best for Business Communication & Audio Conferencing
- WebX: Best for Virtual Events & Interactive Sessions
- GoToWebinar: Best for Large-Scale Events & Webinars
- Microsoft Teams: Best for Collaboration, Productivity & Group Chat
- Hopin: Best for Live Streaming & Networking
- Eventbrite: Best for Event Promotion & Ticket Sales
- Whova: Best for Virtual Conferences & Summits
- Airmeet: Best for Hybrid Events & Networking Opportunities
- Livestorm: Best for Online Courses & On-Demand Sessions
- Livestage – Best for Live & virtual event software
Zoom
Zoom is a widely used virtual conference software that is versatile and user-friendly. A key factor for its popularity lies in how easy it is to use and its robust features designed for meetups, classes, summits, training, and more. When the pandemic began, Zoom quickly rose to the top of the best virtual conference platforms as an effective tool for conducting events online. Even now, with more advanced software options available on the market, its customer base remains high due to its reliable performance and straightforward approach.
One of its major advantages is Zoom Rooms for Touch which offers attendees a convenient way to share their desktop or mobile screen. This makes it easier for presenters to demonstrate how a product works and lets people collaborate on projects in a virtual setting. It also provides tools like breakout rooms, chat functions, and interactive whiteboards.
Price
Zoom offers a free basic plan with unlimited meetings, up to 100 participants, and 40 minutes of meeting time. The paid plans start at $14.
Key Features
- Screen sharing for up to 25 people
- Breakout rooms
- Interactive whiteboard
- Scheduling and reporting tools
- Polling & Q&A functions
Google Meet
Google Meet is a free video conferencing software from Google that was built for businesses and professionals. It’s easy to set up, use, and manage, making it a great choice for small and large businesses. Google Meet has all the features you’d expect from a virtual conference platform, including private and public chat rooms, screen-sharing capabilities, live streaming, and high-definition audio.
The platform also has a handy feature to record meetings and keep them for later review. Additionally, Google Meet integrates with other products from the G Suite platform, such as Gmail, Calendar, and Drive.
Price
Google Meet offers a free basic plan and has paid plans starting at $6 per user per month.
Key Features
- Screen sharing
- Live to stream
- Integrations with G Suite
- Private and public chat rooms
- HD audio and video quality
Skype for Business
Skype for Business is another popular virtual conferencing platform designed to make connecting with colleagues, partners, and customers easier. It has an intuitive interface that allows users to conduct meetings and share files from anywhere, making it a great choice for teams often on the go. Skype also offers robust security features and advanced encryption protocols.
The platform also supports audio calls, instant messaging, file sharing, and more. It also includes tools like whiteboard sharing and polling, which can be used to facilitate more engaging virtual events.
Price
Skype for Business is free to use with limitations such as the duration of meetings (up to 24 hours) and a limited number of participants (250). Paid plans start at $5 per user/month.
Key Features
- Voice & Video Calls
- Instant Messaging
- Whiteboard Sharing
- File Sharing & Storage
- Polls & Surveys
- Live Stream Capabilities
WebX
WebX is a virtual event platform that allows users to create interactive events. It features an intuitive drag-and-drop editor and integrates with Zoom and Google Meet. With WebX, you can create custom-branded event pages, customize agendas and registration forms, manage speakers, and create polls and surveys.
The platform also makes it easy to generate analytics that provides valuable insights into the success of your events. Additionally, its in-depth reporting tool helps organizers track attendance data and monitor user engagement during the event.
Price
WebX offers a free basic plan with up to 100 attendees. Paid plans start at $14 per month, billed annually.
Key Features
- Drag & Drop Editor
- Integrations with Zoom & GoogleMeet
- Custom Branded Event Pages
- Speaker Management Tools
- Polls & Surveys
- Analytics & Reporting Tools
GoToWebinar
GoToWebinar is a webinar platform that can be used to host virtual events and conferences. It supports up to 3000 participants and allows organizers to create online polls, surveys, Q&As, and quizzes. The platform also includes features like video conferencing, live streaming, interactive whiteboard collaboration tools, and more.
Organizers have access to advanced analytics, which provides them with insights into the performance of their events. Additionally, GoToWebinar’s integration with Salesforce allows users to track leads from start to finish.
Price
GoToWebinar offers a free trial period for unlimited sessions but charges $49 monthly for the professional plan once it expires.
Key Features
- Video Conferencing
- Live Streaming
- Whiteboard Collaboration Tools
- Online Polls & Surveys
- Q&As & Quizzes
- Salesforce Integration
- Analytics & Reporting Tools
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that allows users to host online meetings and events. It supports up to 10,000 participants and offers tools such as screen sharing, real-time chat messaging, audio & video conferencing, file sharing, and more. It also integrates with other products from the Office 365 suite, such as Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Organizers also benefit from analytics which provides them with insights into the performance of their events.
Price
Microsoft Teams is free to use with limitations such as the duration of meetings (up to 24 hours) and a limited number of participants (250). Paid plans start at $5 per user/month.
Key Features
- Screen Sharing
- Real-Time Chat Messaging
- Audio & Video Conferencing
- File Sharing & Storage
- Integrations with Office 365 Suite Analytics & Reporting Tools.
Hopin
Hopin is an all-in-one virtual events platform. It supports up to 10,000 participants and allows organizers to customize the look and feel of their event page. The platform also features powerful networking tools like video conferencing, chat rooms, group conversations, and more. With Hopin, you can create polls & surveys, Q&As, virtual booths, and schedule breakout sessions.
Price
Hopin offers a free basic plan with limited features. Paid plans start at $99 per month for the Pro plan.
Key Features
- Video Conferencing
- Chat Rooms & Group Conversations
- Polls & Surveys
- Q&As & Virtual Booths
- Schedule Breakout Sessions
- Analytics & Reporting Tools.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a popular event management platform that allows organizers to create and promote virtual & hybrid events. It supports up to 2000 attendees and offers ticketing, custom branding, analytics, and more features. Eventbrite also integrates with Zoom, Google Meet, and other third-party apps to host webinars and conferences easily.
Price
Eventbrite is free to use with limitations such as limited customization options and several participants (up to 1000). Paid plans start at $49 per month for the Professional plan.
Key Features
- Ticketing & Registration
- Custom Branding & Themes
- Integrations with Zoom & Google Meet
- Analytics & Reporting Tools
- Sponsorship Opportunities.
Whova
Whova is a virtual and hybrid event platform that supports up to 25,000 participants. It offers features such as online registration & ticketing, virtual networking, live streaming, and more. With Whova, you can easily create and manage polls & surveys, Q&As, agendas, and speaker profiles.
Organizers have access to real-time data and advanced analytics, which provide them with insights into the performance of their events.
Price
Whova offers a free basic plan with limited features. Available at a custom price.
Key Features
- Online Registration & Ticketing
- Virtual Networking
- Live Streaming
- Polls & Surveys
- Q&As & Agenda Builder
- Speaker Profiles
- Analytics & Reporting Tools.
Airmeet
Airmeet is an all-in-one virtual events platform that allows users to host events with up to 10,000 participants. It offers features such as online registration & ticketing, virtual networking, live streaming, and more. With Airmeet, you can easily create polls & surveys, Q&As, agendas, and speaker profiles.
Organizers have access to real-time data and advanced analytics, which provide them with insights into the performance of their events.
Price
Airmeet offers a free basic plan with limited features. Paid plans start at $88 per month for the Pro plan.
Key Features
- Online Registration & Ticketing
- Virtual Networking
- Live Streaming
- Polls & Surveys
- Q&As & Agenda Builder
- Speaker Profiles
- Analytics & Reporting Tools.
Livestorm
Livestorm is an online event platform that allows users to host live events with up to 1000 participants. It offers features such as virtual networking, live streaming, and more. With Livestorm, you can easily create polls & surveys, Q&As, agendas, and speaker profiles.
Organizers have access to real-time data and advanced analytics, which provide them with insights into the performance of their events.
Price
Livestorm offers a free basic plan with limited features. Paid plans start at $49 per month for the Pro plan.
Key Features
- Virtual Networking
- Live Streaming
- Polls & Surveys
- Q&As & Agenda Builder
- Speaker Profiles
- Analytics & Reporting Tools.
Livestage
The live stage is a virtual events platform that allows users to host live events with up to 500 participants. It offers speaker profiles, breakout sessions, interactive video walls, and more. With Livestage, organizers can easily create polls & surveys, Q&As, agendas, and speaker profiles.
Organizers have access to real-time data and advanced analytics, which provide them with insights into the performance of their events.
Price
Livestage offers a free basic plan with limited features. Paid plans start at $148 per month for the Pro plan.
Key Features
- Speaker Profiles
- Breakout Sessions
- Interactive Video Walls
- Polls & Surveys
- Q&As & Agenda Builder
- Analytics & Reporting Tools.
Conclusion
Choosing the best virtual conference platform for your needs can be daunting. In this article, we have highlighted the Best Virtual Conference Platforms to help you make an informed decision. Each virtual conference platform is unique in features and pricing, so take the time to review each before selecting what’s best for your event. Best of luck with your virtual and hybrid events!
FAQs
What are some of the Best Virtual Event Platforms?
The best virtual event platforms include Whova, Airmeet, Livestorm, and Livestage. Each platform offers features such as online registration & ticketing, virtual networking, live streaming, and more.
What are some good Online Event Platforms?
Good online event platforms include Airmeet, Livestorm, and Livestage. Each platform offers virtual networking, live streaming, and more features.
Are there Virtual Conferences Platforms that offer In-Person Events?
Yes, many virtual conference platforms offer in-person events, such as Whova and Airmeet, which offer the ability to host hybrid events with both online and in-person components.
What is the Best Virtual Conference Platform for Event Software?
The best virtual conference platform for event software depends on your specific needs. Popular options include Whova, Airmeet, Livestorm, and Livestage. Each platform offers features such as virtual networking, live streaming, polls & surveys, and more.
Are there other Virtual Event Platforms besides the ones mentioned in this article?
Yes, many other virtual event platforms, such as Hopin, Zoom Events, and Google Meet, can be used to host online or hybrid events with both online and in-person components.
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