The pandemic has provided the much-needed push to adopt digital substitutions. The rapid uptake of digital offerings and platforms to further business has opened new channels for effective marketing and higher revenues. As a result, virtual events and activities have become increasingly common in the last few years. The burgeoning expanse of digital offerings was complemented by the uncertainty surrounding the in-person events in the pandemic era. However, the swift increase in the number of virtual platforms has resulted in a large number of mediocre virtual platforms that cannot fulfil the customer needs and demands effectively. Hence, we have compiled a list of the top ten virtual event platforms for small businesses. However, before diving into the specifics, it is important to understand the meaning of virtual platforms.

Definition

Virtual platforms are programs using event software to provide digital space to host online events. Event organisers are given authority to manage the online event and organise and coordinate the attendees. It has proven to be an ideal offering for small businesses hoping to expand their reach and engage with more people.

1. Hubilo

The Hubilo platform is arguably the best online platform due to its various features that primarily aims to drive audience engagement. In addition, it helps the organisers create a great experience by providing a great hosting environment. Primary features would include immersive features, customisable backgrounds, and potential to cater to global audiences, better engagement tools, marketing automation, and analytical tools for better data analysis.

The app is available on desktops and mobiles. It is an ideal option for virtual and hybrid events.

2. Accelevents

Accelevents is one of the leading virtual event platform providers in the world. The hybrid event platforms provided by the company are highly simplified and easy to operate. It creates the optimum environment to form authentic human connections and comprehensively enables different teams to study event analytics. Moreover, its in-built analytical tools are capable of improving event experiences. The platform’s notable features include ticketing and registration features, simplified breakout room generation, engagement tools, improved security and privacy, and integrated live streaming. The platform can be accessed on both desktops and mobiles.

3. EventHub

EventHub is an excellent choice for those that wish to host highly optimised online events. Many of its offerings include registration pages, user data analysis, live and pre-recorded video streaming, and networking features. The hybrid model of the platform allows the organisers to manage online and offline members with higher engagement rates effectively. Virtual booths and multiple integrations are also available. It is available on desktops and mobiles and is ideal for virtual and hybrid events.

4. Hubb

Hubb is a lesser-known platform that is rapidly carving a name for itself. The reason for its burgeoning popularity is its unmatched success in giving its presenters unprecedented control and management potential. Combined with features such as event automation, live streaming, virtual booths, and 3D expo halls, it is a force to be reckoned with in the virtual, hybrid, and in-person event platform provider industry. In addition, it is optimised to run effectively on desktops and mobiles.

5. Balloon

Unlike other platforms listed here, Balloon specialises in team-building events. Therefore, the platform is optimised to host large events such as conferences, large team meetings, virtual fairs, and more. The key features bolstering its position on this list are the availability of unlimited stages, live streaming capabilities, efficient networking features, customisation features, business tool integration, and data analytics tools. However, one visible shortcoming of the platform is its inefficiency in handling hybrid programs.

6. Zoom

Undeniably, the most well-known name on this list in the post-pandemic era is Zoom. The company shot to fame after its rapid uptake as a video platform provided when the world went on a lockdown spree. The reason for the popularity it enjoys is pretty evident as it boasts all the most popular features necessary for hosting virtual events. It provides the most optimised breakout room feature that provides a seamless experience. Business tool integrations and analytics are also available. The platform can also work to simplify ticketing and registration processes. It is undeniably an all-in-one virtual event platform. It is available for use on desktops and mobiles.

7. Dreamcast

Dreamcast is an industry favourite as it has been providing excellent services for the past ten years and has a satisfied customer base of over 25,000 clients. The new features launched in the recent updates have greatly improved their relevance with modern requirements. AI matchmaking, access control, and networking tables are great features that provide greater control to the organisers. Attendee footprinting and multichannel communication features improve its analytical offerings, and gamification allows it to appeal to the modern demographic. Overall, it is an excellent alternative for immersive virtual and hybrid events.

8. VFairs

3D virtual lobbies are the key to welcoming your attendees in style. vFairs understands the customer requirements and provides the best virtual experience in the industry. Its highly experienced team provides nifty features such as popular app integrations, virtual event marketing, virtual exhibit halls, event gamification, etc. As the name suggests, the platform specialises in hosting virtual fairs and large audiences. As a result, it has over 15 different virtual fair hosting options. With availability on desktops and mobiles, vFairs is an excellent choice for any virtual or hybrid event organiser.

9. 6Connex

6Connex is a professional’s event management platform as it is highly simplified and optimised. Launched in 2011, the company has adapted, innovated, and turned business challenges into opportunities. The same is reflected in its virtual event hosting solution. The events hosted on 6Connex are designed in an open universe that allows the creation of personalised experiences through AI Matchmaking, meeting scheduling, tool integration, and engagement tools. The improved security features allow attendees to enjoy the event without reservations fully. Insights and analytical data generated can also be used to optimise future events.

10. Hopin

Hopin is an all-in-one event management platform that does planning, producing, and reliving event experiences easier than ever. Organisers are provided with the necessary liberality to achieve the same goals of their offline events by customising the event to fit their requirements. Hopin is capable of handling large numbers of people and can be used to host public or private events seamlessly. Features such as live streams, event marketing tools, data analytics tools, onsite customisation options, and tool integration make it one of the best virtual event hosting platforms available in the market.