The Challenges
While the Mitel User Group had a successful virtual event, there were still challenges that they had to overcome. Here are some of the challenges that they faced:
Ensuring Engagement
One of the biggest challenges in a virtual event is to keep the visitors engaged. It can be difficult to replicate the excitement of a physical event in a virtual space. The Mitel User Group overcame this challenge by incorporating gamification and networking features, which helped to keep the visitors engaged throughout the event.
Time Zone Differences
With a global community, the Mitel User Group had to consider time zone differences. This meant that some visitors may not have been able to attend certain live sessions due to the time difference. To accommodate this, the organizers made the event available for 30 days after it went live, so visitors could access the content at their convenience.
Technical Issues
As with any virtual event, there is always the risk of technical issues. The organizers had to ensure that their platform could handle the number of visitors and that there were no technical glitches during the live sessions.
The Solution
Event Gallery
To tackle the challenges faced by the Mitel User Group, they opted to use vFairs, an event platform that offered a range of solutions that catered to their specific needs. The features that were incorporated into the virtual event included:
Webinars
Multiple live sessions that covered company strategies, product updates, and discussions allowed visitors to gain access to all the information they needed while also getting their queries answered in real-time. These sessions were also made available on demand.
Networking Features
The event aimed to be a platform for networking, and so they incorporated several chat features such as a solutions hub, matchmaking options, and product expert panels that allowed visitors to get the information they needed in a targeted manner and interact with their chosen peer groups or industry experts.
Gamification
In order to keep visitors engaged, the hosts included gamification features such as a scavenger hunt with achievements recorded on a leaderboard. These features proved to be successful in driving visitors to important event areas.
Exhibit Hall
The exhibitors and sponsors had their booths in the exhibit hall to showcase what they had to offer and interact with visitors. The visitors could also save ample resources in their virtual swag bags.
Training Center
The hosts set up a training center that offered a variety of courses for Mitel products and services. This feature was unique and proved to be a hit with visitors, who appreciated the opportunity for in-depth knowledge with specific courses for various products.
These features allowed the Mitel User Group to create a successful virtual event that catered to their specific needs.
The Results
The Mitel User Group’s 6th Annual Virtual Event showcased Mitel’s products and services using a range of vFairs features, including webinars, networking options, gamification, exhibit hall, and a training center. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the event was a success, with positive feedback from hosts and participants alike.
