Top 5 Virtual Conference Platforms for Online Events in 2023
Virtual events are here to stay. They have proven to be a convenient, cost-effective, and engaging way to connect with audiences around the world. Whether you are hosting a webinar, a conference, a workshop, or a product launch, you need a reliable and robust platform to deliver your content and interact with your attendees.
But how do you choose the best platform for your virtual event in 2023? There are so many options out there, each with its own features, benefits, and limitations. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of some of the top virtual event platforms for online events in 2023. Let’s take a look.
Webex Webinar & Webex Events
Webex Webinar is one of the most widely used collaboration platforms for online events. It can handle up to 10,000 participants and 500 hosts, cohosts, and panelists depending on your plan. Attendees do not need an account or an app to join; they can simply use their browser. Webex also allows you to live stream your event on Facebook or YouTube and integrate it with popular CRM tools like Salesforce and Marketo.
Some of the key features of Webex Webinar are:
- Event practice rooms
- Screen sharing
- Automated invitations, reminders, and follow-ups
- Polling, survey, and Q&A tools
- Event data and analytics
- Password protection and security
- Accurate real-time translation from English into 100+ languages (native speaker quality)
In addition to Webex Webinar, Socio is a virtual event platform that was recently acquired by Webex and rebranded as Webex Events. Socio aims to provide an all-in-one event management platform for in-person, hybrid, and virtual events. Socio can host up to 100,000 attendees and allows for unlimited sessions and speakers. It also integrates with various tools such as YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch, Zoom, Slack, Mailchimp, and more.
Some of the key features of Socio are:
- Virtual stages for keynote speakers and panels
- Virtual booths for sponsors and exhibitors
- Virtual networking rooms for attendees to mingle and chat
- Virtual backstage for presenters to prepare and communicate
- Event practice rooms
- Screen sharing
- Automated invitations, reminders, and follow-ups
- Polling, survey, and Q&A tools
- Event data and analytics
- Password protection and security
- Accurate real-time translation from English into 100+ languages (native speaker quality)
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is another popular platform for virtual events, especially for those who are already using the Teams app for communication and collaboration. Microsoft Teams can host up to 1,000 participants for webinars and up to 20,000 attendees for live events (starting from June 2023). Hosting events via Microsoft Teams is easy and intuitive; you can create a customized event group inbox for presenters and send unique codes to attendees to access the event.
Some of the key features of Microsoft Teams are:
- Chat-based collaboration
- Interactive features like moderated Q&A sessions
- Real-time analytics from a live event usage report
- Intuitive event scheduling
Zoom Events
Zoom Events is a platform that can host up to 50,000 attendees and allow for 100 or more interactive video panelists. Attendees need to download Zoom to join but do not need an account. Zoom offers a variety of touch-up filters and studio effects to enhance the video quality and can display up to 49 panelists in a single room.
Some of the key features of Zoom Events are:
- Co-hosts
- Mute/unmute options
- Reporting metrics
- Closed captioning
- Local and cloud recording
- File and video sharing
GoToWebinar
GoToWebinar is a platform that allows organizers to host up to 3,000 guests and integrate with various tools such as Slack, Hubspot, and more. GoToWebinar is a bit more expensive than other platforms, starting at $59 a month and going up depending on usage. However, it provides extensive training materials and high-quality customer support, which may be worth it for companies that host many virtual events per year.
Some of the key features of GoToWebinar are:
- Automatic email reminders
- Interactive engagement tools
- Conference recording
- Virtual whiteboard
- Co-hosting
- Six simultaneous video streams
HopIn
HopIn is a virtual event platform that aims to replicate the feel of an in-person event as closely as possible. HopIn provides some creative features that other platforms do not offer, such as:
- Virtual stages for keynote speakers and panels
- Virtual booths for sponsors and exhibitors
- Virtual networking rooms for attendees to mingle and chat
- Virtual backstage for presenters to prepare and communicate
HopIn can host up to 100,000 attendees and allows for unlimited sessions and speakers. It also integrates with various tools such as YouTube, Vimeo, Twitch, Zoom, Slack, Mailchimp, and more.
Virtual Event Platforms: The Bottom Line
Any one of the above virtual event platforms is an excellent choice. To decide which is best for you, determine your company’s needs, budget, and number of attendees. With a bit of research and attention to detail, you will identify the perfect platform for a flawless virtual event.
Need a little help? At Meet Me In The Cloud, we employ best practices to take your online event from start to finish with pre-event planning, tech check sessions, in-session technical support, and post-event analysis. While you focus on fine-tuning your content to inspire your audience, we ensure there are zero technical hiccups when the big day comes.
Contact us today for a free consultation and quote!
