The 2 Different Types of Event Platforms: How To Pick The Right Fit
In order to be able to implement all event formats professionally, in compliance with data protection regulations and in your own corporate branding, customized event platforms offer many advantages. But when is this investment worthwhile and when are standard solutions sufficient? We clarify in this article!
Anyone who frequently plans virtual events knows – many details have to be taken into account for the success of an event. From the individual functions and features that make your event a very special experience to data protection, the demands on quality and security are constantly growing. In many areas, companies already have completely individual, professional software solutions that make the workflow more efficient and secure. So why not also rely on a customized event platform in the future that is perfectly tailored to your requirements?
Difference: standard platform vs. customized event platform
Whether short webinars or complex customer events: In these times, internal and external corporate communication increasingly takes place online. In addition to tools for video conferencing and collaboration tools for internal exchange, virtual event platforms are specifically specialized in the execution of digital events. So instead of continuing to switch between multiple tools for different tasks, you can now easily manage your digital events from a single source via an event platform. Whether you want to use a standardized event platform or a solution configured specifically for your company should be decided individually based on your personal requirements.
If you choose a standardized event platform, you have access to the most important functions and features that you generally need for the execution of digital events – bundled together on one platform. So you no longer need one provider for web seminar solutions and another for video conferencing, but from now on manage your complete virtual event workflow in one platform. If the standard software isn’t enough for your purposes, you can get expert support to design a custom event platform to meet the unique challenges of your events.
When is a standard event platform enough?
Before you decide on an event platform, you should ask yourself what requirements you have for the event software and what internal capacities you can muster for support and design. Do you only organize events for which the standard functions are sufficient? Then a standardized event platform can fulfill all important requirements for you. After all, event software is generally designed to cover the essential tasks in all phases of event planning.
But remember: not all event platforms are the same. With Converve, you can host any type of networking event with a standard package, and also customize your event setup flexibly. Many services are also available in the standard version, which many basic software solutions do not provide in this scope.
Customer service & support
Benefit from personal customer support throughout the entire project and take advantage of full support with regard to platform adaptations and event planning.
Website builder incl. corporate branding
Design your virtual event platform with Converve using the user-friendly drag & drop website builder and choose from a wide range of layouts. It is also possible to adapt the event platform to your existing branding and corporate design with the standard variant.
Customized networking & matching setup
As an all-in-one event networking platform, we offer you very specific networking and matchmaking functions. Because with our matchmaking solution, you give your participants the opportunity to make initial contacts even before the event. Based on interests and behavior, suitable meeting partners can be found with whom your customers can further expand their network.
Online registration
Guide your participants through the registration process as quickly and user-friendly as possible. With freely designable registration forms, participant profiles can be completed in no time at all.
Attendee profiles & attendee management
No matter what type of event platform you choose, Converve allows you to customize attendee profiles. Attendee management is also very easy to handle. For example, you will be notified by email when new attendees have registered for your event, and you also have the option to import entire attendee lists from Excel.
Ticketing & Payment
Standard services include automatic invoicing and digital ticketing – you can also create personalized tickets. In addition, you can handle the payment process in all currencies.
Session & program management
The success of your event stands and falls with the structure and design of your event program. With our event software, you can easily define program elements such as title, description, times, duration, rooms, main topics or speakers. You can also let your attendees know when which program item will take place and you decide which content requires registration or is subject to a limited number of participants.
Meetings & content on attendee agenda
Your attendees create a mobile agenda from all program items and meetings and receive an automated meeting reminder. Post-meeting options include the ability to collect meeting feedback or ratings from attendees.
Video & Streaming
From webinars to workshops to roundtables, any event platform should be able to integrate common formats. With Converve, the integration of live streaming and pre-recorded content is also possible, among other things.
Responsive Web App
Our event app is accessible from any device, responsive and to use the app you don’t even need to download it from the app store. So your attendees can easily participate in your online events from anywhere via smartphone.
Mailings & Reporting
Already with the standardized event platform you can create, save and send as many email campaigns as you like. The success control through reportings is also part of the standard version. Likewise, the success control through reportings is a component of the standard version.
Sponsoring
As you surely know, sponsoring plays an important role in event planning. You want to give your sponsors the space to present themselves accordingly on your event platform? At Converve, for example, you can integrate sponsor profiles with interactive content, offer sponsored email campaigns or sessions, and provide advertising space on tickets, badges, and in the PDF catalog.
Check-in process
Generate name badges and badges for your attendees and speakers. Barcodes on tickets also make it quick and easy for attendees to check in and out via the web app. Additional check-ins are also possible at the entrance to the sessions.
Legal & Privacy
All event platforms at Converve are GDPR and DSGVO compliant. The integration of privacy policy, terms of use and imprint are also part of the standard package.
As you can see, you can expect a standardized event platform at Converve, which already gives you a lot of flexibility in organizing your digital events. Thus, with our standard event platform, you do not opt for an 08/15 solution, but receive a comprehensive package with which you can offer your target group an attractive participant experience. With the professional support of your tech partner, you can also save valuable time and resources and increase the efficiency of your digital events in the future.
When is a customized event platform worthwhile?
Do you have very specific and special requirements for the implementation of your online events that you cannot realize with the standard platform? No problem – we customize our event platform to your style and needs.
From landing page to event app to networking, all elements can speak your brand language and provide you with a customized solution. Simply tell us what you want and we’ll see what features we can use to solve your challenges.
In addition, we can develop new features for you that will help you successfully implement your event. It is also possible to integrate other tools such as MS Teams or Zoom on your event platform. With the help of our experts, you can thus put together a completely individual event website that leaves nothing to be desired.
When does a customized event platform make sense?
Here are some examples:
- You want an individual event website, which cannot be easily implemented with the website construction kit.
- You need complex registration options because your participants can register for several courses, events and workshops and also pay the participation fee directly.
- You want to highlight your CI & branding individually.
- You need the development of event-specific functions for special event formats.
- You have very special requirements for security and data protection.
- You organize complex event formats, such as large trade fairs with a focus on matchmaking and participant interaction.
- You need special connections and fast data transfer.
Conclusion: There is a solution for everything
Standard event platforms can be the ideal choice for many companies to best plan, execute and evaluate digital events. That’s because software solutions are designed quite specifically to meet the requirements of digital events.
A custom event platform, on the other hand, is a good choice if your digital events have complex and very specific event software requirements. If you rely on individual functions and features and want the best possible support from a tech expert, then a customized event website is the right solution for your company.
Of course, whether you choose a standardized or customized event platform can sometimes be a budget question. At Converve, you can count on discounted prices when implementing multiple events.
Contact us – our team will be happy to assist you.
