As the event industry evolves, digital events are gaining popularity, and the related dictionary is also growing, especially with the technical terms connected to virtual and hybrid events. So, here is a list of 54 essential event-related tech terms with explanations; let's see if anything surprises you!
VIRTUAL EVENT PRODUCTION
1. RTMPS Live Streaming
RTMP is a protocol used for live streaming. It allows planners to stream content on third-party websites, e.g., Twitter or Facebook. RTMPS is a secure extension of this protocol.
2. Both Live and Pre-Recorded Sessions
A possibility to combine live speakers with pre-recorded parts of the video into individual sessions.
3. Multi-Track Streams/Sessions
Multiple live streams are available simultaneously within one event on one platform.
4. Session Moderation
Moderation tools allow moderators or event staff to oversee incoming questions and answers or other audience participation.
5. Automatic Moderation
A way to restrict what is displayed using automatic, pre-set rules and filters, commonly used to filter inappropriate questions and comments.
6. Live Translation/Interpreting
Attendees have access to translated materials and speeches during multilingual events. Thanks to the technology built into the application, the translation is often available immediately.
7. Speech-to-Text Transcription
A possibility to make a script of any spoken presentation, interview, or lecture directly in the application.
8. Video on Demand Tools (VOD)
It is possible to record the event's content and make it available within the platform, e.g., behind a certain paywall.
VIRTUAL EVENT ENGAGEMENT
9. Social Media Integration (Social Wall)
This feature allows participants to view the posts of others on social networks, usually based on hashtags. Comments and content posted via the event platform can also be synced and uploaded to the social network.
10. Gamification
Trivial games, quizzes, and other interactive game components level up the event and help achieve the event goals. Leaderboards are often used to boost participation via competition.
11. Leaderboard
The competition result table shows the position of individual participants. The most successful ones are displayed at the top of the rankings.
12. Gamification Points Exchanged for Rewards
Attendees can exchange points earned while playing games and other activities for rewards. This way, they are encouraged to participate and engage more during the event.
13. Live Polls
Presenters can ask the audience questions via surveys, polls, and quizzes and receive answers in real-time.
14. Q&A Tools and Features
These tools allow the audience to ask questions that presenters or moderators can answer in real-time.
DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT
15. AR Powered Scavenger Hunt
Augmented Reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real-world surroundings which gives a feeling of illusion or virtual reality through digital elements such as videos, images, sounds, and other sensory stimuli delivered via technology. When used for a scavenger hunt, it becomes an interactive game component that enhances the experience and encourages engagement, participation, and competition among attendees.
16. Custom Games
Customizable interactive game components, such as trivia games, scavenger hunts, quizzes, etc., support specific user behavior. Those often include leaderboards to encourage engagement and competition.
17. Integrated Speaker Interactions
A virtual audience can interact in live speaker sessions and vice versa. For example, both virtual and physical audience members can ask the speaker questions in real-time.
18. Live Feed for Comments/Questions
Enables to show questions submitted by attendees in real-time on the big screen.
19. Up-Vote Questions
Participants can vote for questions they think the speaker should prioritize.
20. Anonymous Voting
Participants vote entirely anonymously, for example, during live voting and polls. It is not possible to monitor the votes of individuals.
21. Tracking Responses Back to the Individual
Some applications allow you to track data back to a specific user, such as feedback, questions, answers in polls, etc. It can be helpful for deeper data analysis or follow-up.
22. Multi-City Support
An integrated mobile app and virtual platform enable numerous live components happening simultaneously in various places geographically.
23. Vocal Commands for Presenters
Control the app with your voice when giving the speech.
VIRTUAL TRADE SHOW
24. Virtual Exhibitor Hall/Booth
A space within a virtual platform dedicated to showcasing products by the exhibitor and establishing contact with attendees. It usually includes video conference scheduling.
25. Live Demos/Attendee-to-Exhibitor Video Conferencing
An opportunity for exhibitors to present their products and communicate through video calls with one or more attendees.
26. Attendee-to-Exhibitor Messaging
Real-time communication between attendees and exhibitors via chat function integrated into the platform.
27. Downloadable Content
Information and materials uploaded by the exhibitor to be easily accessed and downloaded by attendees.
28. Lead Generation and Sharing from Booth Interactions or Visits
An opportunity for exhibitors to acquire information from or about attendees who have visited their booths.
29. Lead Retrieval Tools
These tools help exhibitors to collect information from attendees to make the follow-up easier.
NETWORKING
30. Reception Area
A digital space where attendees can gather and connect.
31. Attendee Appointment Scheduling
Attendees, exhibitors, vendors, etc., can schedule meetings with each other through the application, whether on the platform or elsewhere.
32. Private Video Chat
An option to connect privately via video chat within the platform.
33. Attendee-Limited Chatrooms or Video Chats
Spaces accessible only to attendees (chat rooms, forums, video chats, etc.), which sales representatives can not enter.
34. Shared Seating Map
A digital seating chart shows where in-person attendees are seated and allows virtual participants to join localized discussions and activities.
35. Kiosk or Telepresence Module
A physical spot for video meetings with virtual attendees at the physical event.
36. Group Chat Moderation Tools
An event moderator or employee can regulate group chat forums, for example, by muting members or removing messages, posts, or comments.
37. Group Messaging (in-App Group Chat)
Participants can send messages within a specific group in the application. Groups can be formed around certain sessions or between attendees with shared interests to encourage networking.
38. Group or 1-on-1 Chat Within Sessions
Attendees can chat within a group forum or privately with each other during a session.
39. Matchmaking Based on Ticket Categories (e.g., Suppliers with buyers)
The platform can suggest networking opportunities to attendees based on their category (usually set during registration and based on the ticket type).
40. AI-Powered Attendee Matchmaking
Thanks to artificial intelligence and algorithms, people with common interests are matched based on the information they provide, either during the registration process or on their profiles.
41. Virtual and In-Person Attendee Matchmaking
App-suggested networking recommendations for live and online attendees (e.g., roulette matches in-person and virtual attendees for timed conversation around a topic or theme).
42. Social Networks Data Scraping
Scraping attendees' social networking profiles in order to create better networking matches.
43. Business Card Scanning
Exchange details by scanning business cards with your mobile.
SUPPORT
44. Chatbot
An application that conducts a conversation (voice or text) and mimics how a person would respond to asked questions.
45. AI-Powered Conversations (Intent Analysis)
Chatbots can provide helpful information; their artificial intelligence analyzes user queries to understand what users want to know. As a result, chatbot responses become increasingly relevant and valuable over time.
46. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning to Personalize and Improve the User Experience
Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that uses algorithms to interpret new data, usually by recognizing patterns and making predictions. This can help your attendees by providing relevant results and suggestions when searching for something during the event.
47. App-Store Support
Providers offering native applications usually cover all the problems and requirements for various devices and their app stores; this may include, for example, providing access keys. The provider sends the app updates to related app stores.
48. Dedicated Project Manager Available
The provider gives you a contact to help you execute your event and event-related objectives.
49. Product Is 100% Do-It-Yourself
The application provider offers comprehensive training and well-documented processes to help you create the event by yourself. This approach allows you to take a ready-made solution, customize and integrate it into something of your own.
50. Data Import Service Available
You can import data from another source, like a registration platform or CRM, or via a spreadsheet, such as Excel.
51. Database Population for FAQs
It is possible to fill in the FAQ by importing just one file.
52. Online Chat Support
Chat is becoming the preferred way to seek support, and many providers offer support over chat — often within the content management system for the platform itself.
53. Log Live Support Staff
There is a possibility to log live support staff if the chatbot cannot answer.
54. Online Documentation Available
Vital for feature-rich platforms - online documentation contains frequently asked questions and other hints, tips, and explanations that can be great resources for you when creating your event.
We can no longer imagine the event world without virtual and hybrid events, yet they are still unexplored territory for some. At Happenee, we believe digital events are an excellent and vital part of the event industry. Would you like to try it for yourself? Let us know!
