8 Essential Features to Look for in a Virtual Event Platform

With the right technology, it’s easy to host a virtual fundraiser or hybrid event. If you’re new to online event platforms, however, it can be challenging to know what features to look for. The last thing you need is to find out you’re lacking important functionality while you’re in the middle of planning your event! Eliminate the stress by looking for the following eight essential features. 

1. Registration & Ticketing

Your virtual event platform should seamlessly handle the registration process, including ticketing. Supporters should be able to easily click from your email invite to RSVP and register and receive all the information they’ll need to attend. 

2. Sponsorship Solicitation & Management

Sponsors are crucial for many fundraising events. Whether you’re soliciting financial contributions or auction items from your sponsors, your virtual event platform should make the management process simple.

3. Multi-Channel Communication Tools

Communication is a vital part of a successful virtual fundraiser. Your platform should support a variety of communication types, including email, text messaging, and mailing lists so ensure you can reach attendees with important updates. 

4. Livestreaming With Attendee Chat

To make the process simple, you should have the option to pre-record video or live stream — or include a combination of the two. And attendees should be able to chat in real-time. These features make the event more interactive with a live-action feel.  

5. Text-to-Give

Not all your attendees will be participating from a desktop or laptop where they can navigate to your donation page. A text-to-give feature will ensure supporters can easily give as they’re checking into the event while on the go.

6. Real-Time Giving Thermometer

A giving thermometer that updates in real-time as the event progresses helps to maintain excitement and motivate supporters to contribute towards the goal. Your giving thermometer should allow donors to include their names or stay anonymous if they wish.

7. Online Auction

Online auctions are an excellent way to get attendees engaged in your virtual event. Your platform should make the auction process simple from start to finish. Look for mobile bidding and on-site bidding support using QR codes, a mobile checkout process for winning bidders, and the option to have multiple winners per item if selected. Additionally, you’ll want the system to automatically send outbid and winner notification emails and texts.

8. Full Integration With Donor Management

To dramatically reduce the amount of work facing your team after the event wraps up, your event platform should seamlessly integrate with your donor management system. With this capability, donations and auction item payments will automatically be recorded and receipts will be auto-sent to supporters. 

The Right Software Makes Virtual Events Simple

Choosing software that supports your needs will make planning and running your virtual event much simpler. Dale Godboldo, Host and Co-Founder of AHP and a Network for Good customer, shares why it’s crucial to choose good event software: “You want as few moving parts as possible. You need something easy to use, easy to navigate, and self-explanatory. Network for Good allowed me to free up my mind and free up my time to actually do the work of fundraising.” 

Do you have a virtual or hybrid event coming up? Let Network for Good help! 

Published: March 28, 2022