Virtual events are now a normal part of business, education, and networking. If you want your online event to succeed, you need a platform that keeps attendees interested and active. From polls and Q&A to networking lounges and gamification, some platforms stand out for their engagement tools.
But with so many options, how do you choose? Here’s a look at the top 10 virtual event platforms for attendee engagement, with clear explanations for beginners and helpful comparisons.
Top 10 Virtual Event Platforms For Engagement
1. Zoom Events
Zoom Events builds on the popular Zoom Meetings, adding special features for virtual conferences and expos. You can use breakout rooms, live polls, Q&A, and chat. Attendees can move between sessions easily. One unique feature is its networking lobby, which lets people meet before and after sessions. For large events, it can host up to 50,000 attendees.
2. Hopin
Hopin is known for its interactive experience. It offers virtual expo booths, speed networking, and group chat. There’s a “backstage” for speakers. Hopin’s “Networking” tool uses smart matching to pair attendees for quick video calls. A major insight: Hopin’s analytics help organizers see which sessions were most popular, so you can improve future events.
3. Airmeet
Airmeet focuses on social lounges and “tables” where people can video chat in small groups, like at real conferences. There are live polls, emoji reactions, and Q&A. Airmeet also has ticketing built in. Many users say the lounge feature is especially good for networking.
4. Remo
Remo uses a visual floor plan, so you see tables and rooms as icons. Attendees “sit” at tables to talk in small groups or move to larger sessions. It’s great for informal chats and workshops. Remo’s interactive whiteboards make collaboration easy for teams.
5. Vfairs
vFairs is popular for virtual trade shows and job fairs. The platform uses 3D virtual environments and avatars. Attendees can visit booths, chat with booth reps, or join webinars. Gamification, like scavenger hunts and quizzes, boosts engagement. vFairs also supports live translation, helping international audiences.
6. Whova
Whova is an all-in-one platform for in-person, hybrid, or virtual events. Its community board lets attendees create meet-ups and discussion topics. Whova uses push notifications to remind people of sessions. Its leaderboard rewards the most active participants, encouraging engagement throughout the event.
7. On24
ON24 focuses on webinars and digital experiences. It stands out with customized engagement tools: polls, surveys, resource downloads, and live Q&A. ON24 tracks attendee behavior in detail, so organizers know what works best. This data is valuable for marketing and follow-up.
8. Brella
Brella is designed for networking-heavy events. Its AI-based matchmaking connects attendees with similar interests. There’s also chat, meeting scheduling, and group discussions. Brella’s mobile app makes networking easy, even if people are not at their computers.
9. Bigmarker
BigMarker offers live, automated, and on-demand webinars. You get interactive features like chat, polls, handouts, and quizzes. BigMarker lets you stream to social media, reaching a wider audience. Some users like its detailed analytics, which show how people interacted during the event.
10. Swapcard
Swapcard is used for conferences and expos. It offers virtual booths, attendee matchmaking, and a mobile app. Swapcard’s AI recommends sessions and contacts based on users’ interests. The in-app chat and video calls help people connect instantly.
Platform Comparison: Engagement Tools
Here’s a side-by-side look at key features for attendee engagement.
| Platform | Networking | Live Polls | Gamification | Expo Booths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom Events | Breakout Rooms | Yes | No | No |
| Hopin | Speed Networking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airmeet | Social Lounges | Yes | Yes | No |
| Remo | Table Chats | No | No | No |
| vFairs | Chat & 3D Avatars | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Whova | Community Board | Yes | Yes | No |
| ON24 | Group Chat | Yes | No | No |
| Brella | AI Matchmaking | No | No | No |
| BigMarker | Live Chat | Yes | Yes | No |
| Swapcard | Matchmaking | Yes | No | Yes |
Pricing And Audience Size Comparison
Choosing a platform often depends on your budget and expected audience.
| Platform | Audience Size | Pricing Starts At |
|---|---|---|
| Zoom Events | Up to 50,000 | $99/month |
| Hopin | Up to 100,000 | $99/month |
| Airmeet | Up to 100,000 | $99/month |
| Remo | Up to 800 | $380/month |
| vFairs | Custom | Custom |
| Whova | Up to 30,000 | Custom |
| ON24 | Up to 50,000 | Custom |
| Brella | Up to 10,000 | Custom |
| BigMarker | Up to 10,000 | $99/month |
| Swapcard | Up to 50,000 | Custom |
Making The Right Choice
The best virtual event platform depends on your goals. If networking is key, choose Hopin, Airmeet, or Brella. For large expos, vFairs or Swapcard work well. If you need strong analytics, ON24 or BigMarker are solid picks. Don’t overlook features like mobile apps, translation, or gamification. Many platforms offer free demos—try them to see what feels right.
For more detailed reviews and the latest data, visit the G2 Virtual Event Platforms page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Most Important Engagement Features For Virtual Events?
Live polls, Q&A, networking rooms, and gamification are top engagement tools. Look for platforms that make it easy for attendees to interact and participate.
How Do Virtual Event Platforms Support Networking?
Most use chat, AI matchmaking, and video tables for networking. Some, like Hopin and Brella, offer smart pairing for fast, personal connections.
Can I Use These Platforms For Hybrid Events?
Yes, platforms like Whova, Zoom Events, and Swapcard support both virtual and hybrid formats, making it easy to include in-person and online audiences.
What Is Gamification In Virtual Events?
Gamification uses games, points, and leaderboards to motivate attendees. This can include quizzes, scavenger hunts, or contests.
Are There Free Options For Virtual Event Platforms?
Some platforms have free trials or limited free versions, but most charge for full features, especially for large or interactive events. Always check for a free demo before buying.
