Virtual event platforms enable independent consultants and boutique firms to host interactive online events such as webinars, workshops, client meetings, and virtual conferences. These tools offer capabilities like live streaming, audience engagement features, breakout rooms, and integrations with CRM and marketing platforms. For independent consultants, virtual event platforms provide a way to effectively connect with clients, share knowledge, and host engaging virtual experiences, making them a valuable part of a consultant’s toolkit.
If you would like to suggest a tool to add to this resource, please send us your recommendation.
1. Hopin
- Website: www.hopin.com
- Form of Tool: Web-based platform
- Cost: Plans start at $99/month
- Geographic Coverage: Global
Description and Features:
Hopin is a comprehensive virtual event platform that allows consultants to host interactive online events, such as conferences, webinars, and networking sessions. It supports live streaming, breakout sessions, virtual booths, and audience engagement tools. Hopin’s flexibility makes it ideal for independent consultants who need to host anything from small meetings to large conferences.
Key Features:
- Live streaming with audience interaction
- Networking tools for 1:1 video meetings
- Virtual booths and sponsor areas
- Analytics and engagement tracking
- Integration with CRM and marketing tools
Pros for Independent Consultants:
- Scalable for different event sizes
- Offers networking features and virtual booths
- Good for client presentations, workshops, and conferences
Cons for Independent Consultants:
- Higher starting price
- Learning curve for managing complex events
2. Zoom Events
- Website: ev.zoom.us
- Form of Tool: Web-based platform
- Cost: Paid plans start at $79/month
- Geographic Coverage: Global
Description and Features:
Zoom Events is an extension of the widely popular Zoom platform, offering tools for hosting large virtual events. With features like event registration, ticketing, and multi-session events, Zoom Events provides a seamless experience for consultants who already use Zoom for video meetings and webinars. It’s ideal for hosting virtual summits, workshops, and client webinars.
Key Features:
- Integrated registration and ticketing system
- Multi-session events with breakout rooms
- Audience engagement tools like polls and Q&A
- Integration with Zoom webinars and meetings
- Analytics and attendee tracking
Pros for Independent Consultants:
- Familiar interface for Zoom users
- Ticketing and registration built into the platform
- Suitable for small and large virtual events
Cons for Independent Consultants:
- Higher cost compared to regular Zoom
- Limited customization for larger events
3. BigMarker
- Website: www.bigmarker.com
- Form of Tool: Web-based platform
- Cost: Plans start at $79/month
- Geographic Coverage: Global
Description and Features:
BigMarker is a robust virtual event platform that offers powerful tools for hosting webinars, virtual summits, and conferences. With features like live streaming, automated webinars, and interactive engagement tools, BigMarker is ideal for consultants who want a professional, all-in-one platform for hosting various types of virtual events.
Key Features:
- Live streaming and automated webinars
- Interactive tools like polls, Q&A, and chat
- Customizable landing pages for events
- Virtual booths and sponsor integrations
- Built-in email marketing and CRM integrations
Pros for Independent Consultants:
- Comprehensive features for different event types
- Automated webinars to engage clients anytime
- Strong engagement tools for interactive events
Cons for Independent Consultants:
- Slightly expensive for small-scale events
- May require customization for larger events
4. Airmeet
- Website: www.airmeet.com
- Form of Tool: Web-based platform
- Cost: Free plan available; paid plans start at $99/month
- Geographic Coverage: Global
Description and Features:
Airmeet is a virtual event platform focused on creating interactive, engaging events with features like breakout sessions, social lounges, and live polls. It’s well-suited for independent consultants who want to host client webinars, virtual workshops, or networking events. Airmeet’s customizable experience and real-time engagement features make it a strong option for consultants looking to foster deeper client relationships.
Key Features:
- Breakout rooms and virtual networking lounges
- Audience engagement with live polls and Q&A
- Customizable branding for events
- Sponsor booths and virtual expo areas
- Analytics for attendee behavior and engagement
Pros for Independent Consultants:
- Great for interactive and networking events
- Easy to customize and brand
- Good engagement features for client interaction
Cons for Independent Consultants:
- Limited features on the free plan
- Higher cost for advanced features
5. Run The World
- Website: www.runtheworld.today
- Form of Tool: Web-based platform
- Cost: Plans start at $79/month
- Geographic Coverage: Global
Description and Features:
Run The World is an interactive virtual event platform designed for small to medium-sized events, making it a perfect choice for independent consultants hosting webinars, workshops, or virtual networking sessions. It offers features like cocktail party-style networking and engaging formats for hosting interactive events.
Key Features:
- Interactive sessions and networking features
- Virtual “cocktail parties” for attendee interaction
- Custom branding for events
- Built-in ticketing and registration
- Analytics for event performance
Pros for Independent Consultants:
- Ideal for hosting small, interactive events
- Innovative networking features
- Easy-to-use interface with built-in ticketing
Cons for Independent Consultants:
- Limited scalability for larger events
- Fewer features for complex, multi-day conferences
6. Remo
- Website: www.remo.co
- Form of Tool: Web-based platform
- Cost: Plans start at $50/month
- Geographic Coverage: Global
Description and Features:
Remo is a virtual event platform that emphasizes face-to-face interaction in a virtual setting. It’s designed to mimic real-world event spaces, allowing attendees to move between virtual tables for small-group discussions. Remo is an excellent choice for independent consultants who want to host interactive workshops, networking events, or roundtable discussions.
Key Features:
- Virtual tables and breakout rooms for small-group discussions
- Customizable event spaces and branding
- Interactive audience tools like polls and Q&A
- Networking features for one-on-one and group meetings
- Event analytics and performance tracking
Pros for Independent Consultants:
- Great for creating interactive, face-to-face experiences
- Engaging virtual table format for discussions
- Easy-to-use with customizable event spaces
Cons for Independent Consultants:
- May not be suitable for large-scale events
- Higher cost for small-group focused features
7. Whova
- Website: whova.com
- Form of Tool: Web-based platform and mobile app
- Cost: Custom pricing based on event size
- Geographic Coverage: Global
Description and Features:
Whova is an all-in-one virtual event platform that offers a wide range of tools for hosting conferences, networking events, and workshops. It includes features like agenda management, virtual booths, live polling, and attendee networking, making it a versatile choice for independent consultants who need a comprehensive event management solution.
Key Features:
- Event agenda management and scheduling
- Virtual booths for sponsors and exhibitors
- Live polling, Q&A, and attendee interaction tools
- Networking features and virtual meetups
- Detailed event analytics and reporting
Pros for Independent Consultants:
- Comprehensive platform for all event needs
- Strong networking and attendee engagement features
- Suitable for both small and large events
Cons for Independent Consultants:
- Custom pricing can make it expensive for smaller events
- May require more setup for complex events
8. vFairs
- Website: www.vfairs.com
- Form of Tool: Web-based platform
- Cost: Custom pricing
- Geographic Coverage: Global
Description and Features:
vFairs is a highly customizable virtual event platform that focuses on creating immersive online experiences, such as trade shows, job fairs, and conferences. It’s ideal for independent consultants who need a versatile platform to host virtual expos or large-scale networking events. vFairs offers virtual booths, networking lounges, and extensive reporting tools.
Key Features:
- Customizable virtual booths and exhibitor spaces
- Virtual networking lounges and interactive chats
- Live streaming, webinars, and presentations
- In-depth reporting and analytics
- Audience engagement tools like polls, Q&A, and live chats
Pros for Independent Consultants:
- Ideal for large virtual expos or trade shows
- Customizable branding for professional events
- Strong engagement tools and reporting features
Cons for Independent Consultants:
- Custom pricing can be costly for smaller events
- Requires more setup and design customization
9. Brella
- Website: www.brella.io
- Form of Tool: Web-based platform
- Cost: Custom pricing
- Geographic Coverage: Global
Description and Features:
Brella is a virtual event platform focused on networking and business matchmaking. It’s a great choice for consultants looking to host events where connecting participants is the main goal. Brella offers AI-powered matchmaking, making it easier for attendees to find relevant connections and book meetings.
Key Features:
- AI-powered matchmaking for networking
- Virtual meeting scheduling and video calls
- Event agenda management and live streaming
- Custom branding and attendee engagement tools
- Reporting and analytics on attendee interactions
Pros for Independent Consultants:
- Great for networking-focused events
- AI-powered matchmaking enhances attendee engagement
- Strong virtual meeting scheduling tools
Cons for Independent Consultants:
- May not be ideal for large-scale conferences or expos
- Custom pricing can be high for smaller events
10. HeySummit
- Website: heysummit.com
- Form of Tool: Web-based platform
- Cost: Plans start at $29/month
- Geographic Coverage: Global
Description and Features:
HeySummit is a virtual summit platform designed for consultants and small businesses looking to host online conferences, summits, or webinars. It integrates with live streaming tools like Zoom and YouTube, providing an easy way to organize and manage multi-day events, workshops, or speaking engagements.
Key Features:
- Event landing pages and registration management
- Integration with popular streaming tools (Zoom, YouTube)
- Automated emails and attendee reminders
- Speaker management and scheduling tools
- Analytics and reporting on event performance
Pros for Independent Consultants:
- Easy to use and set up for summits or multi-day events
- Integrates with streaming platforms for flexibility
- Affordable pricing for smaller events
Cons for Independent Consultants:
- Limited networking features compared to other platforms
- Requires third-party tools for live streaming
11. GoToMeeting
- Website: www.goto.com/meeting
- Form of Tool: Web-based platform and desktop app
- Cost: Plans start at $12/month
- Geographic Coverage: Global
Description and Features:
GoToMeeting is a well-established platform for video conferencing and online meetings. It offers a simple and reliable solution for hosting virtual client meetings, webinars, and small events. GoToMeeting is known for its ease of use, high-quality audio, and video performance, making it a suitable option for consultants who prioritize straightforward virtual meetings without complex event management.
Key Features:
- HD video conferencing and screen sharing
- Meeting recording and transcripts
- Mobile app for on-the-go access
- Integration with calendar tools like Outlook and Google Calendar
- In-meeting chat and file sharing
Pros for Independent Consultants:
- Affordable pricing for small-scale meetings
- Easy to use with minimal setup
- High-quality audio and video performance
Cons for Independent Consultants:
- Less suitable for larger-scale events or conferences
- Limited audience engagement tools compared to other platforms
12. Goldcast
- Website: www.goldcast.io
- Form of Tool: Web-based platform
- Cost: Custom pricing
- Geographic Coverage: Global
Description and Features:
Goldcast is a virtual event platform designed specifically for B2B marketing events, making it a good fit for consultants focused on engaging with business audiences. It offers features like detailed attendee analytics, customizable event branding, and seamless integration with CRM systems like HubSpot and Salesforce. Goldcast is ideal for consultants who need to deliver high-quality, branded virtual events that drive leads and sales.
Key Features:
- Customizable branding for a polished event experience
- Detailed analytics and insights into attendee behavior
- Integration with CRM tools for lead tracking
- Support for multi-session events and virtual networking
- Live streaming and audience engagement tools
Pros for Independent Consultants:
- Focused on delivering high-value, branded experiences
- Excellent integration with marketing and sales tools
- Strong analytics to measure event impact
Cons for Independent Consultants:
- Custom pricing can be high for smaller events
- More suitable for business-focused virtual events