Virtual Events Institute Launches Global Community Platform

July 29, 2020

Virtual Events Institute has debuted a global platform designed to bring the virtual and hybrid events community together to share best practices, educate, discuss, inspire and do business.

The pandemic has rapidly accelerated the events industries’ adoption of digital events. Virtual events and experiences now play a crucial role in global marketing and event strategies, complementing live experiences and creating opportunities to get closer to customers, gain real-time market insight and widen global reach. Online events are currently at the heart of community building, so the need to understand and master the art of engaging virtual events is now key for business success looking toward a hybrid future.

“The Virtual Events Institute is bringing the global community together to create the future of virtual and hybrid events,” said Sophie Ahmed, co-founder and CEO of VEI. “[It] will provide valuable connections, knowledge and insight for the community to evolve event experiences, and the VEI certification program will provide the ideal learning platform.”

VEI’s new platform will provide a forum on which to discuss the quickly evolving topics around virtual and hybrid events, and also deliver high-level summits, market insights, community networking, certification training and awards. This community will establish needed best practices and innovation to all members involved in virtual events around the globe.

The launch starts with a 10-module certification training course delivered by subject matter experts focusing on the key skills and knowledge needed to excel at planning and executing exceptional virtual events. There is an introduction price for the first 100 places for the inaugural class as well as special promotional packages for freelancers, students and not-for-profit organizations.

"I believe there is a great opportunity in the virtual and hybrid approach to events, and I am excited to play a key role in advancing the cause" said Eric Ly, co-founder of LinkedIn and an advisor to VEI.

The 10-module certification course will commence in August with module content including how-to sessions on attracting and engaging your audience, monetizing and creating new revenue streams, creating compelling content and maintaining audience attention, choosing the right platform and technology, delivering a successful virtual event on the day of and more to be announced.

“As innovation evolves us eventually towards a hybrid event future, VEI will become the trusted community of experts to discover, learn and share best practices in the rapidly evolving virtual event industry,” said RD Whitney, co-founder and director of VEI. “The launch of the VEI certification program will set the standard and help raise the bar for virtual event evolution around the world.” 

Michael Barnett, co-founder and director of VEI and CEO of InGo, concurs. “Together, the Event Virtualization Summit and the Virtual Events Institute will advance a new profession who fulfill the new and unprecedented need to bring people together virtually and support bringing people together physically.”

The Virtual Events Institute Advisory Board is made up of senior global market leaders to ensure that the Institute will continually meet the needs of the market. These leaders come from the worlds of trade shows, corporate events, HR, investment, sports and media. A full list of advisors can be found on the Virtual Events Institute website.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact