Virtual events (webinars, online conferences, online workshops or online training) are events, meetings or gatherings that take place online or digitally, rather than physically at a specific location as is the case with classic face-to-face events. 

These events are usually organised with the help of technology/software and internet connections. Online platforms such as Zoom, Ms-Teams, Webex, BlueJeans etc. are used for this purpose.

Often, the content of virtual events is also streamed or recorded for later use. It should be noted here that the copyright to the interpretation lies with the interpreters. If the interpretation is recorded or used in another way (e.g. by streaming), the interpreters must grant a right of use.

For granting the right to use the interpretation, the interpreters receive a so-called recording fee in addition to the agreed fee.

Advantages and disadvantages of virtual events

The focus of virtual events is often on the communication of the organiser with his target group via the digitalised presentation. In terms of interaction with participants, virtual events offer a range of interaction possibilities:

• Comments
• Chats
• Feedback
• Surveys and polls
• Breakout rooms

Virtual events can have other advantages:

• the ability to reach a larger audience
• the flexibility to participate from anywhere
• possible cost savings

Despite some of the advantages that virtual events offer, there are also some disadvantages and challenges

• Technical problems: Virtual events require a reliable internet connection and appropriate technology. Participants and organisers may face technical problems such as poor internet connection, audio or video glitches and software problems that may affect participation.
• Lack of face-to-face interaction: Virtual events can limit face-to-face interaction and networking. The spontaneous conversations that often take place at physical events are often more difficult or impossible online.
• Motivation problems: At virtual events, there is a risk that participants may be easily distracted or find it difficult to engage, especially if they are attending from home. This can lead to lower interest and participation.
• Time zones and scheduling issues: For virtual events with a global audience, participants live in different time zones. This can lead to scheduling problems if some participants have to attend at inconvenient times.
• Difficulty presenting: Speakers and presenters may find it difficult to get their message across effectively via the internet. Experience has shown that many speakers complain about not receiving direct feedback from participants as they do in a face-to-face event.
• Security concerns: With virtual events it is difficult to maintain the confidentiality of the content.
• Lack of face-to-face experience: Virtual events cannot always fully replace the face-to-face experience and the experience of a physical event. This can be a particular problem for cultural or creative events, trade fairs and concerts.
• Limited opportunities for product presentations: In some industries, such as fashion or automotive, it can be difficult to present products virtually as impressively as in a physical exhibition.

The following different event formats have become established for virtual events:

• Webinars: Webinars are online seminars where a speaker or team of speakers presents information, shows presentations and often interacts with participants in real time. Participants can ask questions and have discussions without being physically present.
• Online conferences: Virtual conferences are substitutes for traditional conferences where participants can attend lectures, discussions and workshops via the internet. This saves on travel and accommodation costs.
• Virtual fairs and exhibitions: Companies organise virtual trade fairs and exhibitions where they can present their products and services online and interact with potential customers.
• Online workshops and trainings: Virtual training and workshops are often used for professional development. Teachers and trainers can deliver content, conduct interactive exercises and take tests via the Internet.
• Virtual trade shows and meetings: By using video conferencing technology for group meetings, face-to-face meetings and gatherings can be simulated online.
• Digital concerts and events: Artists, bands and entertainment companies can broadcast concerts and performances live over the internet, allowing fans to experience the event from home.

For virtual events with international participants requiring interpretation, we recommend having the interpreters work from a hub.

A hub is a permanent or temporary room with several interpreter booths. In these interpreting booths, the interpreters have the same working conditions as they would have at a conference in a permanent booth or a mobile booth set up just for the event.

This means that teamwork, which is particularly important at longer events, can be organised without any problems. The interpreters can take turns, communicate by hand signals and also exchange between the teams for the different languages.