The online event world has exploded since 2020. I’ve personally generated millions of dollars and built an email list of tens of thousands from virtual events alone.
Let me walk you through the 17 most effective types of virtual events you can use right now.
Table of Contents
What are virtual events?
Think of virtual events as online gatherings where people connect without being in the same room. They’re just like regular events but happen on your computer or phone instead.
I’ve seen firsthand how powerful these digital meetups can be for building audiences and making sales. The right type of virtual event can transform your business practically overnight.
17 types of virtual events for creators
Before diving into each type, here’s the complete list of virtual events we’ll cover:
- Virtual summits
- Webinars
- Online conferences
- Virtual workshops
- Virtual trade shows and expos
- Virtual product launches
- Hybrid events
- Partner events
- Online festivals
- Virtual networking events
- Virtual roadshows
- Virtual exhibitions
- Online fireside chats
- Live podcast sessions
- Ask me anything sessions (AMAs)
- Online entertainment
- Virtual fundraising events
Let’s break down each type of virtual event one by one in more detail
1. Virtual summits
Virtual summits bring together multiple experts for interviews around a specific topic. They typically run for 3-7 days and are killer for building email lists fast. It’s by far my favorite type of virtual event.
I’ve personally generated 26,000+ email subscribers and multiple six figures from a single summit. They work in virtually any niche – from business to health to creative hobbies.
Key features:
- Format: Pre-recorded interviews with some live elements
- Level of interaction: Medium with chat and Q&As
- Monetization potential: Very high (All-access pass / premium pass, bundles + backend offers)
- Typical use cases: List building, becoming an authority
- Common platforms: Custom WordPress sites, HeySummit (all-in-one platform)
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Pro tip: For recording sessions, I recommend using Riverside, Ecamm Live, or StreamYard. These let you stream to YouTube and other platforms in high quality.
2. Webinars
Webinars are single-session online presentations. They’re perfect for teaching one specific skill or selling a product.
Key features:
- Format: Live or pre-recorded with Q&A
- Level of interaction: Medium with polls and chat
- Monetization potential: Medium to high (direct sales)
- Typical use cases: Product demos, lead nurturing
- Common platforms: Livestorm, WebinarJam, Riverside, Zoom
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Pro tip: he best webinars focus on solving ONE problem really well. Don’t try to cover too much.
3. Online conferences
Online conferences are like in-person conferences but happen entirely online. They typically include keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking over 1-3 days.
Key features:
- Format: Live sessions with some pre-recorded elements
- Level of interaction: High with networking rooms
- Monetization potential: High (ticket sales, sponsorships)
- Typical use cases: Industry gatherings, community building
- Common platforms: vFairs, Hopin, Airmeet, Livestorm
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Pro tip: Create virtual “hallway” spaces where attendees can meet each other. The connections often provide more value than the content.
4. Virtual workshops
Virtual workshops can be free or paid sessions where you teach something hands-on. The free ones are like webinars but with more teaching and value.
Paid workshops can be premium experiences with deeper learning.
Key features:
- Format: Live with practical exercises
- Level of interaction: Very high with feedback
- Monetization potential: Medium to high
- Typical use cases: Skills training, lead generation
- Common platforms: Zoom,
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Pro tip: Send materials in advance so participants come prepared to work alongside you.
5. Virtual trade shows and expos
Virtual trade shows recreate the exhibition hall experience online. Vendors create virtual booths where attendees can get demos and chat with staff.
Key features:
- Format: Live with virtual booths
- Level of interaction: Medium with booth visits
- Monetization potential: High (booth fees, sponsorships)
- Typical use cases: Industry showcases, product launches
- Common platforms: vFairs, Accelevents
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Pro tip: You can track exactly which materials visitors engage with most – something impossible at physical events.
6. Virtual product launches
Virtual product launches introduce new offerings online. They build excitement and create urgency around your new product.
Key features:
- Format: Live with demos and special offers
- Level of interaction: Medium with Q&A
- Monetization potential: Very high (direct sales)
- Typical use cases: New product introductions
- Common platforms: StreamYard, Ecamm Live, YouTube Live
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Pro tip: Create a sequence with pre-launch teasers and post-launch follow-ups to maximize sales.
7. Hybrid events
Hybrid events mix in-person and virtual elements. They let people join from anywhere while maintaining the energy of a live gathering.
Key features:
- Format: Simultaneous in-person and online experiences
- Level of interaction: Medium to high
- Monetization potential: High (tiered pricing)
- Typical use cases: Conferences, workshops
- Common platforms: Hopin, Livestorm
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Pro tip: Design for online attendees first, then adapt for in-person. This ensures virtual participants don’t feel left out.
8. Partner events
Partner events involve teaming up with another creator or brand. They let you tap into each other’s audiences for bigger impact.
Key features:
- Format: Various (webinar, workshop, summit)
- Level of interaction: Depends on format
- Monetization potential: Medium (shared revenue)
- Typical use cases: Co-marketing, audience sharing
- Common platforms: Varies by event type
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Pro tip: Choose partners with complementary offerings who serve similar audiences.
9. Online festivals
Online festivals celebrate creativity through multiple sessions and performances. They focus more on entertainment and inspiration than education.
Key features:
- Format: Mix of live performances and sessions
- Level of interaction: High with various experiences
- Monetization potential: Medium (tickets, merchandise)
- Typical use cases: Cultural events, creative showcases
- Common platforms: StreamYard, Riverside, custom websites
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Pro tip: Create FOMO with limited-time experiences that won’t be available as recordings.
10. Virtual networking events
Virtual networking events focus on building connections between participants. They use structured formats to help people meet online.
Key features:
- Format: Live with breakout rooms
- Level of interaction: Very high with direct conversations
- Monetization potential: Low to medium
- Typical use cases: Professional networking
- Common platforms: Remo, Wonder, Gather
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Pro tip: Use icebreaker questions to prevent awkward silences and keep conversations flowing.
11. Virtual roadshows
Virtual roadshows are series of connected events for different audience segments. They let you customize your message for specific regions or industries.
Key features:
- Format: Series of webinars or presentations
- Level of interaction: Medium with Q&A
- Monetization potential: Medium (lead generation)
- Typical use cases: Regional marketing
- Common platforms: Zoom, Livestorm, WebinarJam
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Pro tip: Include region-specific case studies and local guest speakers at each stop.
Navid Moazzez
@thenavidm
Virtual events have funded my lifestyle of working from anywhere. I’ve hosted summits from beach apartments, mountain cabins, and city lofts across four continents.
12. Virtual exhibitions
Virtual exhibitions showcase creative works in online galleries. They’re great for art, photography, design, and other visual media.
Key features:
- Format: Self-guided virtual galleries
- Level of interaction: Low to medium
- Monetization potential: Medium (ticket sales, art sales)
- Typical use cases: Art shows, portfolio showcases
- Common platforms: ArtSteps, Kunstmatrix
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Pro tip: Add audio guides to create a more personal and immersive viewing experience.
13. Online fireside chats
Online fireside chats feature casual conversations between a host and guest. They create authentic connections through storytelling.
Key features:
- Format: Live conversation with minimal structure
- Level of interaction: Medium with audience questions
- Monetization potential: Low (audience building)
- Typical use cases: Thought leadership
- Common platforms: YouTube Live, LinkedIn Live
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Pro tip: Focus on personal stories not shared elsewhere to make the experience special.
14. Live podcast sessions
Live podcast sessions bring podcast recording to an audience in real-time. They add energy and interaction to the traditional podcast format.
Key features:
- Format: Live interview or panel discussion
- Level of interaction: Medium with audience questions
- Monetization potential: Low to medium (sponsorships)
- Typical use cases: Content creation, audience engagement
- Common platforms: Riverside, StreamYard, Ecamm Live
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Pro tip: Let audience members submit questions in advance and call on them live to ask follow-ups.
15. Ask me anything sessions (AMAs)
AMAs focus entirely on answering audience questions. They build trust through transparency and direct engagement.
Key features:
- Format: Live Q&A without prepared presentation
- Level of interaction: Very high with constant audience input
- Monetization potential: Low (community building)
- Typical use cases: Community engagement
- Common platforms: Instagram Live, Twitter Spaces
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Pro tip: Have a few prepared answers for common questions so you deliver polished responses.
16. Online entertainment
Online entertainment events focus on performances rather than education. They include concerts, comedy shows, plays, and other creative expressions.
Key features:
- Format: Live or pre-recorded performances
- Level of interaction: Low to medium with chat reactions
- Monetization potential: Medium (ticket sales)
- Typical use cases: Creative performances
- Common platforms: StageIt, Mandolin
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Pro tip: Offer virtual backstage passes or exclusive Q&As with performers to increase revenue.
17. Virtual fundraising events
Virtual fundraising events raise money for causes through online gatherings. They mix entertainment with appeals for support.
Key features:
- Format: Mixed content with donation appeals
- Level of interaction: Medium with donation recognition
- Monetization potential: High (donations)
- Typical use cases: Nonprofit fundraising
- Common platforms: Givebutter, Eventbrite
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Pro tip: Show real-time progress toward your fundraising goal to create momentum.
✨ More resources:
- What is virtual events?
- How to host a virtual event
- What is a virtual summit?
- How to host a virtual summit
- Benefits of virtual events
- Virtual event mistakes to avoid
- How to monetize virtual events
- Virtual event examples
- Virtual event ideas
- Best virtual summit software
- Best virtual conference platforms
- Best video conferencing platforms
- Best virtual event platforms
- What is a telesummit?
FAQs
Here are some answers to a few common questions I see people ask about different types of virtual events.
What are virtual events?
Virtual events are online gatherings where people can connect, learn, and interact through digital platforms.
What types of virtual events are popular for creators?
Virtual summits, webinars, and workshops are the big three types of virtual events I see working best for most creators.
How can marketers benefit from virtual events?
Marketers can use different virtual event types to generate qualified leads, sell digital products, build your brand, and create connections with your audience.
What is a webinar?
A webinar is like a mini-class online where you teach something specific and usually offer something at the end.
What is a live stream event?
A live stream event is a real-time broadcast where creators share content with viewers via platforms like YouTube or Instagram.
What is a virtual workshop?
A virtual workshop is an interactive session where participants learn skills or concepts through guided activities and discussions.
What tools do I need to host a virtual event?
You typically need a reliable internet connection, a virtual conference platform like Riverside, Livestorm, or Ecamm Live, and tools for presentations or screen sharing.
How do I promote my virtual event?
You can promote your event through social media, email newsletters, blogs, and partnerships with other creators or influencers.
Can I charge for access to my virtual event?
Yes, many creators and marketers charge for access to their virtual events through ticket sales or subscription models.
How do I measure the success of my virtual event?
Success can be measured by attendance numbers, audience engagement during the event, feedback received afterward, and any leads generated.
Which virtual event type is right for me?
The best virtual event type for you depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.
If you want to build your email list fast, host a virtual summit.
For making direct sales from your digital products, webinars work great.
To build community, try virtual workshops or networking events.
When you’re just starting out, begin with simple formats like one-day summits, and webinars before tackling multi-day events.
Remember, the most successful virtual events solve real problems for your audience while helping you reach your business goals. Start with your audience’s needs, then pick the format that fits.
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