Virtual workshops and events have become indispensable for businesses looking to increase employee engagement, foster collaboration, provide training, and more – regardless of physical location. With the right virtual workshop platform, you can create customized online workshops tailored to your business objectives and audience needs.
But with countless options on the market, identifying the best virtual workshop platforms for your specific use case can be challenging. This comprehensive guide takes a detailed look at 11 top-rated platforms to help you determine the right solution for your business.
Benefits of Virtual Workshops
Before jumping into the platform options, let‘s look at why more and more businesses are embracing virtual workshops:
Increased Participation
By removing geographical barriers, virtual workshops make it easier for more employees, customers, or stakeholders to attend and actively participate in workshops through features like polls, Q&A, and breakout discussions.
Cost Savings
With no travel required, virtual workshops allow you to save significantly on venue rental, food/beverage, transportation, and other event production costs.
Flexibility
Virtual workshops provide flexibility in timing and scheduling that accommodates different time zones and availability. Recording sessions also allows on-demand access.
Accessibility
Individuals with disabilities or other limitations can more easily attend and contribute in virtual environments. Platforms also offer accessibility features like closed captions and screen readers.
Data and Analytics
Many virtual workshop platforms provide robust analytics on participation, engagement levels, feedback scores, and more – allowing for data-driven optimization.
Key Evaluation Criteria
With a plethora of options on the market, use the following criteria to determine the best virtual workshop platforms for your specific business needs:
Features – Evaluate must-have features like video conferencing, screen sharing, recording, breakouts, Q&A, polls and analytics.
Ease of Use – Consider the learning curve for organizers and participants. Look for intuitive dashboards and minimal software downloads.
Customization – Seek out branding, theming and customization capabilities to align workshops with your business.
Security – Validate compliance, encryption, and data protection to safeguard proprietary information.
Integrations – Support for integrations with apps like Slack, Salesforce, Microsoft Teams expands functionality.
Budget – Compare pricing models (per user, per event, enterprise) against planned workshop frequency, attendance and budget.
Use Cases – Look for specialized features to support your specific workshop focus areas like training, design thinking, hackathons, etc.
Now let‘s explore 11 leading options on the market.
1. Miro
Miro is an engaging visual collaboration platform perfect for highly interactive virtual workshops, brainstorm sessions, and design sprints. Key features include:
Immersive Visual Collaboration
Miro provides an infinite virtual whiteboard for video meetings where multiple participants can contribute sticky notes, mind maps, diagrams and more.
Built-in Video Conferencing
Seamlessly run workshops with integrated video chat features like screen sharing, call controls, and participant lists.
1000+ Templates
Accelerate your workshop planning with access to templates for agendas, design sprints, retrospectives, roadmaps and more.
Secure and Scalable
Enterprise-grade security protections and scalability to support workshops of all sizes.
Use Cases: Brainstorming, Design Sprints, Retrospectives, Strategy Planning
Pricing: Free version. Paid plans start at $8 per member/month for teams. Custom enterprise pricing.
2. Zoom
As a leader in video communications, Zoom provides a reliable foundation for virtual workshops – now with Workshop enhancements like breakout rooms and larger sessions.
HD Video and Audio Quality
Ensure everyone can see and hear presentations, discussions and collaborative sessions clearly.
Breakout Rooms
Easily split participants into smaller groups for brainstorming sessions then reconvene to share ideas.
Virtual Whiteboard and Annotation
Presenters can annotate directly on shared screens and slides to maximize engagement.
Secure Environment
Zoom provides robust security protections including encryption, secured access and waiting rooms.
Use Cases: Training, Lectures, Group Discussions, Seminars
Pricing: Free version. Pro plans start at $149.90/year per host.
3. MURAL
MURAL stands out with specialized digital workspaces designed to spark creative collaboration for innovative workshops and meetings.
Visually Engaging
Interactive features like sticky notes, diagrams, images, videos, arrows and more inspire creative thinking.
Designed for Any Meeting Type
Tailor the infinite canvas to brainstorming sessions, sprint planning, retrospectives, and more.
Promotes Equal Participation
With no mic or raised hand required, all workshop participants can contribute ideas simultaneously.
Real-Time Integration
Seamlessly facilitate dynamic collaboration across the Miro board through integrations like Miro, Slack and Microsoft Teams.
Use Cases: Brainstorming, Design Sprints & Thinking Exercises
Pricing: Free version for teams up to 5. Paid plans start at $12 per member/month. Enterprise options.
4. Fileo
Host unforgettable virtual events with Fileo‘s highly customizable workshop platform. Key features include:
Step-by-Step Workshop Builder
Easy workshop creation guided by templates for conferences, virtual retreats, hackathons and other custom events.
Tailored Registration Forms
Capture attendee information with customized registration forms and automated confirmations.
Immersive Multimedia
Increase memorability by incorporating videos, images, audio, 3D objects and interactive walkthroughs.
Customizable Environments
Replicate real-life venues like auditoriums and conference halls with theater mode and spatial audio.
Use Cases: Conferences, Multiday Retreats, Hackathons, Networking Mixers
Pricing: Starts at $99 per 1-day workshop. Extended pricing options for multi-day.
5. MeetingSphere
MeetingSphere brings engaging workshop tools together on a simple, user-friendly platform.
All-in-One Functionality
Robust features like screen sharing, whiteboards, Q&A, breakout rooms and more in one solution.
Automated Workshop Management
Simplify demanding coordination tasks around scheduling, registration, invitations, reminders, and follow-ups.
Detailed Analytics Dashboard
Gain data-based insights into attendance, engagement, session ratings, poll results and more to optimize future events.
World-Class Support
Get expert guidance from MeetingSphere‘s renowned 24/7 customer support – live chat, email and phone.
Use Cases: Training, Seminars, Corporate Events, Town Halls
Pricing: Plans start at $19 per host/month. Enterprise options.
6. Kaltura
Step up audience engagement during webinars, summits and workshops with Kaltura‘s interactive event platform.
Gamification Elements
Motivate participation through real-time leaderboards, rewards-based quizzes, trivia and more.
Automated Captioning
Integrated machine-based captioning ensures content accessibility and inclusion for all audiences.
Seamless Video Management
Easily manage, share, edit, analyze and secure virtual event video content from one intuitive platform.
Detailed Analytics
Gain actionable insights from engagement levels, attendance, poll responses, and Q&A reports.
Use Cases: Virtual Conferences, Executive Town Halls, Summits
Pricing: Custom quotes based on use case. Scales for audiences up to 100,000.
7. Cvent
As an established leader in event management, Cvent offers an enterprise-grade workshop platform with extensive customization.
Tailored Branding and Theming
Replicate organization branding or select from various virtual venue themes for conferences, meetings and workshops.
Feature-Rich Experience
Include interactive elements like surveys, polls, chat, Q&A, networking lounges, gamification and raffles.
Attendee Engagement Analytics
Gain data-based visibility into content effectiveness through areas like attendance, participation, and feedback.
Premium Integrations
Connect seamlessly with marketing automation, CRM, payment and other critical business platforms.
Use Cases: Enterprise Virtual Conferences, Training Events, Town Halls
Pricing: Custom quotes. Scales to events up to 25,000 attendees.
8. Socio
Deliver unforgettable virtual events, including workshops and summits, with Socio‘s innovative immersive platform.
Customizable Hybrid Events
Create engaging experiences for virtual or mixed physical and remote audiences.
Networking-Focused
Unique gathering tables facilitate more meaningful attendee connections through small group networking.
Gamified Engagement
Leaderboards, points systems, live polls, and rewards keep attendees motivated to actively participate.
Event Community Portal
Foster ongoing discussions, ideation and relationship-building before, during and after events.
Use Cases: Virtual/Hybrid Conferences, Executive Summits, Expos
Pricing: Contact for custom quotes. Packages for audiences up to 100,000+.
9. Hopin
Hopin merges live events and content delivery into seamless, engaging virtual workshop experiences.
Robust Production Capabilities
Features like screen sharing, polls, Q&A, chat, custom backgrounds and playlists ensure polished execution.
Session and Track Flexibility
Organize workshops efficiently by designing specific conference-like tracks with various sessions.
Expo and Demo Areas
Replicate the exhibition hall experience with interactive browsers showcasing company booths, demos and assets.
Seamless Ticket Sales
Automate and customize workshop ticketing, including virtual gift bags, tickets for sponsors, and packages.
Use Cases: Conferences, Expos, Job Fairs, Company Offsites
Pricing: Contact Hopin sales for quotes based on expected attendance. Enterprise options.
10. Townscript
For workshop organizers seeking simplicity, Townscript delivers robust functionality on a no-code platform designed for non-technical users.
Seamless Registration Management
Customize registration flows, automate email confirmations, track attendance, and more with minimal manual effort.
Branded Pages and Designs
Easily replicate branding on the platform pages to maintain brand experience from promotion through post-workshop follow-ups.
Easy Participant Onboarding
Minimal software downloads required for attendees. Simply share links for quick access from any device.
Mobile App
Extend capabilities and participation options with IOS and Android apps for organizers and attendees.
Use Cases: Training Events, Recurring Workshops, Small Group Meetings
Pricing: Free plan. Plus plan starts at $19 per month. Custom enterprise options.
11. Airmeet
Airmeet‘s dynamic platform brings workshops, conferences and events to life in a true-to-life virtual format.
Feature-Packed
Robust set of features like screen sharing, whiteboards, live streaming, 3D environments gamification, networking, and more.
Customizable Environments
Tailor themes, branding, layouts, lobbies and virtual tables to align with brand identity.
Ongoing Community Access
Foster connections and discussions with community spaces before, during and long after workshops end.
Dedicated Support Manager
Enjoy access to an account manager throughout your onboarding, planning, and post event for optimized execution.
Use Cases: Enterprise Virtual Conferences, Expos, Town Halls, Seminars
Pricing: Contact Airmeet for custom quotes. Packages for over 1,000 attendees.
The "right" virtual workshop platform depends largely on your specific use cases, business needs and budgets.
Miro, MURAL and Zoom provide exceptional options for interactive small to mid-sized design thinking workshops and collaborative sessions. Fileo, MeetingSphere and AirMeet excel in larger scale virtual events with high production value. Kaltura, Cvent and Hopin stand out for data, video, and community capabilities.
Carefully evaluate the platforms against your most critical requirements around areas like ease of use, customization, security, analytics and participant experience. Many vendors also provide custom demos and free trials for you to validate the best fit for your virtual workshops.
