In virtual event design, there are two main process options:

1. A custom build
2. A template-based build

Virtual event templates simplify the design process, but not every template has the features you want. Looking for a virtual event environment with the quick setup of a template that still meets all your needs? XtendLive’s adaptable templates are the way to go.

What Is a Virtual Event Environment?

Virtual events are events that take place entirely online. The first online events were short-and-simple live chats and seminars (or webinars). For those events, the environment is a simple one: a single webpage, displaying a chatroom interface or slide-based presentation.

The tech underpinning virtual events has improved vastly since those beginnings. The scope of what a virtual event can be—and what the event space can be—has expanded far beyond its origins. Now, a virtual event environment can be much bigger and more complex than a single webpage. Within the virtual space, your attendees can take part in a variety of activities. The tech can now support live and pre-recorded video, education sessions, demos, presentations, and more.

Virtual environment design has also outgrown its origins. Now, the digital version of an event can look surprisingly similar to its live counterpart. A virtual lobby can look and function like a real hotel lobby, with attendees using the space as a portal to access other event spaces. And a virtual trade show hall can look just like a live hall. Virtual expo spaces have digital booths where attendees can read up on products, watch demos, and schedule meetings.

As virtual environments have become more complex, the design process has too. Environment templates are used to speed up and simplify that process.

Adaptable Templates vs. Custom-Designed Environments

Virtual environment templates work in a similar way as website builders such as WordPress and Shopify. In both cases, the template is a framework that decides how the final product will look and function. Plugging your data into the system fleshes out the framework, turning it into a usable space.

Templates aren’t the only way to build a virtual environment. As with website design, the alternative to a virtual event template is a custom design. These are built from the ground up, according to a unique set of specs that depend on what the site is designed to do. This means that most aspects of how the environment looks, and how it functions, can be defined by you, the client.

Then there are adaptable templates. With this option, the base template can be altered according to your needs. For instance, the design might add customized graphics and extra spaces or functions. If any of the template’s functions aren’t needed, they can be removed to streamline your environment.

Which is best for your virtual event—a fully customized environment or an adaptable template? Each option has its own set of unique benefits.

Customized Environments

Customized event environments are built from scratch. As such, there are fewer limits on design and functionality compared to template environments. They’re the most flexible option and have more scope for unusual or advanced features. If you have non-standard graphics or want a unique space that pushes the limits of what’s possible, a custom design is your best choice.

Custom environments are more time-intensive and more expensive than templates. They’re often favored by big brands and organizations that want to stand out in a competitive industry.

Adaptable Templates

An adaptable template is designed to be flexible, and the concept is simple: The template provides the environment’s base appearance and functionality, then settings within that template are tweaked to provide a better fit for your needs. Customization options include branding and other visual elements, and extra spaces and functions.

Adaptable templates balance design flexibility with setup time and cost. They can be a great fit for small to medium-sized budgets, and for events that don’t need heavy customization. And, since they can scale to any size you need, they’re not just for smaller events—they work well for large virtual events too.

XtendLive’s Adaptable Templates Offer Myriad Possibilities

An adaptable template provides a great starting point from which to build a virtual environment. Using a template saves time, is less expensive than a custom build, and still provides a huge amount of functionality.

XtendLive offers four virtual environment templates, each with a different visual theme and feel. Each one is adaptable, brandable, and can scale to any size you need. Customization options include branding and graphics sizing and placement, and feature additions.

Luxury Hotel

The Luxury Hotel theme is a contemporary hotel setting. It features wood finishes with gilded accents and gives you the ability to customize not just branding, but wall décor and artwork too. You’ll find:

• A lobby
• A bar and lounge
• An exhibit hall
• A theater
• Breakout spaces
• A rooftop terrace
• An executive area
• Spaces for networking, entertainment, presentations and demos, and exhibitions
• An infinitely scalable exhibit hall and product hub, with customizable booths
• Exhibit booths that include 3D product models, video, live streaming, a meeting scheduler, and chat

Island

The Island is a stunning outdoor location where attendees travel between areas on a virtual sailboat. Along with beachside presentation areas and breakout spaces, this template packs in plenty of customization options. Look for:

• Spaces for virtual registration, networking, training sessions, product showcases, and VIP areas
• An infinitely scalable exhibit hall with customizable branding options
• Beachside locations for VIP events, social gatherings, and private meetings

Expo Center

Designed for trade shows and exhibitions, the Expo Center is a striking contemporary environment. Along with a lobby, networking lounge and swag store, this template also features a theater for live and pre-recorded sessions. The 50- to 100-booth expo hall can be enlarged to accommodate any number of booths you need. You’ll find:

• Customizable branding opportunities in lobby and other spaces
• An infinitely scalable expo hall packed with booth features like 3D product models, pre-recorded video, live streaming, image galleries, meeting scheduler, games, and chat
• A breakout theater space that can be replicated for events with multiple concurrent sessions

Convention Center

The Convention Center is a large, modern environment with both indoor and outdoor spaces. This adaptable template includes a lobby, networking areas, breakout spaces, a workshop, and an expo hall. Also look for:

• A lobby with networking lounges, media library, and swag store, along with customizable graphics and branding
• An infinitely scalable expo hall and product hub with customizable, feature-rich booths
• A workshop that also doubles as a breakout space, for panels, education sessions, and more
• An outdoor plaza with entertainment and space for experiential activities; perfect for parties and socializing and being used as a casual networking space

Adaptable Virtual Event Templates Let You Cover All Your Bases with Ease

Picking the perfect venue for a live event can be difficult. When it comes to virtual events, a platform like XtendLive’s make it incredibly easy to create a venue that ticks every box. An adaptable template gives you a virtual environment that’s both affordable and quick to set up, with a range of feature-packed spaces. And with plenty of customizable branding opportunities, those virtual spaces are working hard for you and your sponsors, while also working hard to please your attendees.