Virtual Events Resources
Platforms
On Location Live
The University Events team has a licensing agreement with On Location Live. If this service is of interest, University Events is able to advise you throughout the process. If you are interested in learning more, please send an email to universityevents@austin.utexas.edu.
Zoom
Some meetings and small events are best suited for Zoom, which all university employees have access to. Access UT Zoom here.
Below are examples of other platforms and mediums that can be utilized for different types of virtual events. Note that the University Events team can only assist with On Location Live-based events.
Google Meet
Use Google Meet to keep in touch. Message contacts, start new, free meetings voice calls and hop on with one person or a group. Create groups for up to 150 people, or turn any conversation into a free meeting with up to 10 contacts. You can also call any phone number in the world or connect your Google Voice account for phone calling, SMS texting, and voicemail integration.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is available to students, faculty, and staff with an Office 365 mailbox at https://teams.microsoft.com. Find more information here.
Facebook Live
Vimeo Livestream
YouTube Live
Cvent Event Management Software
The Commons Event Services team has an enterprise licensing agreement with Cvent. Cvent is a full-service event management platform that includes registration, payment processing, budgeting, automated email, virtual event platform, and hybrid event capabilities. If this service is of interest, Commons Event Services is here to assist you. To learn more, please send an email to cventadministrator@austin.utexas.edu.
Know a platform that would be useful to other groups on campus? Email us information on the platform at universityevents@austin.utexas.edu and we will add it to this page as appropriate.
Best Practices
Each event presents an opportunity for tailoring to the audience, format, and overall event objective. Below are a few best practices applicable to most virtual events:
Communications
With virtual events, communication is key. Providing informative and engaging invitations will help bring more of an audience. Below are examples of invitations for previous virtual events:
Consider branding
Screenshots and recordings can be shared widely after the event. Consider logo placement and the need for an event-specific logo.
Ensure accessibility
Create a cohesive, branded virtual event that is in line with your identity. To heighten security and accessibility, try to include passcodes, closed captions, and other measures.
Think about your audience
Analyze your goal audience when marketing and catering your event. Tailoring an event may include creating a “how-to” document for those who are less tech-savvy, marketing through specific mediums, updating messaging to be relatable, and more. It can also affect what platforms you use for your events.
Security and safety guidelines
Make sure you are adhering to any and all guidelines stated by The University of Texas at Austin.
Have questions regarding your next virtual event? Email us at universityevents@austin.utexas.edu.