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 toAccess 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
From video conferencing and screen sharing to file sharing and workflows, Microsoft Teams is an all-encompassing platform that provides virtual solutions all in one space.

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
Have a Facebook page for your CSU? Use Facebook Live to reach and engage with your audience. This option can be utilized for longer streams, including Q + A sessions, announcements, and more.
Vimeo Livestream
If you host your videos on Vimeo, check out the user-friendly Vimeo Livestream option. Simultaneously stream your live events to social media and embedded on your site — all without leaving the platform.
YouTube Live
Another option for easy streaming is YouTube Live. If you host your videos on YouTube, utilize this platform and its tools to reach and engage with your audience. 
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.