Understanding webinars

If you want to hold a conference or deliver a presentation but can't get everyone together in a single location, a webinar is a great solution. Webinars are interactive web conferences that allow you to communicate with participants from anywhere in the world.

The term "webinar" is a hybrid of "web" and "seminar." The "web" part is obvious – the video and audio portions of your presentation are delivered over the Internet. "Seminar" describes the exchange of information and interaction between you and your audience during and after the presentation.

You can use webinars to host presentations, seminars, lectures, or workshops. Depending on the content, you run a live event or a prerecorded presentation followed by a live interactive Q&A session. You can even archive your webinars for later viewings. Whichever format you select, the key benefit is allowing your audience to feel like they are involved in the presentation.

How webinars work
All your participants need is a standard telephone, computer with audio capabilities, and Internet access, preferably through a high-speed connection. Attendees can then view the presentation on screen and submit questions over the phone or through a live chat feature.

Best of all, your audience doesn't need special software. Your >web conferencing provider hosts the software on their servers. Once you "reserve a room" for a specific date and time, you send email invitations to participants that include links to details about the webinar and instructions on how to reserve seats.

Selecting webinar companies
If an interactive online event sounds right for your business, webinar companies can help. Submit a free web conferencing request for quotes and BuyerZone will match you up with 4 to 6 different suppliers. Make sure to meet with each of them to discuss what type of webinar you want to hold and what your goals are.

Here are some questions to ask each webinar company:

• Will the software work with my existing applications so I can easily share documents and presentations?
• Can I set participation permissions so I don't get interrupted?
• Does the software include the features I need for the type of presentation I have in mind?
• Can I reserve enough time to deliver my presentation and allow audience participation?
• Will your company help me to perform a dry run before the webinar?
• What kind of moderation services do you offer on the day of the event?

Conferencing refresher
It's easy to get confused by the different conferencing options out there. Here are the most common types:

• Teleconferencing – Audio-only conference held over standard telephone lines. Submit a free quote for teleconferencing services.
• Web conferencing – Any meeting or presentation held over the Internet – umbrella term for webinars, webcasts, and web video conferencing
• Webinars – Online meetings or presentations that allow interaction between the host and participants
• Webcast – Live or prerecorded one-way streaming of a video presentation
• Web video conferencing –Live two-way video over the Web, for maximum interaction between participants

To get web conferencing or special services like webinars, request a free quote today.