T H E U L T I M A T E G U I D E T O DIFFERENT TYPES OF WEB CONFERENCING I N T E R A C T I V E M E E T I N G S , W E B I N A R S & V I D E O C O N F E R E N C E S W W W . T E L E C O N F E R E N C E . C O M . A U About This Guide When it comes to the many methods of online audio-visual communication, there are a lot of seemingly interchangeable terms being used. Though they may seem very similar, there are a number of differences between interactive meetings. webinars and video conferences, all of which fall under the term 'web conferencing'. This guide explains the difference between each of these methods of communication, as well as their advantages, disadvantages and application in business. Who Is This Guide For? Are you new to the world of web conferencing or confused by all of the different terms that get used? This guide will be useful if you think you'd like to start holding business meetings using online communication methods and are looking to learn the distinction between the different options so you can find the right solution for your business requirements. PAGE 2 WWW.TELECONFERENCE.COM.AU | 1300 935 430 INTERACTIVE MEETINGS When there's a need for collaborative visual communication between a group of people, an interactive meeting is an ideal solution. Interactive meetings allow groups to communicate and collaborate visually in real time, regardless of location. Participants can share screens, documents and applications via their computers. You can also make your interactive meetings even more visual by using webcams, so everybody can see each other. Team interaction is available via live chat and annotation tools can be used to draw attention to particular aspects of the presentation. You can conduct polls or surveys to gather real-time feedback, and Q&A sessions can be conducted at any point during the meeting. PAGE 3 WWW.TELECONFERENCE.COM.AU | 1300 935 430 INTERACTIVE MEETINGS IN ACTION A sales team needs to go over strategies for the coming quarter. Since members are dispersed out in the field, an in-person meeting is impractical. The team leader instead sets up an interactive meeting. Each person is able to join the meeting from wherever they are to discuss their ideas. There is robust discussion on the strategy, made easier because they are able to see each other and read each other's body language. The team members successfully work together on a shared document to outline the sales plan, making for an efficient and productive meeting. PAGE 4 WWW.TELECONFERENCE.COM.AU | 1300 935 430 WEBINARS A webinar is a presentation, broadcast over the internet to many simultaneous listeners or viewers. The recorded webinar can then also be distributed or embedded on a website to be watched on demand. The transmission is mostly one- way as interaction between the presenter and the audience is only available via chat and polling. Webinars are usually live events where participants must sign up in advance. Given this setup, webinars are a great way for companies to conduct training or learning sessions. As an added bonus, they give companies the opportunity for branding as corporate logos can take a prominent position in the presentation. PAGE 5 WWW.TELECONFERENCE.COM.AU | 1300 935 430 Webinars are a great way for companies to conduct training or learning sessions. C L I C K T O T W E E T PAGE 6 WWW.TELECONFERENCE.COM.AU | 1300 935 430 WEBINARS IN ACTION A young software company has achieved some modest success with a new social media application, but an analysis of user feedback shows that most customers are not aware of many of the program’s unique functions. The company wants to educate its user base while also reaching out to potential customers. Leaders decide to schedule a webinar so that large numbers of new and existing customers can sign up to learn how to unlock the full potential of the new app. Guests can ask the company specific questions through the text chat function, which the hosts will then answer live in the webinar for the benefit of all the guests. PAGE 7 WWW.TELECONFERENCE.COM.AU | 1300 935 430 VIDEO CONFERENCES Video conferencing is one of the most common forms of internet-based communication in everyday life. It establishes an audio and visual link between two or more people, which enables communication best practices like eye contact and positive body language. Though there is the potential for screen- and file-sharing features, the main purpose of video conferencing is the visual link between participants. Video conferencing is facilitated by the use of specialised hardware including a screen, camera and telephone. This equpiment needs to be set up in a dedicated location such as a boardroom or office. The advantage of video conferencing is that many people in an office can join the meeting from one room, making it easy for multiple offices to talk to each other. However, this only works if everybody involved in the meeting is located in one of the connected offices. PAGE 8 WWW.TELECONFERENCE.COM.AU | 1300 935 430 Setting up a video conference requires the right software, a microphone, a camera and an internet connection. C L I C K T O T W E E T PAGE 9 WWW.TELECONFERENCE.COM.AU | 1300 935 430 VIDEO CONFERENCES IN ACTION A manager wants to hold a meeting with colleagues in several other states to gather feedback, so she sets up a video conference with those offices to easily connect with everyone at once. Because everyone is located in one of the company's offices, everybody is able to attend the meeting easily. Everyone can see and hear all the other meeting participants clearly, as the other offices are displayed on large screens. She is able to encourage contributions from the staff members in each office in real time. Their ideas are then debated and used to make effective decisions quickly and efficiently. PAGE 10 WWW.TELECONFERENCE.COM.AU | 1300 935 430 About Eureka Conferencing Eureka Conferencing provides professional web and teleconferencing services. Assistance is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You will speak to one of our friendly Australia-based support staff every time. For more information on how you can benefit from our services, contact us today on 1300 935 430. We offer 7 days of free web and audio conferencing with no commitments or obligations. Once your free week is over you'll still only pay for what you use - there are no subscriptions or hidden fees. Enjoy guaranteed conferencing quality with Eureka Conferencing. PAGE 11 WWW.TELECONFERENCE.COM.AU | 1300 935 430 If your business is interested in seeing the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of teleconferencing in action, don’t hesitate to contact Eureka Conferencing to set your business on the path to success. Start 7 days for free today Call 1300 935 430 Email [email protected] Live chat via our website PAGE 12 WWW.TELECONFERENCE.COM.AU | 1300 935 430.