How to host an online event: virtual venues, webinars, livestreams and more
The 6 types of online event — virtual venue, webinar, livestream, workshop, virtual meetup, hybrid — when to use each, and how to host one on CollaboTokyo.
Key takeaways
- There are 6 main types of online event: virtual venue, webinar, livestream, workshop, virtual meetup and hybrid.
- Webinars broadcast; virtual venues let people mingle. Pick based on whether guests should talk to each other.
- On CollaboTokyo you can do both: a venue with a stage plus your Zoom/Meet/Teams webinar link.
On this page
The 6 types of online event
| Type | What it is | Best for | Guests talk to each other? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual venue event | A walkable space with rooms, stage and tables | Meetups, launches, conferences, markets | Yes — lots |
| Webinar | One-to-many presentation with Q&A | Education, product demos, lead gen | Barely |
| Livestream | Broadcast on a social platform | Reach, fans, entertainment | In chat only |
| Workshop | Small, hands-on, interactive | Skills, co-creation, onboarding | Yes |
| Virtual meetup | Casual group conversation | Communities, networking | Yes |
| Hybrid | In-person event with online access | Conferences, launches | Partly |
Which type should you pick?
- Want networking and serendipity? → Virtual venue or meetup.
- Want to teach many people at once? → Webinar (or a lecture hall).
- Want maximum reach? → Livestream, then invite viewers to a venue after-party.
- Want people to make something? → Workshop in a meeting room.
- Have an in-person event? → Hybrid: a CollaboTokyo venue as the online “room”.
Creators & influencers
- Livestream for reach, then a café meetup for your core fans
- Workshops to teach your craft (and sell a course)
Brands & businesses
- Webinar for product education
- Virtual venue launch with creators and sampling
Builders, founders & makers
- Webinar demo for signups
- Venue demo day or office hours for feedback
Event hosts & community organisers
- Weekly virtual meetup for retention
- A quarterly conference in a hall
How to host each type on CollaboTokyo
Virtual venue event
Book any room; guests walk in, chat, and use side tables.
- · Café, coworking, gallery or market
Webinar
Conference or lecture hall + paste your Zoom/Teams webinar link as the call.
- · Slides on the stage screen
Livestream companion
Stream on your platform; link it in the event; host the chat in the venue.
- · Great as an after-party
Workshop
Meeting room: one table, one screen, small group.
- · Free Jitsi call
Virtual meetup
Café room, recurring weekly, a board post to keep it visible.
Hybrid
Your in-person stage on the call; online guests meet in the venue.
Host an online event in 8 steps
Define the promise
One sentence: what guests get. “Learn to price UGC in 45 minutes.”
Pick the type and room
Use the table above.
Set the date
Book up to 60 days ahead; most events fill best with 1–3 weeks’ notice.
Add the call
Free Jitsi room, or your Meet, Zoom, Teams or Whereby link.
Prepare slides
Upload to the stage; assign a presenter.
Promote
Board post in the right district, share the event link, ask guests to tap Remind me.
Run it
Arrive when doors open (1 hour early), go live on stage, use side tables for Q&A.
Follow up
Recap post, slides link, next date.
Online event checklist
- Clear title and one-line promise
- Cover image and logo
- Time zone stated (Tokyo time shown on the event)
- Call link tested
- Slides uploaded
- Co-host added as admin
- Board post published
- Follow-up message drafted
Questions
What are the different types of online events?
The main types are virtual venue events, webinars, livestreams, workshops, virtual meetups and hybrid events. They differ mainly in how much guests interact with each other.
Can I run a Zoom webinar inside CollaboTokyo?
Yes. Book a conference or lecture hall and paste your Zoom, Teams, Google Meet or Whereby link as the event’s call.
What’s the best free platform for online events?
For events where people should meet each other, a free virtual venue like CollaboTokyo works well: the room, stage, side tables and a Jitsi call cost nothing.