Blog

How to promote diversity and inclusion in events

Smart Monkey

With the events industry back to where it was pre-Pandemic, it’s never been more important for companies to think about […]

She’s Alive! – Virtual Events in 2024

Cameron McKirdy

In late 2021, the virtual events industry was alive with talks of a “pivot” as event organisers and audiences alike […]

How to level up production in your online workshops 

Chris Alexander

Online learning poses many challenges for both learners and facilitators. The answer is simple: you need a technical producer!  A […]

AI: It’s a Love-Hate Relationship

Cameron McKirdy

Exploring AI’s evolving role in our lives In 2023, I wrote extensively about Artificial Intelligence, primarily because it was experiencing […]

Deep dive into hybrid events in 2024

Cameron McKirdy

Hey there, it’s Cameron from Virtual Approval. You know, the one always talking about AI and new technology!? Well it’s […]

Cam’s Event Technology Christmas List 2023!

Cameron McKirdy

Filling your stocking with gadgets and tech has never been easier, with arguably the best ‘Christmas list’ suggestions for the […]

Our Top 5 Tools to Improve your Work (and Life) this Cyber Monday

Cameron McKirdy

It’s Cyber Monday! Meaning every tech company and their cat has some sort of discount on. This isn’t however a […]

7 Things Not to Forget When Booking Your Next Hybrid Event Venue!

Cameron McKirdy

Hello, fearless event planners and savvy coordinators! Autumn is coming and we we know you’ve got a lot on your […]

Accessibility Technology is Unlocking the Experience for Everyone

Cameron McKirdy

Scroll to the bottom to listen to this blog in full! “Sorry, I can’t make it. I have a thing,” […]

Riding the Virtual Wave: How to Smash Online Conference Ticket Sales

Dominique Stedman

Pre warning: As we bask in the summer heat, we find ourselves thinking of the sea side, ice creams, beach […]

How to Deliver Engaging and Effective Virtual Workshops

Chris Alexander

How to Deliver Engaging and Effective Virtual Workshops – an in depth look at how to improve you companies online learning workshops.

Selecting the Best Hybrid / Virtual Event Platform

Rachel Locke

The hybrid event landscape has expanded significantly in recent years, fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic and a growing recognition of […]

Top 10 Most Trending Topics In Events for 2023

Rachel Locke

Event planning can be an overwhelming task, even for the most experienced professionals. With so many aspects to consider, it’s […]

Inspired by – International Women’s Day

Cameron McKirdy

March 8th 2023 is International Women’s Day. A day in which we are supposed to not only celebrate women but […]

Every voice actor is going to lose their job!

Cameron McKirdy

I have written a lot about AI recently, but when I came across this new Text-to-speech synthesiser and my house […]

Hybrid Events, All you Need to Know

Rachel Locke

Lets “step into hybrid” with our in Founder and Director Rachel Locke In 2022 The events world returned to live […]

Technology in Events – Blog Series

Cameron McKirdy

A collection of blogs centred around The future of technology in Events by our in house Creative and Technical solutions […]

How to make a social media profile that stands out.

Rachel Locke

A deep dive into how we go about improving social media profiles, in the same way you might upgrade your Tinder game.

Are holograms a viable solution for the future of hybrid Events?

Cameron McKirdy

Back in 2018 I remember working on a show at the Olympia Exhibition Centre. I was project managing a team […]

The Metaverse, are we looking at it all wrong?

Cameron McKirdy

If you have been anywhere near the internet in the last few years you must have heard about the Metaverse. […]

Imagine if an AI could do all your design work

Cameron McKirdy

/Imagine if all your design work could be done by a robot.  Welcome back to another future tech in events […]

Practice Makes Perfect – The Rules of Preparation

Rachel Locke

The final blog in this 3 part series, is a deeper look into the final preparation and wrap up for […]

Don’t Be Fooled – When we say “hybrid”, we mean it.

Rachel Locke

Hybrid events and live streaming are not new technology, the concept has been around for years. A TV show with […]

Fully Comprehensive Step by Step guide to Hybrid Events…

Rachel Locke

How to optimise the enjoyment and impact, wherever your speakers and audience may be. Hybrid events and live streaming are […]

Catherine Puri

Virtual bake-off’s Let’s jump straight in with virtual bake off’s. As a country we are obsessed with watching people bake, […]

Social media, a recipe for success

Catherine Puri

Social media, we all use it. But are you using all of the features in the best way? Today I’m […]

Three Types of Presenters

Cameron McKirdy

Presenting at an event can be super stressful, many shy away from it due to anxiety and self doubt, but […]

Interactivity or detachment? – Our top tips to stimulate the senses in a virtual event environment

Catherine Puri

The world of virtual events has become for many, a way to interact with real life while locked down inside […]

Hybrid Hype – How to Transverse the Gap

Rachel Locke

HYBRID EVENTS – Discover the truth behind the hype – the pros, the cons and how to pull off an […]

How to stir up a storm of interest for your event

Catherine Puri

Struggling to get a good turnout for the entirety of your event? Well look no further, this blog will give […]

Artificial Intelligence – Friend or Foe?

Catherine Puri

We’re not talking about aliens or robots but something a lot closer to home. You may not realise it but […]

How to create your perfect virtual event

Catherine Puri

Covid-19 saw the disruption of many businesses luckily for the events world the increase in technology allowed us to continue, […]

Are you missing this vital puzzle piece in your event?

Cameron McKirdy

  What is the missing puzzle piece? Imagine this, for Christmas, you got a 1000 piece puzzle. A beautiful landscape […]

Are your Virtual Events good enough to hang on your wall?

Cameron McKirdy

Before I start, anyone who is mad enough to be hanging pictures of their virtual events on their walls needs […]

Top 5 Ways to keep climbing to new heights with virtual Meetings & Events

Cameron McKirdy

  There is no debating it, 2020 saw a monumental rise in the use of online video conferencing applications.  With enforced home working […]

Virtual Meeting Games & Tips for Interactivity

Rachel Locke

So you want to make your virtual events more fun and engaging?? Absolutely, great idea. It’s no secret that us […]

How to use Webinars For Lead Generation

Rachel Locke

Webinars can be a very powerful way to engage with new audiences and strengthen relationships with existing clients. However, lots […]

Andy Griffiths

Executive Director at The Investor Forum CIC

“Virtual Approval helped us transform our annual meeting for over 150 senior business and investment leaders into an interactive webinar with keynote speakers, breakout discussions and a forum for feedback discussion. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner. Rachel ...

“Virtual Approval helped us transform our annual meeting for over 150 senior business and investment leaders into an interactive webinar with keynote speakers, breakout discussions and a forum for feedback discussion. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner. Rachel and the team created the perfect format, choreographed the discussion superbly and created an impactful series of post event videos for our website. The team at Virtual Approval is outstanding.”

Alex Stathis Tsao

Account Director, Taylor Partners, New York USA

“It’s a huge testament to all of you that we had such a strong showing and a highly engaged audience. Two media in attendance said it was the best virtual experience they have attended yet - WOW!”

“It’s a huge testament to all of you that we had such a strong showing and a highly engaged audience. Two media in attendance said it was the best virtual experience they have attended yet - WOW!”

John Brownhill

Co-Founder at food4heroes

“We used Virtual Approval to help us with our Online Auction for food4heroes, which raised a whopping £23,000. The Zoom show brought together presenters, performers, and video content over 1.5 hours [and] was flawless thanks to Rachel’s calm approach. If ...

“We used Virtual Approval to help us with our Online Auction for food4heroes, which raised a whopping £23,000. The Zoom show brought together presenters, performers, and video content over 1.5 hours [and] was flawless thanks to Rachel’s calm approach. If you are looking to run a live online event using Zoom, then look no further than Rachel if you want it to be a success.”

Bill Barton

Director at Barton Legal

"We engaged Virtual Approval to act in the role of administrator for the first-ever virtual trial in the Business and Property Courts. Rachel worked with us to organise, research, arrange and manage the secure registration of people to attend, the ...

"We engaged Virtual Approval to act in the role of administrator for the first-ever virtual trial in the Business and Property Courts. Rachel worked with us to organise, research, arrange and manage the secure registration of people to attend, the daily viewing and recording, and liaison with the transcription service. It is hard to overstate what a fantastic service Rachel and her company provided.”

Courteney Donnaldson, Managing Director

Christie & Co

"Rachel and her amazing team assisted us in facilitating a business networking dinner and they were truly exceptional. I would not hesitate in recommending Rachel and her colleagues. In the run up to the event nothing was too much trouble, ...

"Rachel and her amazing team assisted us in facilitating a business networking dinner and they were truly exceptional. I would not hesitate in recommending Rachel and her colleagues. In the run up to the event nothing was too much trouble, and they shared great ideas and suggestions based on their successes from previous event experiences. On the night, they were super organised, cool, calm, collected. The feedback we had from guests was first class. For all of our upcoming event needs, Rachel and her team will be my first port of call."

ToniMarie DiPietro, Event Coordinator

Covenant House New Jersey

"We have been working with the Virtual Approval team since 2020 and they are an amazing company to work with! Their team is comprised of professional, organized, talented, and extremely competent staff! They are extremely responsive and helpful in every ...

"We have been working with the Virtual Approval team since 2020 and they are an amazing company to work with! Their team is comprised of professional, organized, talented, and extremely competent staff! They are extremely responsive and helpful in every way. We host multiple virtual events a year and couldn't have done it without their expertise! I highly recommend Virtual Approval for all your virtual event needs!"

Paul Hayes, Director

Real Time Broadcast

"We have a fantastic partnership with the great team at Virtual Approval working on a number of successful virtual events together, They are always really organised, creative and really enjoyable to work with. The VA team also provide support for ...

"We have a fantastic partnership with the great team at Virtual Approval working on a number of successful virtual events together, They are always really organised, creative and really enjoyable to work with. The VA team also provide support for our Social Media helping us elevate our services, really capturing what we want to say. Couldn't recommend more!"

Solicitor

Clyde & Co

“We recently engaged Virtual Approval to provide virtual hearing management services for a virtual arbitration held via Zoom. Rachel provided comprehensive and invaluable support both during the build-up to the hearing and during the hearing itself. She was always available ...

“We recently engaged Virtual Approval to provide virtual hearing management services for a virtual arbitration held via Zoom. Rachel provided comprehensive and invaluable support both during the build-up to the hearing and during the hearing itself. She was always available to provide advice and support when needed.”

Xavier Garcia - Weibel

Leadership Coach, Human Centric Leaders, Switzerland

"Rachel’s fluency with virtual tools makes her the perfect companion of facilitated workshops. She is proactive, attentive to customer needs and helps you sort out difficulties in the moment where your mind as participant or as a facilitator needs to ...

"Rachel’s fluency with virtual tools makes her the perfect companion of facilitated workshops. She is proactive, attentive to customer needs and helps you sort out difficulties in the moment where your mind as participant or as a facilitator needs to be elsewhere. She is also eager to learn and improve, a great quality to hold in a fast moving business environment.”

Parvesh Patel

Client

"Saved our home and lives. 1st online High Court case (technology and construction) managed in a very professional manner without a glitch. if it was not for Rachel's input and management, the courts would not have been confident of the platform ...

"Saved our home and lives. 1st online High Court case (technology and construction) managed in a very professional manner without a glitch. if it was not for Rachel's input and management, the courts would not have been confident of the platform and our family would have been bullied and forced into bankruptcy by the council. Can't recommend the company highly enough. Thanks Rachel"

Jo Fife, Headmaster

Wandsworth Preparatory School

“Thank you for organising our first virtual event as a school. I was very impressed at your calm head in a stressful situation and your incredibly professional attitude throughout. The videos are looking fantastic.”

“Thank you for organising our first virtual event as a school. I was very impressed at your calm head in a stressful situation and your incredibly professional attitude throughout. The videos are looking fantastic.”

Rachel Buckler, Chair

Ofted Big Conversation North West & Early Years Hub

"I cannot recommend Rachel and her colleagues at Virtual Approval highly enough. Our event, the North West Ofsted Big Conversation, has twice now been hosted by Rachel and her team. Even though our future events might be able to take place ...

"I cannot recommend Rachel and her colleagues at Virtual Approval highly enough. Our event, the North West Ofsted Big Conversation, has twice now been hosted by Rachel and her team. Even though our future events might be able to take place again in a large venue we will still be asking Rachel to help us to manage the process again Possibly a hybrid option? Thanks Rachel and all of your amazing team."

Gareth Allen

Coach at Gareth Allen Performance Coach

“It was remarkable to learn that we had only been scratching the surface of what Zoom can do. There was so much more to it, and with your expert guidance, I now feel fully equipped to use Zoom to its ...

“It was remarkable to learn that we had only been scratching the surface of what Zoom can do. There was so much more to it, and with your expert guidance, I now feel fully equipped to use Zoom to its full potential.”

Duncan Bell

Director - Branchout Productions

"Cameron, I wanted to personally thank you so much for all your hard work, support and help. I know the project grew and grew and appreciate yours and Rachel's calm, professional and exceptional organisation to make this as smooth as ...

"Cameron, I wanted to personally thank you so much for all your hard work, support and help. I know the project grew and grew and appreciate yours and Rachel's calm, professional and exceptional organisation to make this as smooth as possible and come together. Look forward to working with you both much more in the future."

Phill Metcalfe, Commercial Manager

Protech Roofing

"Would highly recommend Virtual Approval to help your business take that extra step in getting you better Social Media and Marketing exposure to your working sectors. Please contact Rachel & her helpful team if you want your business to stand ...

"Would highly recommend Virtual Approval to help your business take that extra step in getting you better Social Media and Marketing exposure to your working sectors. Please contact Rachel & her helpful team if you want your business to stand out from the crowd!"

Lynn Mackay-Thomas, CEO

British Society for Heart Failure

"Virtual Approval did a great job working up to the event and on the day. They were professional, seamless and worked well together. Nothing was too much trouble and they tried to accommodate everything. "

"Virtual Approval did a great job working up to the event and on the day. They were professional, seamless and worked well together. Nothing was too much trouble and they tried to accommodate everything. "

Audrey H

VP of Operations, Learning Solutions USA

"Virtual Approval has made coordinating our virtual sessions a breeze!  I have worked with their team on the operations/logistics side, when we needed a broader team to support our virtual offerings.  Virtual Approval came in with a fully drawn-out process, ...

"Virtual Approval has made coordinating our virtual sessions a breeze!  I have worked with their team on the operations/logistics side, when we needed a broader team to support our virtual offerings.  Virtual Approval came in with a fully drawn-out process, they assigned multiple producers with time zone coverage across the world, helped us set up trainings with our facilitators, and then trained new team members on their own without our help once they knew the ropes.  They are transparent and reasonable with their rates, and are so easy to work with!"

Charlotte W

Operations Lead & Learning Solutions Manager

"Virtual Approval has become a true partner of ours in every sense of the word. Rachel and her team have been there to support our virtual and hybrid needs over the past 2 years, providing us not only with excellence ...

"Virtual Approval has become a true partner of ours in every sense of the word. Rachel and her team have been there to support our virtual and hybrid needs over the past 2 years, providing us not only with excellence service, but with support and guidance whenever we need it. We have collaborated to build a seamless working relationship with open and honest communication at the heart of it. They are organised, solution-focused and professional. No matter what the challenge is, the team has produced innovative solutions often with short notice. I couldn’t recommend Virtual Approval highly enough!"

Kate Burgess

Programme Manager, Learning & Development

"Virtual Approval are an extremely professional organisation.  Rachel, Chris and the team were very responsive to our initial enquiries, their documentation and contracting was simple and straightforward so made a stressful situation with difficult time constraints, easy to navigate.  Their ...

"Virtual Approval are an extremely professional organisation.  Rachel, Chris and the team were very responsive to our initial enquiries, their documentation and contracting was simple and straightforward so made a stressful situation with difficult time constraints, easy to navigate.  Their team of producers are all reliable, well-prepared and help above and beyond the requirements on paper, going the extra mile for the facilitators and client.  A delight to work with and asset to any team!"

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