Gatherly - Detailed Review
Networking Tools
Gatherly - Product Overview
Overview of Gatherly
Gatherly is an AI-driven platform specialized in hosting engaging and immersive virtual events. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Gatherly allows users to design and execute virtual events that mimic the social and interactive experiences of in-person gatherings. The platform focuses on maintaining the spontaneity and flow of natural conversations, enabling attendees to walk in and out of group video calls, send direct messages, and broadcast to the room.
Target Audience
Gatherly’s target audience is diverse and includes tech-savvy individuals, businesses, event organizers, educators, and anyone looking to create interactive virtual experiences. This encompasses a wide range of users such as remote workers, freelancers, corporate employees, and community leaders. The platform is used by educational institutions, nonprofits, corporations, and conference organizers.
Key Features
- Immersive Virtual Environment: Gatherly provides a multi-floor digital venue where attendees can move around and interact with others just like in real life. This includes customizable virtual spaces that mimic real-life environments.
- Interactive Elements: The platform offers features like games, quizzes, and other activities to enhance engagement and foster a sense of community among users.
- Real-time Collaboration: Gatherly supports real-time collaboration through screen sharing, whiteboards, and document sharing, making it easy for users to work together on projects or presentations.
- Video Chat and Huddles: Attendees can join video chats by moving into designated “huddles” on a map interface. Gatherly also allows users to lock video chats for private conversations, a feature not available in some competing platforms.
- AI-Coordinated Logistics: The platform uses AI to auto-generate agendas, provide pre-built virtual venues, and coordinate event logistics, making event planning more efficient.
- Privacy and Security: Gatherly prioritizes user privacy and security with end-to-end encryption and robust security measures to protect user data and conversations.
Overall, Gatherly stands out by offering a more human and interactive experience for virtual events, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to replicate the feeling of in-person interactions online.
Gatherly - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
Gatherly’s user interface is crafted to be intuitive, engaging, and highly interactive, making it an excellent choice for hosting various types of virtual events and networking sessions.Interface and Navigation
Map Interface
Gatherly uses a map interface that displays individual attendees by name, making it easy to locate specific people. The map shows current huddles as numbered circles, indicating the number of people in each video chat. By hovering your cursor over a huddle, you can see a list of the names of everyone participating in that conversation.Video Chat Display
The platform features a Zoom-gallery-style video chat display, where video windows adjust in size as the number of participants in a huddle increases, ensuring everyone remains visible. This interface allows for clear and organized video interactions, even in larger groups.Ease of Use
Gatherly is known for its user-friendly interface, which enables guests to join events and start interacting within seconds. The platform’s simplicity is a key aspect, as it does not require extensive technical knowledge to use. Attendees can easily move in and out of huddles, start spontaneous conversations, and engage with others seamlessly.Engagement and Networking
Gatherly is built to foster engagement and encourage attendees to participate actively in conversations. The platform allows users to move freely around the virtual space, join different huddles, and initiate private conversations by locking the video chat to prevent others from joining. This feature ensures that users can have private and uninterrupted discussions when needed.Support and Hospitality
The platform also includes personalized support for groups of all sizes, with features like white glove service that helps facilitate events from planning to execution. Gatherly’s focus on hospitality ensures that every detail of the event is handled carefully, creating an environment that replicates the magic of in-person interactions.Post-Event Analytics
After the event, Gatherly provides comprehensive analytics, including attendance data, average duration of participation, engagement scores, and more. These insights help organizers gauge the success of their events and make improvements for future gatherings.Overall User Experience
The overall user experience on Gatherly is highly engaging and immersive. The platform combines state-of-the-art technology with principles of hospitality to create unforgettable virtual events. With its intuitive interface, ability to handle large numbers of participants (up to 10,000), and features like AI-powered event management through “Gabby Gatherly,” Gatherly ensures that every event is an experience to remember.Conclusion
In summary, Gatherly’s user interface is designed for ease of use, high engagement, and seamless interaction, making it an ideal platform for various virtual events and networking activities. Gatherly - Key Features and Functionality
Gatherly: A Comprehensive Virtual Event Platform
Gatherly is a comprehensive virtual event platform that integrates several key features to facilitate effective virtual networking and engagement. Here are the main features and how they work:
Virtual Event Spaces and Customization
Gatherly allows users to create fully customizable event spaces that reflect their brand’s unique identity. This includes designing custom landing pages with branded graphics, event descriptions, and registration requirements. Users can also add sponsor logos and customize the navigation to create a professional and cohesive look for their event space.
Group Video Calls and Huddles
The platform features a Zoom-gallery-style video chat display, where attendees can participate in group video calls. As the number of people in a huddle increases, the video windows adjust to keep everyone visible. Users can move in and out of these huddles freely to network, and there is an option to lock a video chat to ensure private conversations.
Direct Messaging and Broadcasting
Attendees can send direct messages to each other, and organizers can broadcast content to the entire room. This feature helps maintain conversational flow and ensures that important announcements reach all participants.
Event Types and Scalability
Gatherly supports events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large conferences hosting up to 10,000 attendees. The platform is scalable, allowing for various event structures such as webinars, trade shows, and multi-day events spanning multiple floors.
AI-Powered Event Management
Gatherly is integrating AI to enhance event management. Features include auto-generated agendas, pre-built virtual venues, and AI-coordinated logistics. The upcoming introduction of “Gabby Gatherly,” an AI-powered event manager, will handle tasks such as crafting custom invitations and providing real-time support, allowing organizers to focus on connecting with their audience.
Analytics and Reporting
The platform provides comprehensive post-event analytics, including complete attendance reports, engagement scores, and average session duration. Organizers also receive a 90-second highlight reel and image exports from virtual photo booths, helping them track event success and share memorable moments.
Virtual Photo Booths and Exhibition Booths
Gatherly includes virtual photo booths where attendees can take group and self-portraits, providing an interactive way to engage and share their experiences. Additionally, virtual exhibition booths allow vendors or exhibitors to showcase their products or services to attendees.
Map Interface
The platform features a map interface that shows individual attendees by name and displays current huddles as circles with numbers inside, indicating the number of people in each video chat. This intuitive interface makes it easy to find specific people in the room.
Technical Support and Account Management
Gatherly offers dedicated account management and technical support, including live event concierge services to help attendees during the event. This ensures a smooth and successful event experience.
Accessibility Features
The platform includes features like multi-language support and closed captioning, catering to diverse audiences and ensuring a simple and intuitive user experience for all attendees.
These features collectively make Gatherly a versatile and engaging platform for hosting virtual events, blending technology with the principles of hospitality to create memorable and effective networking experiences.
Gatherly - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Gatherly is praised for its ability to replicate in-person interactions in a virtual setting. Here are some strengths:Engagement
Gatherly encourages attendees to participate actively in conversations rather than just observing. It allows users to move in and out of small groups and start conversations spontaneously, which enhances engagement and networking opportunities.Flexibility
The platform provides a flexible environment where attendees can mix and mingle with limited constraints, similar to real-life events. This freedom helps in creating natural conversations and a more engaging experience.Structural Support
Gatherly offers features like broadcasting for key announcements and a news tab for timely updates, which help in providing necessary structure without making the event feel too rigid.Accuracy and Reliability
Technical Performance
Gatherly has shown reliability in handling video chats with a significant number of participants. It comfortably handled spontaneous video chats with around 15 people in tests, indicating its capability to manage moderate-sized groups efficiently.Video Quality and Functionality
The platform offers a Zoom-like video gallery view inside huddles, which works well and allows users to see everyone present. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining clarity and ensuring all participants are visible.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Group Size Limitations
While Gatherly handles smaller to moderate-sized groups well, there are limitations on the size of conversation groups. This can be a constraint for very large events, although Gatherly’s predetermined limits help in ensuring reliable performance.Comparison with Other Platforms
In comparison to other platforms like Yotribe, Gatherly’s approach to splitting large groups into smaller areas is more managed, but it may still face challenges with very large groups. Yotribe, for instance, ran into problems with groups larger than about ten people due to its different approach to load balancing.Spontaneity in Networking
While Gatherly allows for spontaneous conversations, it still lacks the fluidity of in-person social interactions. Users cannot easily move between multiple breakout sessions or spontaneously form and disband small groups as they would in a physical setting.Conclusion
Gatherly performs well in creating engaging and interactive virtual networking experiences, with strong features for encouraging participant engagement and providing necessary structural support. However, it has some limitations, particularly with handling very large groups and replicating the full spontaneity of in-person networking. Overall, Gatherly is a reliable choice for virtual events, especially for those seeking to foster meaningful connections and conversations. Gatherly - Pricing and Plans
Gatherly Pricing Overview
Gatherly, a virtual event platform, offers a structured pricing model to accommodate various event sizes and needs. Here’s a breakdown of their pricing tiers and the features included in each:
Basic Plan
Cost
$195 per month for 250 guests. A yearly subscription offers a 35% discount, reducing the monthly cost to $126.75.
Features
Includes essential features such as polls, Q&A sessions, and single sign-on capabilities.
Events Plan
Cost
This plan supports up to 1,000 guests and includes additional features.
Features
Supports five-floor events, reduced per-ticket fees compared to the basic plan, and other advanced features like broadcast capabilities for opening and closing ceremonies, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions.
Large-Scale Events
Capacity
Supports up to 10,000 attendees across 100 floors.
Features
Includes all the features from the lower tiers plus additional capabilities such as multi-day event support, virtual exhibition booths, and comprehensive post-event analytics. This tier is ideal for large conferences and trade shows.
Key Features Across Plans
Customization
Fully customizable event spaces, including custom landing pages, branded graphics, and virtual photo booths.
Scalability
Supports events of all sizes, from small webinars to large multi-day conferences.
Analytics
Comprehensive post-event analytics, including attendance reports and engagement scores.
Support
Dedicated account management and live event concierge services.
Accessibility
Multi-language support and closed captioning.
Additional Discounts
Gatherly offers social impact discounts for .edu and .org email addresses, which can be beneficial for educational and non-profit organizations.
There are no free plans mentioned for Gatherly; the pricing is based on the number of guests and the features required for the event. However, the platform does offer a comprehensive service model that includes technical support and dedicated account management to ensure the success of your virtual events.
Gatherly - Integration and Compatibility
Integrations
Gatherly can be integrated with a wide range of applications through Zapier, a popular automation tool. This allows users to connect Gatherly with over 7,000 other apps, including Google Sheets, Discord, Salesforce, Pipedrive, Slack, Google Drive, and Mailchimp, among others. These integrations enable automated workflows, such as syncing event data, sending notifications, and managing attendee lists, all without requiring any coding.
Compatibility Across Devices and Platforms
Gatherly is a browser-based platform, which means it does not require any software downloads or installations. It is accessible via a web link, making it compatible with various devices, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. However, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser for optimal performance.
Modes and Features
Gatherly offers different modes of interaction, such as Group Call, Broadcast, and Map Mode, which enhance user engagement. The Group Call mode supports up to 100 participants in a Zoom-style video conference, while the Broadcast mode allows hosts to communicate with all attendees. The Map Mode features spatial video chat, allowing users to move around a virtual room.
Setup and Customization
For those setting up Gatherly for event scheduling, the platform can be customized to fit specific needs. While the primary focus is on the browser-based interface, there is also an API version of Gatherly that allows for more technical customization, such as creating and managing events, registering participants, and automatic cleanup of expired events. This API is built with Express and PostgreSQL, and it requires Node.js and a Supabase PostgreSQL database setup.
Conclusion
In summary, Gatherly integrates well with various tools through Zapier, is compatible across different devices and browsers, and offers multiple modes of interaction to enhance user engagement. Its flexibility and ease of use make it a versatile tool for hosting online events.
Gatherly - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
Gatherly provides several customer support options and additional resources to ensure users have a smooth and effective experience with their platform.Help Center
Gatherly has a comprehensive help center that serves as a one-stop resource for users. Here, you can find guides on how to scale events, connect your tools, and become a Gatherly expert. The help center includes sections for troubleshooting common issues, such as browser compatibility, WiFi connections, and permission settings for cameras and microphones.Troubleshooting Checklist
For technical issues, Gatherly offers a troubleshooting checklist that helps users identify and resolve common problems. This includes checking browser compatibility (with Google Chrome recommended), ensuring a good WiFi connection, and verifying that necessary permissions are enabled.FAQs and Tutorials
The platform provides FAQs and a tutorials playlist to help users get started and make the most out of Gatherly’s features. These resources cover topics such as attending an event, hosting an event, and customizing your experience.Live Support
During events, users can access live support by visiting the lobby area where staff members are available to assist with any questions or issues. This ensures immediate help when needed.Advanced Admin Controls and Security
For administrators, Gatherly offers advanced admin controls and detailed information on security features. This helps in managing events and ensuring the security of the platform.Additional Resources
Gatherly also provides additional resources such as an attendee checklist and floor guides for events. These resources help users prepare for and engage fully in the events they are participating in.Conclusion
By offering these support options and resources, Gatherly aims to ensure that users can effectively use their platform with minimal hassle and maximum engagement. Gatherly - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Gatherly
Gatherly, an AI-powered platform for virtual events, offers several key advantages that make it a compelling choice for hosting engaging and interactive online gatherings.Immersive Virtual Environment
Gatherly provides an immersive virtual environment that mimics the social interactions of in-person events. Attendees can move around, join huddles, and engage in video chats, creating a more natural networking experience.Easy Setup and Customization
Setting up an event on Gatherly is straightforward. Users can create an event, customize the layout, and invite participants without needing to download any software or apps. The platform is browser-based and supports web access on most devices.Interactive Features
Gatherly includes various interactive features such as live presentations, live chat, Q&A sessions, and polling. These tools enhance attendee engagement and make the events more dynamic.Private Conversations
One of the standout features of Gatherly is the ability to lock video chats, ensuring private conversations. This is particularly useful for attendees who need to have confidential discussions.User-Friendly Interface
The platform boasts an easy-to-use interface with a map view that shows individual attendees and huddles. This makes it easy to find and connect with specific people during the event.Data Collection and Analytics
Gatherly provides tools to collect event data, including attendance and engagement scores. This helps organizers analyze the success of their events and make informed decisions for future events.Disadvantages of Gatherly
While Gatherly offers many benefits, there are some areas where it could improve:Server Capacity Planning
Gatherly requires meeting owners to provide the maximum number of attendees and the largest group video chat size desired. This ensures the server can handle the load, but it may require some planning ahead of time.Browser Requirements
Gatherly specifically requires the use of the Chrome browser, which might be a limitation for some users who prefer other browsers.Pricing Model
Gatherly uses a per-head pricing model, which can vary based on the size of the event. While this can be flexible, it may not be as transparent or predictable as a fixed pricing model.Limited Integration
Unlike some other platforms, Gatherly does not currently offer integration with popular messaging and email platforms like Gmail or Yahoo, which could be a drawback for some users. Overall, Gatherly is a strong choice for those looking to host engaging and interactive virtual events, but it does come with some specific requirements and limitations that users should be aware of. Gatherly - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Gatherly to Competitors
When comparing Gatherly to its competitors in the AI-driven virtual event management category, several key features and differences stand out.
Unique Features of Gatherly
Gatherly is distinguished by its AI planner and a comprehensive event management toolkit. Here are some of its unique features:
- Immersive Virtual Environment: Gatherly replicates the in-person interaction experience online, allowing attendees to move around and network freely using a virtual map.
- AI-Generated Agendas: The platform automates the creation of event agendas, reducing the workload for hosts.
- Customizable Landing Pages and Data Analytics: Gatherly offers customizable landing pages and data analytics tools to help event planners track and analyze event performance.
- Engagement Focus: Gatherly is highly praised for its ease of use, responsive support team, and focus on creating engaging attendee experiences.
Competitors and Alternatives
Here are some of the main competitors to Gatherly:
Airmeet
Airmeet is another platform for hosting virtual and hybrid events, including webinars, workshops, and meetings. While it also provides a virtual event experience, it does not have the same level of AI integration for event planning and logistics as Gatherly. Airmeet focuses more on the event experience itself, with features like virtual lounges and breakout rooms.
Run the World
Run the World is an online event management company that provides solutions for virtual social gatherings, webinars, and conferences. It emphasizes engagement but lacks the advanced AI features for event planning and execution that Gatherly offers. Run the World is more geared towards social and community-building events rather than large-scale networking events.
Virtual Days
Virtual Days is another competitor that offers virtual event solutions, including webinars and conferences. While it provides a virtual environment for events, it does not have the same level of AI-driven planning tools and immersive networking capabilities as Gatherly.
ExpoVention
ExpoVention focuses on virtual trade shows and exhibitions. It offers features like virtual booths and networking opportunities but does not match Gatherly’s AI-powered event management and planning capabilities.
Key Differences
- AI Integration: Gatherly stands out with its extensive use of AI for planning, executing, and analyzing events. Its competitors, while offering virtual event solutions, do not have the same depth of AI integration.
- Networking Experience: Gatherly’s immersive virtual environment and AI-coordinated logistics make it particularly suited for networking events, career fairs, and trade shows, where free movement and interaction are crucial.
- Event Management Tools: Gatherly’s toolkit, including auto-generated agendas, customizable landing pages, and data analytics, makes it a more comprehensive solution for event planners compared to its competitors.
In summary, while Gatherly’s competitors offer various virtual event solutions, Gatherly’s unique blend of AI-driven planning, immersive networking, and comprehensive event management tools sets it apart in the market.
Gatherly - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Gatherly
What is Gatherly and how does it work?
Gatherly is a virtual event platform that uses AI to plan and execute engaging networking events, such as conferences, trade shows, and career fairs. It allows attendees to walk around and network freely using a virtual map that replicates in-person interactions. The platform includes features like group video calls, direct messaging, and broadcasting to the room, maintaining the spontaneity and flow of natural conversations.How do I create an account and host an event on Gatherly?
To host a Gatherly event, you need to create an account by visiting the sign-up page at `account.gatherly.io/sign-up`. After verifying your email and logging in, you receive 10 free tickets to test the platform. You can then create a test event to familiarize yourself with the platform before hosting a live event. It’s important to review the terms and conditions on the Gatherly website for a comprehensive understanding.What are the key features of Gatherly?
Gatherly offers several key features, including an AI Event Planner that auto-generates agendas and handles logistics, Virtual Venue Mapping that mimics in-person event flow, and Management Tools for registration, analytics, surveys, and branding. The platform also includes Engagement Focus features that drive more engaging event experiences, custom landing pages, booths for vendors, and broadcast capabilities with live chat, Q&A, polls, and panel discussions.Can Gatherly support large-scale events?
Yes, Gatherly is designed to support events of all sizes, from small webinars to large conferences. The platform can handle up to 10,000 attendees per event and supports multi-day events across up to 100 floors. It is scalable and can accommodate various event structures, including trade shows and multi-day conferences.What kind of support does Gatherly offer for event planning and execution?
Gatherly provides dedicated account management and technical support. This includes live event concierge services to assist attendees and comprehensive post-event analytics tools for organizers. The platform also offers resources such as case studies, blog articles, and an eBook to help users plan engaging virtual events.How does Gatherly’s pricing work?
Gatherly offers tiered pricing plans based on the number of attendees. The basic plan starts at $195 per month for 250 guests and includes essential features like polls, Q&A sessions, and single sign-on capabilities. There are also plans for mid-sized events and larger events, with discounts available for annual subscriptions and social impact discounts for .edu and .org email addresses.Can I customize the event space on Gatherly?
Yes, Gatherly allows extensive customization of event spaces. Using the VESTA tool, hosts can create multiple events with open and close times, customize floor backgrounds with PowerPoint, and use various templates. The platform also allows for the creation of custom landing pages, event brochures, and other personalized elements.How does Gatherly ensure engagement during virtual events?
Gatherly focuses on engagement through AI coordination, which drives more engaging event experiences. Features like group video calls, direct messaging, and broadcasting help maintain the dynamic of face-to-face interactions. The platform also includes tools like live chat, Q&A sessions, polls, and panel discussions to keep attendees engaged.Is Gatherly suitable for different types of events?
Yes, Gatherly is versatile and can be used for various types of events, including office holiday parties, poster fairs, conferences, trade shows, and career fairs. It supports different event structures, such as webinars, multi-day events, and large-scale conferences.How can I get a demo or more information about Gatherly?
You can request a demo to see the Gatherly platform in action by contacting their team. Additional resources, such as case studies, blog articles, and an eBook, are available on the Gatherly website to help you plan and execute successful virtual events. Gatherly - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Gatherly in the Networking Tools AI-driven Product Category
Gatherly is a versatile and feature-rich platform that stands out in the category of AI-driven networking tools, particularly for hosting virtual events. Here are the key points that highlight its benefits and the types of users who would benefit most from using it.Key Features
- AI Event Planner: Gatherly’s AI capabilities auto-generate agendas, schedule sessions, and handle logistics with minimal effort, making event planning more efficient.
- Virtual Venue Mapping: The platform mimics the flow of in-person events, allowing free attendee networking and maintaining the spontaneity of natural conversations.
- Management Tools: It includes registration, analytics, surveys, branding, and other essential tools to manage events comprehensively.
- Engagement Focus: AI coordination enhances event engagement significantly, offering features like live chat, Q&A, polls, surveys, and panel discussions.
- Customizable Landing Pages and Booths: Users can customize landing pages with banner images, event descriptions, and sponsor logos, and designate booths for vendors or exhibitors.
Who Would Benefit Most
Gatherly is highly beneficial for a wide range of users, including:- Educational Institutions: For hosting virtual classes, workshops, and conferences.
- Nonprofits: For organizing fundraising events, webinars, and community gatherings.
- Corporations: For office gatherings, training sessions, and large-scale conferences.
- Conference Organizers: For managing multi-day events with thousands of attendees.
- Community Leaders: For organizing community events and meetings.