26 Essential Webinar Terms

It’s easy to become confused by the terminology that today’s tech companies use. In this fast-paced industry, there’s a new buzzword every day!

But what are the essential key terms you should know when considering running a webinar with WorkCast? Here are the basics:

1. Webinar

An online presentation transmitted over the web. Enables participants to listen and interact with the presenter. Take many forms including; Lectures, Seminars & Workshops.

2. Webcast

A web-broadcast. The WorkCast Webcast Team can stream live events using the WorkCast Platform from anywhere in the world.

3. WorkCast Studio

Where hosts & producers can control the event experience for attendees. Slides, polls & questions can all be managed from here.

4. WorkCast Audio

Presenters can connect to the webinar from anywhere in the world using a telephone connection or microphone on their computer. A mix of these options within a single event is possible, with presenters using either option being able to communicate to each other.

5. Live Event

A broadcast to a specific audience at a defined date & time.

6. Managed Event

Where WorkCasts skilled Event Coordinators manage an webinar every step of the way. Includes any pre-recording & editing services.

7. Monitored Event

Where event management is handed over to the hosts/presenters. They do all pre-webinar setup, presenter training, media creation etc. Event Coordinators are on hand during throughout to ensure success.

8. On Demand

Content that is readily available, anytime. All WorkCast webinars are recorded and can be accessed at any time after an event has concluded.

Learn all about creating on-demand webinars in a snap from our free Webinar Handbook!

9. Media

The content used in your presentation such as PowerPoint (pptx, ppt) files that will be used as content in a webinar, mp4 videos used in a scheduled replay or On Demand presentation.

10. Streaming

Transmission of data over the internet in a continuous flow. E.g. Listening to music, watching ‘real-time’ video as opposed to downloading it.

11. Broadcasting

The distribution of audio and/or video content to a dispersed audience.

12. Aspect Ratio

Defines the area of the presentation. Also marks the width x height of an image or screen.

13. Template

The layout and style of your webinar pages. When running an event with WorkCast, at least one master template is created in your account for you.

Most users choose to have Custom Templates created, as they want their webinar or event workflows to look like their website. Or, to be integrated with an existing workflow created on their CMS or Marketing Automation platform.

14. Registration Page

The webpage that attendees will visit to signup to attend a webinar. All WorkCast customers can have a registration page created, or the WorkCast Platform allows you to integrate with your own.

15. Auditorium

Your main event page. Attendees will login to this page to watch your live webinar.

16. Splash

Media windows within your auditorium display a splash image if media is not yet streaming or is On Demand. This acts as a ‘holding image’ and can include; graphics, photos & text. Can be changed pre-event.

17. Referrer Tag/Link

Tags that can be added to any registration page link. The WorkCast platform allows tracking of these registration sources. Allows unique registration page links to be used for different marketing campaigns, individuals, organisations or sources.

If Referrer Tags are used, this data is then returned in the registration reports for the event.

18. Integration

WorkCast have an advanced data mapping engine that allows us to integrate your online events with your Marketing/Sales Platform. Data including standard & custom registration form field content can be pushed directly into your platform. Attendance data, Q&A & any poll questions can also be pushed into your platform.

Ensures all your marketing/sales data is kept in a single place. Option to use your own registration form and just have the event attendance data pushed to your platform is available.

19. Reporting

Sent in the form of a link once your event is set up so data can be tracked. Allows full visibility on the data of your event, including; who attended & for how long.

20. Channels

A grouping of webinars, generally used to provide a CNN or BBC iPlayer style display of webinars. Can be embedded in your intranet or website.

21. Moderator

The chair of your event. They will keep the webinar together by; introducing the presentation, welcoming the speakers & handling the live Q&A.

22. Presenters/Speakers

The people who will be speaking at your event. Briefings & rehearsals  should take place in advance if possible and should always refer to our Presenter Best Practice Guidelines.

23. Resources

Any documents, downloads & links you would like to provide for attendees can be added to the resources tab in the Auditorium. Slides can be attached as a secure PDF for attendees to download post-event.

24. Polls

Pop up questions that appear during a presentation to promote audience participation. Results can be published or kept for personal feedback.

25. Firewall

A network security system that protects a computer or network from unauthorised access.

26. VPN

Virtual Private Network. Allows the sharing of data online through a private network.