Managing Zoom Events session and event types

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The host or event organizer can select either a meeting session or a webinar session in the event creation flow. This feature is useful when the host wants a more controlled environment for their event.

You can create Webinar and Meeting events and sessions as a host. The webinar events/sessions use the Zoom Webinars platform and the meeting events/sessions use the Zoom Meeting platform. Hosts can choose their event type based on the interaction and event experience they want for their participants.

Notes:

  • Session capacity in a Zoom Event is equal to the capacity of the Zoom Events license. For example, if an event host has a Zoom Events 1,000 license, they can have up to 1,000 attendees in their webinar or meeting session. A meeting session has a maximum capacity of 1,000 attendees, even if the host has a Zoom Events license greater than 1,000.
  • If a meeting is scheduled outside of Zoom Events, meeting capacity is determined by the Zoom Meeting license capacity.
  • Only for recurring series events, once an event’s session type is changed from Meeting to Webinar (and vice versa) and the settings are saved, it cannot be changed back.

This article covers:

Prerequisites for managing Zoom Events session and event types

Note: For access to the latest Zoom Events and Webinar features, we strongly recommend hosts to update to the latest version of the Zoom desktop client/mobile application..

How to choose an event or session type for your attendees

The main difference between a Webinar and Meeting event or session is how much participation is allowed from the attendees during the event.

Webinar events/sessions allow hosts to present to a larger audience and give hosts a more controlled environment over presenting, attendees, and panelists. Additionally, Zoom Webinars attendees can use Webinar Reactions, which allow presenters to get real-time feedback from attendees and other panelists.
Note: Webinar Reactions requires version 5.9.6 or higher to send and see reactions.

Meeting events/sessions allow more interaction between the attendees and hosts and allow more chances for engagement. These two types of events/sessions can be tailored to attendees' and your preferences.

Choose a Webinar event or session

The host presents and controls the experience throughout the event. Attendees are not allowed to turn on their audio and video, but can interact with the host and panelists using these features (if the feature is enabled):

  • Chat
  • Q&A

Choose a Meeting event or session

Attendees are able to participate in the event (if the feature is enabled) by turning on their:

  • Audio
  • Video
  • Chat

How to create a Webinar event or session in the event creation flow

Webinar events can avoid potential distractions from the audience. This event allows only the host, co-hosts, or panelists to turn on their video and audio.

Create a webinar session for multiple sessions events

  1. Sign in to Zoom Events.
  2. Create a multiple sessions event
  3. In the Sessions tab, upload or add a session manually.
  4. Under Select the event type you want to create, select Webinar.
  5. Enter the rest of the event information in the event creation flow.
  6. Click Save.

Create a Webinar recurring event series

  1. Sign in to Zoom Events.
  2. Create a recurring series event.
  3. In the Event Card's Basic Information section for the event, under Select the event type you want to create, select Webinar.
  4. Enter the rest of the event information.
  5. Click Save & Continue.

How to create a Meeting event or session in the event creation flow

Meeting events can encourage audience participation by allowing all attendees and alternative hosts to turn on their video and audio.

Create a Meeting session for multiple sessions events

  1. Sign in to Zoom Events.
  2. Create a multiple sessions event.
  3. In the Sessions tab, upload or add a session manually.
  4. Under Select the event type you want to create, select Meeting.
  5. Enter the rest of the event information in the event creation flow.
  6. Click Save.

Create a Meeting recurring event series

  1. Sign in to Zoom Events.
  2. Create a recurring series event.
  3. In the Basic Information tab for the event, under Select the event type you want to create, select Meeting.
  4. Enter the rest of the event information.
  5. Click Save & Continue.

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