An NGO client is looking at running webinar meetings for between 20 and 30 volunteers working in administrative and leadership roles - replacing day-long meetings that they'd fly to. They'll be looking for low-cost software, and really easy to use as some people will be challenged enough by the whole concept of virtual attendance. From the research I've done to make the list below, it looks like we'll need: Host (me) overseeing everything and keeping it going Panellists - often more than one, with screen sharing and audio Attendees - able to ask questions verbally or by text Here's what I've been looking at: Skype - limited to 25 which would probably be ok, but what if we actually get a decent turnout? Can't use Skype Business because of it's tie into Office & we don't have that kind of control over our volunteers' tech. Hangouts - limited to 25 Discord - free but not user-friendly enough for this crowd YouTube streaming - this is hangouts? If you want multiple presenters all the docs point back to hangouts Facebook streaming, Twitch, or Mixer, rofl, they'd never cope and we need to be able to change presenters, ask questions verbally zoom.us Meeting - the free plan looks good although the 40-minute limit might be a problem. The $15 plan allows recording and longer meetings and 100 people. eztalks.com - slightly cheaper than zoom.us and appear to be a cloned site but who copied who? anymeeting.com $24 per month for 30 people clickmeeting.com - $30 per month readytalk.com - $59 per month gotomeeting.com $89 per month but you have to commit to a whole year. Requires software. yondo.com - $97 per month Adobe Connect $130 per month on24.com - if you have to request a quote to get pricing I'm guessing it'll be more than we want to spend! blackboard.com - request a quote, yeah, nah Cisco Webex - not available in NZ (but the damn Aussies are allowed!) Have I missed anything?
WebEx, Adobe Connect, GoToWebinar, Join.Me, AnyMeeting and Free Conference Call are some other options. I would advise not using Zoom though, as it isn't really robust and the time limit for the free one makes it not a good value.
I use the full version of zoom for meetings, webinars and livestreams to youtube and facebook (and also use it to call home to my daughters when overseas). Highly recommend it. Almost all the Universities I work with use it. When I have guests on, Zoom is the one that most are familiar with, so they more comfortable with the tech. The claim above that is not robust is BS