1930s rally
virtual hall in this context, an imaginary meeting event
Since Classical times, with Greek theater, Roman Colosseum, and Senate, public meetings in which crowds gathered in one place, one time, to observe and participate in a peaceful given event are examples of Event-Centered activity. (saying peaceful here to distinguish the aim was not murderous warfare, which goes back farther in time)
Trend to Decentralize meetings
In this disease-ridden present, we the people are presented with admonitions to abide by "social distancing" (no public meetings, unless they be 'mostly peaceful' riots). Another stimulus for abolishing the public meeting is that they attract terrorist attacks, such as 'suicide bombers' and drone war hits.
Downsides to the trend (aka upbeat features to be dashed)
Audience feedback: Actors and other presenters enjoy rewarding affirmation when the audience sends a "like" by applause.
Audience self-awareness: Obviously members of an audience who are influenced by consensus will be able to notice responses just as the presenters on stage can. Attendees can also look around and quickly assess how many others are experiencing the event ('views').
Venue capitalists, aka impresarios, are starved of attendance fees, having no events to show.
Virtualized happenings are sensation-limited. Sounds and sights by really being present are far more vivid and lush than smallish images and sound recordings.
Hecklers are frustrated, not being able to interject their opinions. Boo.
Upsides to the trend
The event becomes distributed across place. Instead of a crowded meeting venue (recall attendance to a ball game), the audience may observe/experience the virtualized version at home, or on their phone, etc. Convenience realized: the bothers of travel and crowds.
The event becomes distributed across time. Instead of a live performance which disappears as soon as its elements occur, a virtual recording can be experienced over a long period of time, including as long as the recording is available. Instant replays! Multiple camera angles! So convenient.
Hecklers are socially distanced to the comments. In a real audience, hearing heckles is not optional, but in a virtual event, one must read thru comments to find the disliker's opinions.
Virtual Halls, examples
social media sites
forum sites
any website that offers comments
any website that offers likes, dislikes
Why is audience participation necessary for a public meeting?
Because without it, the event becomes a 'broadcast' similar to radio or TV show. A 'live' event always has both presenter and receiver present in the same time/place. It's centralized.
update Oct.29.2020 Las Vegas Sands getting out of US, decentralizing restaurant trends 9 min
ghost kitchens
study notes
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=meeting+hall&t=h_&ia=we
there doesn't seem to be anything here