How can I justify the cost of professional livestream when there are options out there that are free
What quality level do you need? Does your brand need polish?

What quality level do you need? Does your brand need polish? If you need to protect your image, you really should have a produced event. “Free” will require large amount of learning so it won’t really be free. If you want something that goes beyond a zoom call, it will require investment. If this is just informational, then record it with an onsite camera team, edit it professionally to make it engaging to watch, and post the video on all appropriate content channels. But if you need to engage your audience, invest in an engaging experience.
If you need to engage your audience, invest in an engaging experience.