Meetings and events are something that human beings have always arranged. With the advancement of technology, we know that these meetings can be held remotely with an electronic device and a webcam. But it can also be the case that part of the guests attend in person and the other party does it virtually. This is what we call a hybrid event.
Is it really that simple? What is a hybrid event?
A hybrid event, according to the definition, combines in-person and digital aspects to provide the best possible experience for each audience. However, the reality is a little more complicated. It’s critical to understand what a hybrid event isn’t before you can build one that helps your organization achieve its objectives.
What is not a hybrid event?
- An in-person event that is live-streamed. Forget about just streaming. The attendants do participate!
- A physical event with a virtual add-on
- A virtual event with a regional happy hour
- Concurrent events with diverse material and audiences
- A live event with on-demand content
Each component of a hybrid event, whether in person or online, is custom-designed and customized for each audience to encourage participation and discovery. Your in-person audience will receive a high-touch VIP experience that will help you generate leads, while your virtual audience will be able to browse your material and make new connections from the comfort of their own home.
Fortunately, modern platforms have made it much easier to plan a hybrid event that is just as remarkable and engaging online as it is in person.
In every venue, combining traditional audiovisual technology with virtual reality, on-demand material, and in-person media helps to foster community, belonging, discovery, and discourse.
How do I know if hybrid events are right for my company?
- What is the goal of your event, both in-person and online?
- Who is your target audience (in-person and online) and what do they expect from this event?
- Will there be an exhibitor’s expo? What about a virtual trade show?
- What about sponsorship chances for both live and virtual sponsorships, or a combination of both?
- Think of a relevant example such as the product launch event of AMD. Those who couldn’t make it in person were emailed a link to a landing page where they could fill out a form to watch the product launch webcast. This not only increased the overall event crowd and created a fun, exclusive event for distant guests, but it also provided the company with a larger and more thorough set of data. Does this sound like something your company could make good use of?
How do I make my hybrid content successful and exciting?
Long story short: Make it interactive, short, and amusing, and you’ll be on your way to hybrid success.
Remember that your online audience is only one click away from leaving. You want to keep them entertained and interested. Let’s take a view at each point.
Dynamic images
At least three or four cameras from various perspectives should be used. As a result, you, the viewer, may get as ‘near’ to the information and experience as you possibly can. The transitions between photos will help viewers stay hooked to the screen.
Interactive program – a must
Participants in hybrid activities are seated with their hands next to a keyboard, as opposed to watching TV. As a result, it’s a good idea to consider how your internet audience can contribute. For instance, you can ask questions (through chat or Twitter) that will be addressed in real-time. Other sorts of interactivity, such as a poll, quiz, or collaborative online brainstorming, are also conceivable.
Think of Eurovision for a moment. Young people love to gather around on social media such as Twitter to create new memes and content. We, humans, are social beings. And we have the urge and need to share and be in contact with others. This can easily be applied in a hybrid event.
Be entertaining!
A good broadcast may be as much fun as a sports game or a current talk show. There is always a presenter, there are always guests, and there is always a moderator in charge of the online content. These are the basic laws of television, and you’d be negligent if you didn’t pay attention to all those years of expertise.
The attendants will leverage any opportunity they have to leave if they find themselves bored to death. You want – and need – to keep them around for as long as possible. Make it amusing: Make jokes, allow people to make presentations, or share their own experiences… It’s up to your company and its needs.
Appointment Scheduling
It’s more difficult to plan meetings when some of your attendees are engaging electronically and others are in person. You can use an appointment scheduling application to block out networking hours on the calendars of your participants. They can use the tool to communicate and schedule meetings directly. As a result, virtual and in-person attendees can see each other’s schedules and network effectively.
Benefits of holding a hybrid event
1. A hybrid event’s reach can be up to ten times its original size
Everyone knows that nothing equals the power of a physical encounter. A mixed broadcast, on the other hand, will not reduce physical engagement. Quite the opposite. Because that’s what happens: individuals who couldn’t go or who have never heard of the conference may nonetheless catch up on the highlights online. If these are satisfactory, they will want to visit the physical location again.
In each case, there are more persons from the possible target group who are not present than those who are. Also, you provide people with a cause and a topic to discuss on social media about your conference or event. And that’s exactly what you’re looking for.
2. The Long-term effect
With a hybrid event, you remove not just the ‘location’ component, but also the ‘time’ factor. The program can still be viewed (in portions) online in the future, which extends the reach and introduces a new audience. Furthermore, all of the queries from internet viewers might provide inspiration for future events.
3. They are attractive to sponsors
We all know how important it is to have someone sponsor your event, product, idea, or else. Sponsors will be more interested in a hybrid component because of its broad reach. They are visible not only to physical attendees of the conference or event but also to online attendees. Not only at the time of the incident, but also for years following via online videos.
4. Environmentally friendly
Your event’s carbon footprint will be reduced by minimizing the number of onsite guests. Attendees will travel less, fewer meals will be thrown away, and rental chairs and tables will be transported less. Your company will be known not only for its event-planning competence but also for its environmental consciousness.
With all of these advantages and benefits, you should consider hybrid events for your products or company. Bear in mind the holy trinity of these events: short, entertaining, and interactive. And you’re most likely set off to success!
