Hybrid Events: What Are They And Why Book One?
In recent years, virtual has made its way more and more into our lives with a large number of workers adopting the ‘hybrid working’ model.
According to Office of National Statistics, “85% of employees currently working from home want a ‘hybrid’ approach of both home and office working in future“.
Although this trend peaked as a result of the pandemic, remote and hybrid working seems as though it is here to stay. It’s the same for the world of events too.
There is an ever-increasing need for virtual and hybrid events and the ability to host online. Although in-person events still have the main stage within the events industry, an alternative remains popular: Hybrid Events.
What Is A Hybrid Event?
A hybrid event is any event that includes both live and virtual content. Any event that has a virtual participation element would be classed as a hybrid event.
This could be anything from a meeting taking place that includes live participation on social channels such as Twitter. To a product launch that live-streams online, showcasing the launch simultaneously.
Hybrid events aim to combine both virtual and live elements to create an event that benefits from both event types.
What Are The Benefits Of Booking A Hybrid Event?
Hybrid events come with many benefits, which is why they continue to be popular with clients. There are lots of ways that companies can really benefit by hosting a hybrid event.
Firstly you will save money. By booking a hybrid event you are minimising all your costing for physical attendance. Therefore you will not be paying for extra venue space, catering or travel expenses.
This also opens up your event to a wider audience, as you can have both in-person and virtual audiences attend.
This makes your event much more accessible as you can have guests from all around the world attend your event virtually, which may not have been cost-effective prior to this integration.
One huge benefit and incentive for incorporating hybrid event technology is the sustainability aspect.
Integrating hybrid solutions into your event can reduce the carbon footprint of your event. So if you’re a company that needs to consider sustainability, or you’re someone who is environmentally conscious, this is a fantastic incentive for booking a hybrid event.
With the ever-growing concern for companies hosting sustainable and eco-friendly events, this is an excellent way for your company to showcase its environmental awareness.
Not to mention that by hosting a hybrid event you are highlighting the fact that your company is at the forefront of innovative thinking. This is because it shows you are aware of on-trend and upcoming technological innovations.
Key Things To Consider With Hybrid Events
Unfortunately, Hybrid events are not quite as simple as setting a live stream up on social media and pressing play.
Depending on your audience it is really important to consider:
- How they will interact with your content
- How you come across to your end users.
For example, if you are hosting a hybrid conference you want to ensure that your video content is slick and well-produced. Additionally, it is imperative that the interactive element looks professional and works!
This is where an events company can help produce great, high-quality content and host your platform and live stream.
It ensures that your virtual participants don’t feel like they are an afterthought. You need to ensure that your content is not only eye-catching but also engaging and will keep your audience sticking around.
The virtual aspects of your event should enhance the guest experience at your event as it gives you access to a wider range of options to integrate into your event. Such as guest speakers, presenters and even virtual entertainers.
Both your virtual and in-person audience should be considered and the event should be optimised for both. So you need to consider the time of the event and the running order to make sure neither audience is left out.
What Events Are Suitable For Hybrid?
Almost any event can have hybrid event technology integrated. However, the level of integration will vary depending on the event type. The benefits are different for each event type too.
We find hybrid technology especially popular with corporate events. Mainly:
- Conferences and Award Ceremonies
- Corporate workshops and Training Sessions
- Seminars
- Brand activations
- Influencer events, engagement
Hybrid technology opens up these events to a wider audience which is a big factor for clients booking these types of events. This technology can also make the planning and logistics side easier with companies that have a global workforce or audience.
As mentioned previously, hybrid integration offers a fantastic sustainability aspect and also saves on time and cost, which is a huge incentive for corporate clients and businesses.
Hybrid technology can also be used in a more casual capacity for showcasing certain events across social platforms. For example, bookshops that have a guest author and give physical and virtual attendees the opportunity to ask questions.
Whether you’re looking for a slick hybrid event with multiple factors such as guest speakers and curated video content. Or you are looking for a different way to increase your social presence and brand awareness online. Hybrid events are an excellent way of achieving this!
A professional hybrid event brings the best elements of in-person events and virtual events to deliver a valuable experience for all involved.
Book A Hybrid Event
We hope this blog has given you some valuable information on hybrid events – what they are, the benefits and why clients book them.
If you’d like to find out more about our hybrid events, please visit our dedicated hybrid events page.
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