Hybrid events have quite recently become the next big thing, and especially living in a world full of COVID-19 restrictions, we’re sure that this complimenting strategy will be here to stay for several more years, or decades even. With so many companies and brands including this mix of virtual and live events into their marketing and events strategies, perhaps you’ll want to know exactly why you too should hop on the bandwagon.

What are hybrid events?

Simply put, a hybrid event is the integration of crowds in a live event, with the attendees who virtually join via a streaming platform. These are easier to plan, and host now than ever before with no need for you to have years of experience or knowledge, so long as you have the necessary tools and technology to engage your audience.

Benefits of hybrid events

1. Increased Reach

Did you know that 98% of attendees had no intention of joining your event in person? So, what does this mean for the future of events?

By allowing a separate platform for your viewers to virtually ‘attend’ your event, you’re giving your brand the opportunity to increase the reach and attendees. It’s no surprise that the integration of two channels fusing together will only create something bigger, and that something is none other than your reach.

With a virtual space for your viewers also means that your brand may expose itself to the international audiences, with people all over the world free to join and learn about your organisation.

2. More opportunities for Engagement

As we’ve established earlier, it is completely unnecessary to have the latest form of A.I bot that seamlessly communicates with your audience through their screens. Instead, think about the tools we already have at hand that are great ways to communicate with your customers and attendees.

It could be a short poll every 45 minutes, or a Q&A session that addresses the concerns and questions from the fellow viewers live. There are endless ways of interacting with your customers, so long as you squeeze some brain juices for creative ideas that boosts engagements.

A common example we can use is a virtual Award Presentation in an annual Company D&D. In light of COVID-19, having these events held live are going to be nearly impossible especially when safe distancing regulations are put in place. However, that does not mean it has to be cancelled, or that it can no longer be as exciting as it could have been, so long as creativity is put to use the right way.

3. Higher Return on Investments

Following up on our above point with a marginal improvement of reach, this also opens another pro of a higher ROI. Because you now have more people attending your event, you now have the ability to translate that bigger crowd into a higher number of people either learning more about your brand, or turn into loyal customers. Either way, these are great things to have.

4. Greater Flexibility

Finally, the flexibility a hybrid event provides is something companies will only pray for when disaster strikes. The ongoing pandemic that hit the world like a truck is one great example.

Event planners know that having a backup plan is an absolute must, but what happens when the space you booked needs to be postponed, reduced, or worst, cancelled as we move forward in the world full of COVID19 restrictions? Then, going virtual is undoubtedly the answer. After all, the show must go on.

Did we tickle your fancy about hybrid events? Let us help you get it right.