Hybrid events offer valuable opportunities and represent the future of numerous events and conferences.
A hybrid event occurs live with an (often limited) in-person audience while also being accessible digitally. It’s not merely a matter of livestreaming what happens on stage. To create an effective hybrid event, it’s essential to engage both the physical and online audiences consistently, ensuring that the entire experience is seamlessly connected. Different, yet equally compelling.
Hybrid events are the future for many conferences and events. A full return to the way things were is no longer possible—nor desirable. We must embrace the advantages of online engagement and carry them forward into the future of events. Here are a few ideas
Manage de verwachtingen voor zowel het live als het online gedeelte
Of course, it’s essential to ensure that participants know what to expect from your event. However, when combining live and digital formats, this becomes even more critical. Your virtual guests should understand how to log in, while your live attendees need to be aware that an online audience will be watching. Clearly communicate in advance that there are options available: attending in person, participating from behind a computer, or a combination of both
Think ‘digital-first’
When selecting speakers, the layout of the venue, and the program, it’s important to keep the digital participants in mind. Someone attending live will have a different attention span than someone watching online. Additionally, you want the virtual audience to engage by asking questions to the speakers or networking with other attendees. Therefore, ensure that there are shorter sessions with a clear focus
On-demand is key
The major advantage of a hybrid event or conference is that the content can be reused once the meeting is over. For knowledge-based events, this is the best way to enhance the ROI and impact of your event. So, carefully consider this impact and how you can best utilize and integrate it into your overall campaign
Content is key
Content-driven and knowledge events require a stable and experienced partner who takes their objectives seriously and doesn’t overwhelm them with unnecessary bells and whistles that can overshadow the core message. While there are increasingly interesting online tools available, the substance will always take precedence over the (online) form
What if high-quality knowledge is at the center?
What do you do when an event is primarily focused on knowledge and content? Consider sectors such as science, education, government, healthcare, and IT. In meetings for these fields, high-quality knowledge and networking take center stage, while the emphasis is less on the ‘visual appeal’ or surrounding spectacle. Of course, there are plenty of enjoyable and interactive experiences at these events, but the message and the connection between people remain paramount.
