Virtual meetings have become the new normal- in both our personal and professional lives. Meeting face-to-face hasn’t been an option across the world for the last three months, and the future of in-person events remains uncertain. As a result of this, all event planners have had to make the choice to either cancel, or to embrace virtual events. Here at CrowdComms, we have had the pleasure of supplying and supporting many event planners with outstanding virtual events solutions over the recent months.
However, with venues expecting to reopen in the not too distant future, how will events go forward safely and logically? Social distancing and keeping attendees and staff safe presents complicated new issues for event planners. But a hybrid event could present the perfect compromise.
What is a hybrid event?
A hybrid event is one that incorporates both in-person and virtual participation. Some attendees will attend the event at the venue, other will join the same event remotely. Hybrid events aren’t new, many event planners have been embracing them for years.
However, a hybrid event is not simply an in-person event that is live streamed to a remote crowd. Those attending virtually are still attending your event- there must be ways for them to interact with exhibitors, ask speakers questions and engage thoroughly with the event’s content.
Hybrid events are undoubtedly the future for the industry. In a recent survey, 62% of event planners said their events would be hybrid moving forward.
Venues will have to limit their attendee capacity due to the restrictions that accompany social distancing. By offering virtual attendance as an option, attendees won’t feel like they’re missing out by not participating physically. This is an added bonus- you will actually be able to maximise the attendance of your event more than ever before by using virtual events software.
Stay tuned for more tips on maximising the impact of your hybrid events.
