Background
simplycommunicate is a leading expert in internal communications, helping companies navigate the evolving digital workplace. Through comprehensive services in communication, community building and consulting, the team supports businesses in crafting effective digital communication strategies.
A flagship initiative, the simplySUMMIT event, has been a cornerstone of that work for over 15 years, bringing professionals together to discuss and tackle the biggest issues in internal communications. The 2021 edition focused on critical societal topics including diversity, inclusion, social mobility, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, and simplycommunicate partnered with CrowdComms to deliver it as a seamless hybrid experience.
Event Goals
- Facilitate conversations on the evolving role of internal communications in building trust and supporting hybrid work models
- Deliver a platform that enabled both in-person and virtual attendees to engage seamlessly
- Highlight the latest in digital workplace technologies and automation for internal communications
- Promote inclusivity and accessibility for all participants, regardless of their location or physical attendance
Challenges
- Providing a hybrid event platform that could bridge the gap between in-person and remote attendees
- Ensuring active engagement through discussions, Q&A sessions and networking, despite participants being spread across different locations
- Delivering a paper-free, environmentally sustainable event while maintaining seamless registration and attendee interaction
- Meeting the diverse accessibility needs of a global audience, with travel restrictions and safety concerns still affecting in-person participation
Solution
The CrowdComms hybrid platform enabled seamless engagement for both in-person and remote attendees. Features like live polling, Q&A and chat allowed participants to fully engage, no matter their location.
Badge-scanner technology streamlined networking and removed hierarchical barriers, encouraging open, judgment-free conversations between delegates of all levels.
A plastic-free and paper-free registration and badging system aligned with simplycommunicate’s environmental goals while ensuring a smooth event experience for every attendee.
Custom branding and design created a bespoke look and feel aligned with the event’s theme, and CrowdComms provided continuous support from planning through to event delivery, ensuring a customised, smooth-running event.
Outcome
simplySUMMIT 2021 was a resounding success, with simplycommunicate achieving its goals of inclusivity, engagement and thought leadership in the internal communications sector. The CrowdComms hybrid platform played a critical role in making this possible by delivering a seamless, eco-friendly and accessible event experience. With the continued support of CrowdComms, simplycommunicate is well-positioned to build on this momentum for future events, setting a high standard for hybrid event execution and innovation in internal communications.