VIRTUAL AND HYBRID EVENTS HOW BUSINESSES CAN LEVERAGE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS |
Posted: July 27, 2022 |
The virtual events industry is constantly changing – the past few years were no exception. As COVID-19 reshaped the world, the year 2020 created particular difficulties for event planners across the globe:
Thankfully, event organizers have reacted to these new obstacles by leveraging the promise virtual and hybrid events hold. Even in unforeseen difficulties, these events have made it possible to bring people together for a common cause, such as to inform, educate, debate, or rejoice. What lies ahead for corporate events and gatherings in 2022 and beyond? Analysts predict that this year will be a significant one for hybrid gatherings. Travel restrictions and other safety considerations will likely be in place for some time. As the pandemic is still not over, not all participants may be able to participate in person. The future will be a mix of Hybrid & Virtual events Let’s talk more about what each of these entails. Hybrid events: Have you ever cheered your favorite team in a cricket match or predicted who would get the Oscar while watching the event live? Then you have attended a hybrid event. Any event which features both the in-person and online audience is referred to as a hybrid event. Take, for example, a concert that welcomes attendees in person and broadcasts the same live online for viewers at home. They essentially feature a live audience that gathers in a physical location and an online virtual audience. The main objective of hosting a hybrid event is to provide each participant/attendee with a real and virtual experience to increase audience engagement. Both audiences can simultaneously participate in the event and engage with one another if you utilize the correct virtual event marketing platform. A hybrid event, however, is not:
Due to safety concerns, busy schedules, and travel restrictions, people might not make it to the event in person. Hence, a hybrid event is a great alternative for organizers and attendees. As organizers get a large audience and attendees get more flexibility. Primary advantages of Hybrid events:
Virtual events: All events held entirely online are virtual events. These events usually combine live streaming and pre-recorded content to engage online audiences. Online conferences, webinars, webcasts, and online meetings are a few examples of virtual events. Virtual events allow attendees to meet, network, interact and engage with people as they would in live events. The only difference is that these events are held on a particular virtual event marketing platform and for a set period with specific rules. Primary advantages of virtual events:
Factors to consider when planning Hybrid & Virtual events:
It is safe to say both virtual and hybrid events will continue to be relevant and a critical part of marketing activities for a long time to come. While hybrid events have the potential to expand an organization’s audience base and well as revenue, most individuals and businesses will have to take a call based on the objective of the event and who their target audience is. But that said, in both these formats, there will be a personal connection and ample opportunities to grow. To know more about Virtual events, reach out to us now!
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