Hybrid events are a relatively new event technology that combines the physical and virtual worlds to create a truly immersive experience for your audience. Consider anything from a large-scale multi-day conference to a one-hour webinar or half-day training course being hosted online, in person, or both at once – Hybrid Event Technology makes it all possible.
It’s an evolution of live streaming and has been helping brands produce better events by improving engagement, saving costs, and fueling audience growth. So, if you’re looking for an event software solution that will help take your next meeting from good to unforgettable – this is what you’ve been waiting for!
What is Hybrid Event Technology?
A hybrid event is where most of the event is virtual, and a tiny percentage is physical. It takes place in both the real and virtual worlds, creating a more engaging experience for attendees and anyone who cannot attend. No matter where your audience members are located, they can interact with speakers and each other at any time of day or night.
Virtual aspects could include video chats, email updates, webinars, or blogs to everyone registered before an event occurs. These allow people from across the country (and maybe even around the world) to participate in an essential conversation without ever having to leave home.
In our increasingly connected culture, this allows you to bring together different groups of participants from all walks of life into one cohesive unit that comes together to learn from one another.
How Does a Hybrid Event Work?
A hybrid event technology platform allows you to manage all aspects of your event, both physical and virtual, in one place. This means that whether people attend the live event or watch it online, they can do so through a single website or portal.
You can control what content is available to them and provide a seamless experience for all involved. Additionally, this also gives you the ability to track engagement levels across different platforms so that you can better understand how people are interacting with your event content.
Many hybrid events use a “build your own schedule” format, letting participants create their plan based on the sessions and activities they’re most interested in. This encourages more active participation from your audience and creates a better attendee experience.
It also allows you to carry out more targeted marketing by sending only the registered people for an event instead of reaching out to everyone on your email list. This saves time and makes it easier to create a truly personalised experience.
Advantages of Hybrid Event Technology?
Virtual presence: Your speakers can interact with participants worldwide using live streaming, or webinars which lets them feel like they’re at the event even if they can’t be there in person.
Engagement: Engagement is so much easier when everyone has the chance to participate without feeling like there’s too much pressure or intimidation. Whether people are watching your event live, participating in build-your-own schedule activities, or simply viewing the archives, later on, they’re all able to get involved.
Improved ROI: Thanks to improved engagement and easier marketing, you can expect increased revenue through added registrations for future events.
Streamlined Event Management: As your technology solution is built around one platform instead of multiple pieces, it’s much easier to manage everything from one place rather than having to log into various accounts every day.
Integration with Existing Systems: Your webinar software should be compatible with many other event management systems so that you spend less time trying to integrate different software.
Personalised Experience: This will encourage people to attend future events, deepening their involvement and loyalty to your brand.
Reduced Costs: With a hybrid event technology platform, you can often expect a reduced cost compared to other event technologies. This is because there’s no need for additional hardware or software, and most platforms offer a pay-as-you-go pricing structure.
Scalability: As your company grows, your hybrid event technology platform can also be. You’ll be able to add more features, more users, and more platforms without any trouble.
Data Collection and Analysis: All of the data collected through your hybrid event technology can be easily analysed so that you understand how people are engaging with your content.
Things to Consider for the Best Hybrid Event Technology
Ease of use: The platform you choose should be easy to navigate so that you and your team can quickly learn how to use it.
Compatibility: It should be compatible with various software and systems, both existing and future, to avoid any headaches down the road.
Cost-effective: You don’t want something that’s going to break the bank, especially when you’re just starting. Look for a platform that has a pay-as-you-go pricing structure or one that offers free trials so you can test it out first.
Scalable: As your company grows, so too should your technology platform. Make sure the one you choose can handle an increase in users, sessions, and more.
Functionality: You need a platform to handle everything your event needs, like registration, content hosting, and participant management.
Customization: Make sure you can customise the layout of your events with images, videos, and logos for optimal branding.
Analytics: Is there built-in analytics that can help you better understand what’s most important to your attendees? If not, is it possible for you to create custom reports or options to gather more data?
Authentication: Look for a platform that allows you to easily authenticate participants through an existing CRM system so that their contact information is already filled in when they register for events.
Support: An excellent customer support system is the key to a smooth event. Make sure you have 24/7 access so that there’s always someone around to answer questions and solve issues.
Knowledge base: A great platform should have a knowledge base or a way for you to search all available support materials so that you can find solutions quickly without having to contact customer service.
Conclusion
Hybrid Events are perfect for businesses looking to create an engaging live experience that reaches a larger audience at a lower cost. Using a hybrid event technology platform can improve your event strategy and provide a fantastic experience for all those involved.
