What is a Hybrid Event, and Why Are They So Successful?

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to subside, more companies choose to host hybrid events. However, crafting a successful hybrid event requires considerable time and financial investment. If you find that you and your colleagues do not have the time to plan and run a hybrid event, consider hiring an event agency in London to create an impactful hybrid event that fulfils all your objectives.

What is a Hybrid Event?

A hybrid event consists of both in-person and virtual elements. The beauty of hybrid events is that they combine the best parts of in-person and virtual events. For example, hybrid events allow those who want to connect with others in the industry in person to do so. Additionally, those who cannot attend the in-person event for any reason can still get involved online.

Many companies opt for hybrid events because they are explicitly built around attendee engagement. Streaming live events allows remote attendees to get involved in discussions virtually, for example, by being able to ask questions directly to speakers as if they were there in the room.

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What Are the Main Benefits of Hybrid Events?

Hybrid events have many benefits for organisations looking to make an impact in their industry:

More Audience Engagement

Hybrid events allow for more audience engagement. For example, a well-organised live event will allow virtual attendees to participate in Q&A sessions, vote in live polls and network with others at the event in a meaningful way.

Greater Attendance

Making your event hybrid means people who cannot access the event in person, such as those based elsewhere in the country or a different country altogether, can attend the event virtually. As a result, you dramatically increase the reach and attendance of your event.

Better Return on Investment

A hybrid event’s increased reach and scalability mean you attract more attendees overall. As a result, you sell more tickets and get a much better return on investment than you would if your event was fully in-person or virtual. In addition, the flexible nature of the event also reduces the financial risk as you will likely spend less money on the event than if it was fully in-person. Consequently, you can hire a smaller venue and spend less of your budget on event vendors, staff, speakers and other costly aspects of an in-person event.

More Sponsorship Opportunities

Hybrid events allow organisations to reach more people. As a result, it is a great opportunity for sponsors to reach more potential customers. Not only do sponsors get exposure at the in-person event, but their brand is also seen by virtual attendees from across the globe. As a result, you can offer potential sponsors flexible packages where they can advertise their products and services at the in-person event and online, or only at the in-person event if they wish. Other ways you can get sponsors interested in your event is to allow them to host presentations or webinars, conduct workshops to create interest, or hand out branded merchandise to attendees.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Allowing individuals to participate in your event virtually reduces the negative impact on the environment. Fewer in-person attendees mean you will reduce the carbon footprint and limit the number of wasted resources, as transport, printing waste and food waste have a negative environmental impact.

Accessible Content

One of the key benefits of a hybrid event is the opportunity to offer attendees accessible, on-demand content. At in-person events, exhibitors typically have to print resources for attendees, which can quickly get lost or damaged. Alternatively, by providing online content available on-demand, event attendees can access the content wherever and whenever they need it. There are several ways to do this, such as emailing resources to attendees during or after the event or giving them a personalised login to an online portal filled with valuable resources and information.

Access to Data and Analytics

Hosting your event partially online allows you to collect valuable data for your organisation. While in-person events allow you to track the number of attendees and the number of sessions each person attends, the virtual sessions will give you more insight into behaviour patterns and attendees’ interests. This, in turn, allows you to gain a greater understanding of your audience. By learning more about your audience, you can create better-tailored event experiences in the future.

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Final Thoughts

Hybrid events have changed how organisations interact with their audiences for the better. In a world that prioritises flexibility but appreciates personal connection, hybrid events tick all the boxes for the event organisers and the attendees. Hybrid events have many benefits, including more audience engagement, greater attendance, better return on investment, more sponsorship opportunities, a reduced environmental impact, access to data and analytics, and accessible, on-demand content. So if you are planning a hybrid event but do not know where to start, consider hiring an event agency in London to help you craft an unforgettable hybrid event.

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