Don’t know anything about hybrid events yet, but want to organize one? Then you’ve come to the right place.
Hybrid events grew in 2021 and have already become a constant in the plans of organizers, both nationally and internationally.
According to research by etc.venues, 73% of event organizers intend to run a hybrid event before the end of the year, while 19% haven’t done so yet because they don’t know how it works.
So, how about learning what this new trend is and what its advantages are?
In this post, you’ll see:
- What are hybrid events?
- Why organize hybrid events?
- 5 advantages of hybrid events
- Organize hybrid events with ease
What Are Hybrid Events?
Hybrid events are a mix of two types of events: in-person and online. To achieve this, they use elements that bring both experiences together, such as:
- Live video streaming during talks and workshops;
- Virtual reality;
- Online chat for real-time comments;
- And many others.
This type of event also usually has two distinct schedules, which can be customized according to the format the attendee chooses.
Even so, it can typically be presented alongside event types we already know, such as seminars, congresses, conferences, meetings, and other formats that allow the use of technology.
Why Organize Hybrid Events?
Do you know the purpose of hybrid events and why they’ve become a trend with such incredible advantages? Let me tell you:
In 2020, as we know, the world stopped, and so did in-person events, making virtual events not just an option but a necessity for organizers.
Even so, not everyone enjoys the experience of sitting in front of a screen, without the human warmth of an in-person event, which ended up splitting audiences and resulting in fewer attendees.
The Turning Point
So, as Covid-19 cases declined, events were able to return in person, with the basic precautions we’re all taking.
However, not everyone truly felt safe being physically present among so many people. And on top of that, those who enjoyed virtual events hoped they would keep happening.
That’s when organizers realized they didn’t need to keep these audiences apart — they could bring them together, creating a personalized experience both in person and online, resulting in ever-growing numbers for those running this type of event.
That’s why hybrid events became a trend, even though they existed before the pandemic — the best of both worlds in a single place.
Now, how about discovering the advantages that will make your hybrid events a success?
5 Advantages of Hybrid Events
1. Reach a Much Bigger Audience
At in-person events, many people can’t attend due to health barriers or distance.
And that’s where one of the most important advantages of hybrid events comes in: greater audience reach.
By combining in-person and online formats, your event no longer has barriers — it has accessibility, which can be promoted through personalized schedules.
What’s more, by bringing the online format into your event, not only people from other states and regions can take part, but also people from other countries.
Have you thought about that possibility?
2. Marketing Flexibility
As we know, within the hybrid format we have different ways to display information and engage with the audience.
That’s why marketing gains strength as a tool that can adapt and act across different communication channels.
In person, you can use banners, flyers (recyclable paper, right?), LED screens, or even the talks themselves as ways to spread your strategy.
Online, try using bumpers, notifications, banners, and even video editing on the recorded material.
This way, your brand will be constantly communicating with your audience across different channels, using the best language for each attendee.
3. Greater Sponsorship Opportunity
We can’t talk about event marketing without mentioning the advantage of great sponsorship, right?
Your sponsor needs a great reason to invest in your event, so give them what you do best: your promotion.
With more display possibilities, your sponsor can be seen across different media, with different approaches, within a strategy that can add even more value for them.
So make your marketing strategy very clear in your sponsorship proposal, and increase your chances of getting the financial support your event deserves!
4. Lower Your Carbon Footprint
Let’s be honest, environmental pollution isn’t great — not for the planet, and not for your event’s image either — so how about adopting sustainable practices?
Hybrid events can reduce the ecological impact your event might leave behind, largely thanks to the high number of people who can join through the online format.
“But what’s the real advantage in that?”
As I mentioned, pollution doesn’t look good for your event’s image, especially with the ongoing environmental awareness people have been building.
So, aim to be well regarded by your attendees. Use as little paper as possible, adopt recyclable processes, and promote this idea within your event.
This way, you’ll have an event with not just a great image, but one that also encourages attendees to take positive action for the environment.
What’s more, you could even become an influence for other events.
5. Room for Innovation
Working with two different event formats might make you think you’ll have a bit more work managing everything, but it all depends on your perspective.
A cliché phrase always used by people talking about hybrid events is: “the best of both worlds.”
Because, without a doubt, this type of event brings together the best resources for organizers to run their activities.
With a qualified team, you can create incredible and even unique experiences that only your event can offer.
Schedules that combine both formats at the same time, at different times, or even on different days can provide the edge your event needs.
So don’t be afraid to innovate and bring bold formats to your audience, because hybrid events are still a novelty you can shape and make your own!
Organize Hybrid Events with Ease
Haven’t organized a hybrid event yet, or tried one and it didn’t go so well?
That’s okay, it’s normal, especially if you haven’t gotten the hang of it yet or haven’t used the right platform.
On the Even3 events platform, hybrid events happen smoothly, with features that add value both for you and for your sponsors.
With it, you can have an exclusive page for your event, send emails and notifications to attendees, automate certificate delivery, and even make recorded content available.
Interested? Then check out Even3 and have the best hybrid event experience!
