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Is it time to follow the hybrid event trend?

TBH, we all freaked out when interacting and networking was banned a year ago. It still is, although many event organizers have now adapted to the virtual mode of executing events.

Then, what exactly happened? Covid-19 enabled the tech companies, event companies and other software companies to reimagine networking and connecting with people. Events required people to gather and network and that became a big NO NO.

Back then, a lot of event organizers swore by the format of in-person events and none could ever imagine that the rise of virtual format for events would be the next big thing.

And as organizers loved in-person events & didn’t want to do away with the benefits of a virtual event? What could be better than mixing the both?

Yes, people! This combination gave rise to the format of Hybrid Events wherein organizers could incorporate the important and coherent elements from both the formats and build it into one proper event.

Now, this format isn’t a new thing to the organizers any longer. So let’s go ahead and check why organizers are shifting to this brand new model of event management.

-        With the hybrid event format, event organizers have the best of both the worlds - virtual and physical. One can bring together the finesse of physical events without compromising on the technology of virtual reality.

-        Hybrid events are also affordable. Event organizers cre venue, accommodation and other areas where money can be actually invested, rather than spending all on only itineraries of guests and speakers.

-        Most importantly, event organizers can have their event accessed by one and all, despite geographical boundaries, time zones or other boundations. People and attendees of all kinds can access an event. Now, especially with the availability of high end technology designed by the technology companies, events can also be uniquely designed for attendees of special needs, or different age groups.

To deliver such an event, event organizers mostly need to arm themselves with event partners who can readily take charge and treat every event like their own.

How to decide your hybrid event platform or event partners?

-        Check Reviews

-        Ask the right questions

-        Research the internet about the top platforms who deliver events at reasonable prices without compromising on the quality.

-        If you find a contact, talk to them personally (A few event organizations like ibentos cater to all their clients personally and answer all queries and doubts)

-        Check their website thoroughly

-        Check the kind of organizations they’ve worked for or are working now

-        Do they have repeat clients (If you see a client keeps coming back to the same organization without migrating, then definitely their services are unmatchable)

-        Check if they’ve done hybrid events in the past ( A few platforms tend to dodge organizers’ ideas and slap their opinions instead of listening to the client) Beware!

What do event organizers exactly need to host a hybrid event?

First of all, as an event organizer, you’ll have to decide on the logistics of holding the physical event, then hiring an effective virtual event partner, along with that, you’d need the facility to connect your LIVE feed from the physical event to the Virtual Event platform for your virtual audience.

Get started by deciding which parts of the event you are willing to convert into a physical event. As in, the inauguration event could be a physical one, whereas for the conferences and panel discussions, you could switch to the virtual mode.

Hence, you will partially need the setup of a physical event, along with a virtual event platform built to project all your event programs.

Then, shift your focus onto a streaming software for LIVE streaming your event onto the platform or other social media platforms. However, if you have an efficient and all round virtual event platform, these tasks can be taken care of by them.

Along with the above, you’ll get to use all the benefits of a hybrid event platform like virtual booths, virtual conferences, webinars and even incorporate fun activities like selfie booths, games and scrabble walls. These simple additions to your platform can up your event game and engage your audience to a large extent along with entertaining them.

What, we feel and have observed during these two years time of the pandemic is that, technology has taken a vast, vast leap forward. If not technology, networking and meeting could have been herculean task. A big thanks to Virtual event developers who jumped in the right moment to save event organizers from the doom other sectors were subjected to.

You can take a look at ibentos - a comprehensive Hybrid event platform who came to the limelight with their technology to support event organizers. Their experience began with events long before virtual events were a thing in the market. So, keep them in mind, before you go ahead with a hybrid event platform and choose partners! 

Resource: https://www.atoallinks.com/2021/is-it-time-to-follow-the-hybrid-event-trend/

More Resources:

- Networking features to get the most out of your Virtual Events.

- What Do Students Need From Virtual Fairs?

- Maximize Your Trade Show Strategy.

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