2020 was an eventful year for individuals of all sectors and fields. While everyone perpetually shifted to the Virtual mode that year, the year 2021 and forward will be a year for the hybrid events platform.
Restrictions on social gathering have started to lift and people are meeting and interacting with each other in the open once again. Hence, we believe that with the ease of physical meetings, coupled with the convenience of Virtual technology, holding events for brands and organizations will be a good idea now. This combination of the two - hybrid events will encourage attendees to participate in an event despite Covid-19 restrictions or other differences like geographical distance, time zones, travel etc.
Like we said, there are other reasons other than Covid-19 restrictions which are enabling event organizers to stick to the virtual/hybrid format of holding events.
Let’s tell you why!
First and foremost, hybrid events offer flexibility and comfort for organizers and attendees both. Both can go ahead and fulfill their needs according to their convenience. Initially, we were all expecting the pandemic to be over by summer 2020 and believed it to be a momentary phase. We all know how it turned out to be.
Event organizers went ahead and did not back down. They transitioned to the virtual mode of functioning with the virtual event platform developed by various technology firms. Events are happening now, with brands, organizations and government bodies executing virtual events on event platforms. With the restrictions easing, event organizers are choosing to combine a few of a physical event’s elements along with virtual events and execute events.
How is this benefiting the organizer?
A lot, especially with their previous affiliation with physical events before the pandemic. The ease of initiating networking and having more attendees at the event.
How are attendees benefitting?
Attendee convenience and comfort is an important factor that drives the success of any event. With the hybrid format, attendees can attend an event in-person as well as virtually according to their convenience. In case the event is a global one, there will be no need for the attendee or event participants to travel, that will indirectly lower the expenses of the organizer. If there are no outstation participants, accommodation expenses will go down too.
So, now you know why you must rethink the format of your events, even if you are not willing to right now.
As much as an attendee benefits from this format, an attendee can gain from this too.
Attendee comfort is first, then rest!
The level of attendee experience when it comes to hybrid or virtual is increasing day after day, especially in their quest to compete and emerge better as compared to physical events.
So, what’s new in Hybrid Events?
Hybrid Events has the ability to enhance attendee experience. With Virtual Spaces taking shape at hybrid events, a lot of focus is being placed on giving the attendees a lifelike experience. These spaces are being divided for various programmes, and activities like selfie booths, feedback walls, games and giveaways are being incorporated to make the space & experience fun.
Today, all event organizers are going ahead with this format. And why not, because if one has to stay on top, you have to follow the trend and be the best with it.
As an event organizer, sponsor, partner or an exhibitor, you’ll benefit from hybrid events no matter what. There is something for everyone and no one goes on loss.
Again, this
format for events brings us hope that someday, normalcy will return and we
could finally switch to the in-person format of executing events. But, can we
do away with the virtual format of doing events? We don’t think so. And that’s
because of the technology that allows an event organizer to record the
behaviour of attendee and any party that takes part in the event. This allows
the organizers or brands to understand so much more about the success of an
event and what could be better for the future of them. The Virtual Event
technology doesn’t limit itself to one event only, but goes on to better the
aspects of events that could take place later.
Resource: https://www.zupyak.com/p/2797201/t/why-are-organizers-shifting-to-the-hybrid-model