Hybrid events have become increasingly popular in recent years as they offer the best of both worlds. These events combine the benefits of in-person gatherings with the flexibility and reach of virtual events. A successful hybrid event provides on-site and remote participants with an engaging and seamless experience. In my continuing “Future of events” blog series, we’ll explore the key strategies and tips for creating a successful hybrid event, from planning and technology to communication and audience engagement.
Comprehensive Planning and Setting Clear Objectives
The first step in organizing a successful hybrid event is establishing clear objectives and a comprehensive plan. Consider the goals of your event, the target audience, and how the hybrid format will help you achieve these goals. Define your event’s key performance indicators (KPIs), such as attendance numbers, audience engagement, and revenue generation, and use them to guide your planning process.
Ensuring a High-Quality Audiovisual Experience
The audiovisual experience is critical to any event, particularly in a hybrid format. Invest in high-quality audio and video equipment for the in-person portion of the event and ensure that the virtual experience is equally polished. Consider hiring a professional AV team to manage the technical aspects of the event and provide a seamless experience for all attendees.
Selecting the Right Technology Platform
Choosing the right technology platform is crucial to the success of your hybrid event. The platform should offer a user-friendly interface, high-quality audio and video streaming, and seamless integration with other event tools. Additionally, it should provide interactive features for remote attendees, such as live chat, Q&A sessions, and polling, to foster engagement and create a sense of community.
Here are my choices for the top 10 virtual/hybrid event platforms:
1. Bizzabo
Bizzabo is an all-in-one event management platform that supports in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. It offers many features, such as customizable event websites, registration and ticketing, live streaming, on-demand content, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities. The platform integrates with popular marketing tools like Salesforce, Marketo, and HubSpot, making it easy for event organizers to manage and promote their events seamlessly. With its robust features and integrations, Bizzabo is an excellent choice for hosting hybrid events.
2. Hopin
Hopin is a versatile and user-friendly virtual event platform that allows organizers to create fully customizable online events. With Hopin, you can create virtual venues for webinars, conferences, expos, and networking events. Its features include live streaming, breakout sessions, one-on-one video networking, expo booths, and real-time chat functionality. Hopin integrates with various popular tools like Slack, HubSpot, and Google Analytics, making it a popular choice for hybrid and virtual events.
3. Swapcard
Swapcard is an event platform that combines the power of artificial intelligence (AI) with a robust set of features to deliver engaging hybrid and virtual events. The platform offers advanced networking capabilities, AI-powered matchmaking, in-app chat, and meeting schedule. With Swapcard, you can host live streams, pre-recorded sessions, roundtables, and workshops. Swapcard integrates with numerous other event management tools and platforms, making it a solid option for hybrid events.
4. Hublio
Hubilo is a virtual and hybrid event platform that helps organizations create engaging online experiences for their attendees. The platform offers a range of features, including live streaming, pre-recorded sessions, interactive Q&A, polls, and breakout rooms. Hubilo also focuses on networking opportunities, allowing attendees to create personalized profiles, participate in one-on-one video meetings, and join group discussions.
5. vFairs
vFairs is a virtual and hybrid event platform that creates immersive 3D environments for conferences, trade shows, and job fairs. The platform allows organizers to design a custom-branded virtual event space with expo halls, auditoriums, and information booths. vFairs offers features like live chat, webinars, Q&A sessions, and gamification elements to keep attendees engaged. Additionally, it provides comprehensive reporting and analytics for event organizers to track performance.
6. Whova
Whova is a popular event management platform that offers comprehensive solutions for virtual, in-person, and hybrid events. It provides various features, including live streaming, pre-recorded sessions, interactive polls, and Q&A sessions. With built-in attendee networking tools, Whova helps participants connect through in-app messaging, virtual meetups, and personalized agendas. The platform also supports sponsor and exhibitor showcases, making it an attractive option for trade shows and conferences.
7. Remo
Remo is an innovative virtual event platform that recreates the feel of in-person events with its unique, interactive 2D floor plans. Attendees can navigate through different rooms and engage in video chats, simulating the experience of a live event. Remo offers live streaming, breakout rooms, whiteboards, and screen-sharing features. The platform is ideal for networking events, conferences, and workshops, providing attendees with a more engaging and interactive experience.
8. SpotMe
SpotMe is a comprehensive event engagement platform designed to create interactive and immersive experiences for both in-person and virtual events. It offers a wide range of features and tools that help event organizers connect with their audience. SpotMe is suitable for various types of events, including conferences, trade shows, webinars, and hybrid events
9. PheedLoop
PheedLoop is an all-in-one event management platform that simplifies organizing virtual, in-person, and hybrid events. It provides interactive tools like live polls, Q&A sessions, and virtual exhibit halls. It offers various features like event registration, ticketing, live streaming, on-demand content, and virtual networking.
10. Run The World
Run The World is a virtual event platform that creates interactive and engaging experiences for attendees. It offers various event formats, including panel discussions, fireside chats, cocktail parties, and workshops. Run The World’s standout feature is its “cocktail party” function, which allows participants to engage in timed one-on-one video chats. The platform also provides analytics and insights to help event organizers measure the success of their events.
Broadcasting Solutions
When planning the virtual portion of an event, organizers must choose between pre-recorded and live content, or both. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on the specific goals and requirements of the event.
Here’s a comparison of pre-recorded and live virtual events:
Pre-recorded Virtual Events:
- Advantages:
- Higher production quality: Pre-recorded content can be edited and polished, ensuring a professional and seamless presentation.
- Greater flexibility: Speakers can record their presentations at their convenience, and organizers can schedule content to be released at specific times.
- Less technical risk: With pre-recorded content, there’s less chance of technical issues like internet connection problems or streaming errors.
- Easier time zone management: Pre-recorded sessions can be made available on-demand, allowing attendees from different time zones to access the content at their convenience.
- Cost Saving: It is more economical to use pre-recorded videos than setting each session up with cameras and recording equipment.
- Disadvantages:
- Limited interactivity: Pre-recorded events may lack the spontaneity and engagement of live events, as there’s no real-time interaction between speakers and attendees.
- Less urgency: Attendees may be less motivated to attend a pre-recorded event, knowing they can access the content at a later time.
Live Virtual Events:
- Advantages:
- Real-time engagement: Live events allow for immediate interaction between speakers and attendees through Q&A sessions, polls, and chat features, creating a more dynamic and engaging experience.
- Networking opportunities: Live events can facilitate real-time networking among attendees, with features such as breakout rooms, video chats, and virtual roundtables.
- Enhanced credibility: A live event can convey a sense of authenticity and credibility, as speakers must think on their feet and respond to questions in real-time.
- Disadvantages:
- Technical challenges: Live events are more susceptible to technical issues, such as internet connectivity problems, streaming errors, or platform glitches.
- Time zone constraints: Live events may be less accessible to attendees in different time zones, potentially limiting the global reach of the event.
- Stress for speakers: Presenting live can be more stressful for speakers, as there’s no opportunity for editing or reshooting their presentation.
Effective Communication and Promotion
Successful hybrid events require clear and consistent communication with attendees, sponsors, and speakers. Develop a comprehensive communication plan outlining the channels you’ll use to share information, the frequency of updates, and the key messages you want to convey. Utilize various channels, such as email, social media, and your event website, to promote the event and keep attendees informed.
Fostering Audience Engagement and Networking Opportunities
Engagement is critical to the success of any event, but it’s particularly important in a hybrid setting. Design your event program with both in-person and virtual attendees in mind, incorporating interactive elements such as live polls, Q&A sessions, and breakout rooms. Provide networking opportunities for all attendees using virtual event platforms that facilitate one-on-one conversations, group discussions, or even virtual business card exchanges.
Measuring Success and Gathering Feedback
After your hybrid event, it’s essential to analyze its success against predefined KPIs. Collect feedback from attendees, sponsors, and speakers to identify areas for improvement and better understand the overall event experience. Use this information to refine your approach and create even more successful hybrid events in the future.
Conclusion:
Creating a successful hybrid event requires a strategic approach, careful planning, and a focus on delivering a seamless, engaging experience for all attendees. Following these tips and strategies, you can craft a hybrid event that meets your objectives, fosters engagement, and provides value for in-person and virtual participants.