Hybrid Events: Are They The Future Of The Events Industry?

By now, a lot of us have become very comfortable with the virtual world. Be it education or work; the world has witnessed a rapid change from offline to online lifestyles.

Similarly, the event industry is also one that has shifted lifestyles, and this change has brought in "hybrid events." But what is it? What is it used for? How does it impact our current lifestyle?

Find out everything you need to know about hybrid events and how they are slowly becoming the future of the event management industry.

What Is A Hybrid Event?

In simple terms, a hybrid event is one that combines both in-person and online elements of an event and helps to unlock a live conversation between the attendees and presenters of the event.

In order to understand this better, we will now show the three major components that make up a hybrid event. They are as listed below.

• The event combines both live, in-person, and online, virtual elements.

• All the people attending the event (whether offline or online) can communicate with other attendees and the presenters.

• In short, a hybrid event is one that is "partly live."

Now, let us understand this with an example of hybrid events.

Hybrid fundraising events are one that happens both offline and online. The event might be happening in a hotel or a conference hall, but it is also available online in real-time and can be streamed on platforms like Tree Fan Events.

Since both the offline and online versions of the event happen in real time, together, it allows for a lot more conversation and engagement between the spectators and presenters. This also gives the event more meaning.

What Are The Benefits Of Hybrid Events?

With the situation of the current world, a lot of people prefer to stay in the comfort of their home. However, hybrid events offer a lot of change, as it makes the event more meaningful and realistic.

Listed below are some of the advantages of hybrid events.

Reach A Larger Scale

Online events, in general, have started to skyrocket during the last two years. Online events also allow for a lot of reach because people all over the world can access these. This by itself will help you get a larger scale.

However, adding a hybrid event will further expand it. This way, you can retain your existing online attendees with a few more offline attendees.

Gets More Revenue

Online events have been a hit in recent times because a lot of people from different parts of the world can now easily access them without moving an inch. In order to gain heavy revenue, you can make the free event a ticketed one.

Additionally, you can also add a hybrid event to get more lead generation from the audience. This way you can easily get more revenue which leads to more profits.

Moreover, a hybrid event will allow you to get data on how your online audience is viewing the event.

It Is Cost-Efficient

Virtual and online events usually do not cost a lot. They also do not require a lot of time and effort as a real, offline event.

Adding a hybrid event will allow you to increase the cost by a small percentage. Rest assured, it will not be a dramatic change of numbers. For example, when you charge your offline audience, you can book a larger space, or hire extra help, and so on.

Allows Networking

One of the major advantages to hybrid events is that it allows for easy communication between online and offline attendees.

However, this communication is not restricted to just attendees. You can also interact with the presenters of the event, be it offline or online! This way, you can easily network with a lot of people without moving an inch.

Easy Accessibility

Hybrid events also allow you to expand your event and make it accessible for people all across the globe. This way, you can meet and interact with a lot of people from different countries, which brings a sense of diversity into any conversation!

How To Host A Hybrid Event In 3 Easy Steps

The concept of hybrid events might seem complicated, but the process of setting up one is very easy. Take a look at our 3 step guide on how to conduct a hybrid event.

Step #1: Plan The Content

The first step is to plan the content for the event. Think about whether you will be using keynotes or panels for your event.

Step #2: Engage!

The next step is participation. Make sure you keep your online guests entertained by asking questions and talking to them.

Step #3: Talk To The Audience

The final step is where the presenters of the event answer questions using moderators. This happens in real-time.

Parting Thoughts

Virtual may have been a popular idea of 2020, but the future of hybrid events is 2021. Hybrid events combine the best of both worlds where people have the option of enjoying the event in real-time or online.

As we slowly start to move out of the pandemic lifestyle, the best way to transition back to normal is by adapting to hybrid events. And this is what makes it the future of the event industry.