Even before the world changed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, multiple types of hybrid events began to emerge within several industries. Now, it seems every niche has found their way to maneuvering a hybrid event. Here's how event planners can determine success...
Hybrid Events Ideas For Event Planners To Consider Going Forward
When planning an event or program, the goal is to share a common purpose with your community. It generates value for:
- Your brand
- Niche experts
- Your network
Virtual events allow people to be a part of experiences at a fraction of the usual costs. They have also protected the health of many. In person events allow for natural networking and unique experiences. Hybrid events are both virtual and physical events that, if done correctly, flawlessly integrate the two.
Here's what you need to keep in mind when evaluating success factors of hybrid events.
Marketing And Content
It is essential to have an organized strategy for the stages of:
- Promotion
- Content creation
- Launching
Whether you want to launch a new product, hold workshops or host conferences.
It is well known that marketing campaigns allow customers to travel on a memorable journey where they may potentially build and retain lasting relationships. Marketing displays such including:
- Pre-event content components
- Concepts like flag maker software, encouraging activity
- Virtual strategies
- Long-term causes
Can be success catalysts for your event encouraging the continued spread of your message. When creating expectations on themes and topics covered, they must be met. The way they are presented will bring success and added value ... or not.
Your content should be engaging and allow your attendees to be involved with ethical engagement tactics. An example would be speakers responding to both live and virtual comments.
Online and offline content adapted to your networks creates added value. By allowing for exclusive customized interactions with panels and voting systems you are engaging off-site participants as well as your on-site participants.
Benefits Of Hybrid Events
Hybrid events have allowed for people to adhere to covid-19 restrictions as previously mentioned. Types of hybrid events have been on the rise even before the pandemic, and will be essential moving forward. The advantages
- Reduction in costs for both the organizers and attendees
- Expanded attendance - Many can be involved no matter where they are located
- Data collection and effortless analytics of every stage of the event
- Understanding of engagement measurements
- Opportunities to network both online and offline
If efficiently planned, of course.
Final Thoughts
According to Markletic, the success of hybrid events outweigh the challenges. There is a promising future ahead.
The success of an event would be measured through "pipeline generated" metrics. Examples would be:
- How many of their virtual audience they could retain
- Net promoter scores received after the completion of event surveys
Just for starters. It had been found that the majority of hybrid event organizers, at 81%, can correlate their attendee satisfaction to the networking opportunities. 86% of B2B organizations saw positive ROI in the long term. However, the most significant challenges were integrating and connecting the virtual and live audiences while hurdling technological challenges.
It's essential to know how to host a hybrid event for success, and budget for the right equipment such as virtual and on-site technology. It allows you to diversify and provide two events in one. In turn, you will see progression within this rapidly changing world.
