An Introduction to Hybrid events in 2022 (with Examples) |
In the past, we were used to live events in person ... Then COVID-19 hit. Many businesses and event creators struggling to re-design their events online.
While virtual events have a lot of benefits however, some attendees believe that they're missing out on a critical component of in-person interactions. It's true that trying to replicate each and every aspect of a real occasion in a digital environment simply doesn't work that well.
What's the solution? Hybrid Events!
Hybrid events combine both physical and digital experiences. They offer creators and attendees an array of options, which can easily be used to create different kinds of media. Isn't that cool?
Let's look at how to create an incredible multi-faceted event.
This piece...
11 ways to make incredible hybrid events
2. Use virtual to promote in-person
3. Bring your live members virtual
4. Bring your virtual members live
5. Find plenty of networking space
6. Create discussion questions in the community
7. Maintain the spirit even after
8. Offer more options for content
10. Test testing Test, test, test
What is the definition of a hybrid event?
First things first. A hybrid event allows people to attend your event either online or in person, or some combination of both. It truly offers an ideal blend of both.
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Advantages from hybrid event
Let's take a closer look at some of the benefits of hybrid events and the reasons why it may be the best choice for you and your attendees!
Easy
Now more than ever is it easy to hold an event that is hybrid thanks to modern technological advances. Hybrid platforms allow event planners the possibility to plan and launch spectacular events that can be connected by software. The best hybrid event platforms will come with intuitive features to create an event that combines in-person and virtual experiences seamlessly.
Flexibility
If you are hosting an event with a hybrid format it is possible to allow to personalize. It is possible to provide attendees with an entirely new experience customized to your liking. There are many hybrid event platforms that offer numerous ways to interact with attendees and give them more freedom for how they choose to engage, such as via online communications like questions and answers, voice chats, polls, surveys, and more.
Hybrid-style events can be beneficial for everyone because they give your guests a variety of options when they will show up. As an example, for attendees who show up in the flesh, a hybrid event allows them to leave the venue for a while and continue to connect online.
For those who frequently travel, have hectic schedules, or simply can't afford the event physically, it gives them the chance to participate online.
Price
In terms of flexible, hybrid events allow you to adjust your price. As an example, you could cost $100 for attendees in person as well as $20 for virtual guests. Naturally, there is limitations on the number of tickets you sell for an event in person due to capacity limits at the venue. However, you can still make unlimited sales for tickets on the online portion.
In essence, you could sell two products for the same event! There is also the possibility of offering packages and bundles (e.g. purchase four tickets for the cost of three tickets, or if attendees purchase a digital product and a ticket to the occasion, they gain access to your online community absolutely free) This gives you unlimited options!
Maintain the connection
Connections and enthusiasm don't necessarily end when the event ends. It brought people together who were ecstatic about the amazing event you created.
How can you keep these connections alive with the help of an online community? The community will help your members maintain connections and form new ones. Additionally, it may provide members with new opportunities (both professional and personal). Your community members will be able to interact with one another, with your contentand even with you. On top of that, they'll be the first to learn about your next event and will have the opportunity to be excited!
It is possible to record HTML0
In the event that registrants cannot go to your event due to sick, needed to stay late at work, or they decided to relax after a long work week, you can still provide them with a chance to experience the event.
With the help of powerful hybrid platforms for events, you can easily capture your event and allow participants access. That way, they can replay the event at their own timing.
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11 tricks to create amazing hybrid events
After we've looked over the reason why hybrid events are useful, let's explore the steps to make one!
1. Choose your preferred mixture
The initial decision to make is how to blend both the online and physical aspects. It is important to make each individual experience excellent, but combine them to give all attendees the most enjoyable experience. You can, for instance, successfully combine both in-person and virtual attendees in break-out sessions. Also, in the initial phase of your event the event, participants from both sides (virtual and in-person) participate in a poll.
You'll want to also think about how virtual attendees could be able to access, for instance an actual keynote speaker once they've delivered a talk.
Facilitate engagement and connection to everyone. It isn't a good idea to have anyone feeling like they got the short end of the stick , or feeling like the event wasn't accommodating to their preferences.
2. Make use of virtual media to help promote your in-person events
If you're trying to make sure that people know about your special event, then you'll need to promote the event. Why not use your virtual website to advertise not just the online side of the event , but also the physical aspect? Make use of social media in your favor. Make content for your event via writing, images, or video for promotional goals. Utilize social media, or start a blog or YouTube channel to tell your story, build your following, and promote your event in the most effective way possible.
If your selling a course or an ebook, webinar, or an event, if people like the way you present yourself and your viewpoint, they're more likely to buy whatever that you're offering them.
Remember, you don't need to spend ALL your energy and time in social media. You don't need to have millions (or perhaps thousands) of fans to advertise your hybrid event. There's no need to be an illustrious celebrity such as Oprah to gain traction. You just need to build some buzz and keep your fans excited!
Another option to advertise via the web is by creating the creation of a group. There's great power in being in a community because people are wired for this -- we're social creatures who crave connections.
The joy of purpose, motivation, and the energy that comes from being part of something greater than you and working towards an end goal that is common to all, developing abilities and becoming better as well as a place in which participants can share their vulnerabilities to challenges and find solutions together. Communities are an excellent place to advertise the hybrid event you are planning because participants trust you (plus they're your number one fans who are excited about what you have to offer them). ).
3. Bring your live members virtual
Did you remember how we discussed mixing the physical aspect of your business with the online component? Now is the time to look at the ways you can keep those who are in your living rooms to be engaged.
In between talks the presenters invite your on-site participants to respond to questions via live-streamed polling platforms (e.g. Slido). Questions can be used as an way to break the ice (getting everybody warmed-up for the occasion) You can also present them using some fun quizzes throughout the event and collect feedback following the ceremony. Your goal is to generate an atmosphere of conversation and engagement between the audience and yourself.
When the event takes place, it is possible to invite attendees in person to join an online chat. This way, they will be able to share their thoughts, connect to one another as online attendees and also answer any questions they ask in chat.
You can, of course, organize your event to be held online. Perhaps some of your guest speakers are unable to make it to the event in person, and instead can present on the internet. You might be able to host a guest interview, presentation, lecture or even a lecture all online!
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4. Live-stream your virtual members
Just as you want to get your in-person attendees online, you also want to reverse the process -- get your virtual members live. We don't mean getting the members in person (because it would be counterproductive to the purpose), but make sure they are engaged by engaging in live-streamed content, making them feel they're part of the action!
How? Utilize live streaming to your advantage regardless of whether you're using it in the context of main stage events, such as keynotes, presentations or talks given by a person who is well-known. It can also be utilized for small-scale events, like virtual workshops, conversations break-out sessions, or webinars.
Like your attendees in person, your virtual members can be able to answer questions from interested guests during live Q&A sessions which offer opportunities to increase discussion and interactions. Being an event organizer, it's also important to make sure that your virtual guests will be given equal weight and importance in the event as those from in-person attendees.
Think about having an emcee or host for your virtual audience that can recap key occasions and also alert attendees to what's coming up next. It's also possible to record and broadcast the excitement in person so that people who attend online feel like they're in the actual room.
5. Find plenty of networking space
Give virtual attendees an opportunity to connect to keynote speakers, by making sure that there is enough time for your speakers' agendas for them to connect with the audience.
Consider blocking off time throughout the conference (and you can even include the time following) reserved for networking. To do this, it is possible to have dedicated areas (both in person and on the internet) to facilitate networking. Participants can be asked to add their names and job title, their accounts on social media, as well as something interesting about themselves into an online chat in order to create connections.
6. Create discussion questions for the members of the community.
If you're thinking of creating dedicated areas where live and online members can interact, a great location to have this interaction is in your online community! This is great for every member, regardless of whether they're in their home, or in the flesh.
These are interesting questions you can ask your guests:
- What's the biggest challenge you're currently dealing with?
- What is an amazing outcome to you?
- What's your single-word topic to 2022?
- What motivates you the most?
- If you had the power to wave an enchanted wand to give you an extra hour in your workday, what would you do?
- What's the most stunning place you've ever been?
- What achievement are you most satisfied with?
Based on members' interests you could also create various subgroups within your community. You can also use different kinds of content to attract participants in these groups like:
- Polls (e.g. "What percent of your daily time do you spend on organizing and reviewing your goals ?")
- Fill-in-the-blank questions (e.g. "The main reason I participate in networking is for_," or "I never go out without _ ")
- Ask questions with word limits (e.g. "What's the first word you wish people to remember whenever they think of your brand? ?")
- You can ask questions that have time limitations (e.g. "Based upon what you've learned in the past at this event, what's one thing you're going to implement today?")
The key thing here is to post questions that can make your audience think and stay interested.
It is possible to download this book of 1,000 discussion questions at no cost within our Mighty Community!
7. Maintain the spirit after
When the event is over the event is over, but you'll be able to retain the energy! The enthusiasm, the information sharing, the energy, and the excitement can keep in the air. There's plenty you can accomplish to keep a thriving community.
Here are some examples to keep up the momentum:
- Create a spotlight for members This could take place in the form of a live interview of a few members (panel panel discussion). If, for instance, they're a group of coaches they could be asked, "What's the most effective way to attract new clients ?"
- Have members write about their experience. You can invite one new member each week to blog about their experiences and their accomplishments. Naturally, your participants are thrilled to hear from you, but they'll also be thrilled to read stories about each other.
- Create an event that is live -- this could be an event, a demo, workshop, webinar or thought leadership.
- Offer Weekly challenges.
- Host a book or podcast discussion day in line with the community's needs.
The benefit of keeping the hype is that it allows you to generate excitement ahead of your next virtual and hybrid event!
8. Provide more content options
Another way to keep your customers engaged is to provide various types of content. Since attendees are already familiar with your company and your brand, it is easy to give them additional services and products down the line.
Here are some ideas of the things you could cost for:
- memberships (great method to create community as well as a central network where members can interact with each other)
- Videos that have been recorded
- Livestreams
- Boards of discussion, articles as well as surveys, polls and discussions
- Digital downloads (PDFs, ebooks, audio files, customizable templates)
You can also make your hybrid events into online courses, mastermind groups, and more. It is possible to use audio recordings of events (e.g. speakers) as well as recordings of stories and experiences of other attendees in turn into powerful content that you could charge for separately.
There are a variety of options in showcasing your content as well as charging for the content. It's possible to offer participants that attended your hybrid events discounts for an online course or an ebook. Keep in mind that it's an entire marathon and not the sprint. When you know more about your participants, you'll be able to modify the content for them.
9. Determine your technology needs
The event you are planning is to go without any issues. That means you need to get the tech aspect in place (like streaming audio or video ).
Here's a list of points to be considered:
- Audio recording: make sure that your audio recording is crystal clear. Additionally, you'll would like your video and audio recordings to be synced.
- Mics: your attendees shouldn't be straining to listen to what they're hearing So make sure that you have proper microphones that are connected (whether they're on their own or connected).
- Quality of video: make sure you use equipment that has high resolution. Don't settle for low-quality video that is difficult to discern while streaming and recording for your attendees.
- Engaging apps (e.g. Slido) Make sure you integrate intuitive apps (this is crucial for those who may not be tech-savvy) which have high-quality interaction and features for engagement.
- Community app (e.g. ) make sure that you've created an area for community interaction where people can interact with others, exchange their storiesand build relationships (before or during and after the event).
- For ticketing, to monitor sign-ups using a registration or ticketing software. It ensures that all information is in one spot.
10. Test, test Test, test, test
Once you figure out what tech equipment and applications you need for your event It's now time to test these out! What you don't want during your event is something (on the tech side) to go wrong which could have been easily avoided.
We suggest that you do an experiment with your hybrid event a few days in advance to be sure everything is running smoothly and give you security. Make sure you have two attendees test who are both online and someone in the flesh. So you'll know that the video quality is to standard, and the PowerPoint presentation you created actually functions, and attendees can connect to any application as well as the audio quality is clear -- you don't want speakers to be obscured, or even worse, not audible.
Whatever equipment you're using, ensure that the guests and you feel comfortable using it. This way, in the event that anything goes wrong in the course of your event, you can easily solve the issue. Because you'll be pulled in multiple directions throughout the hybrid event it's a good idea to look into enlisting the help of whether from friends or professionals (e.g. a videographer) to make sure everything goes smoothly and you can focus on what matters most ... the attendees.
11. Select your preferred platform
Next, you must decide on the best platform to use. Let's look at 4 options quick.
is an all-in-one platform for creators that offers the most comprehensive collection of native functions and tools to design captivating content. It has great online learning choices that seamlessly integrate with community-based communities, paid memberships, and even hybrid and virtual event.
Here are some other benefits of choosing a hybrid event
- Create easy-to-use RSVP announcements.
- Create interactive forums, discussion boards, and Q&As.
- Write articles, live stream from your Mighty Network, and post made videos.
- Deliver direct messages to attendees and set up reminders so no one misses any information.
- The ability to connect is always available with a robust native mobile application (available for both Android as well as iOS). It is ideal for people using the app to complement their in-person experience or for their primary method to engage in a complete digital experience. There won't ever be any issues in the high-quality.
The Mighty Network offers the best combination of information and connectivity for your hybrid event , and also giving you the option to expand your event into a thriving membership site, community and online course series along with many much more!
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Accelevents
Accelevents is an event platform featuring robust functions where you can host your hybrid events. It's a reasonable option (their basic package for one-time events is $500 per event, or you can buy unlimited events for $125/month and bill annually) designed for mid- to large-sized enterprises.
Accelevents allows businesses to incorporate live streaming, include interactive live polls and Q&As. They can also build interactive booths at exposgreat to auction.
While this event platform promotes its ability to build connections between attendees using fancy features like AI-based matching however, there's no way for attendees to maintain connections once the event has ended.
Hopin
Although this hybrid event platform is new It's an excellent alternative for the fresh and cost-conscious organizer who wants the traditional convention experience. Hopin allows Hopin organizers have the ability to design multiple ticket types, use Hopin's central registration system that is available for both online and in-person attendees, as well as take advantage of their tools for marketing via email. Hopin also provides lots of ways for guests to meet during the gathering (connection tools, roundtables virtual, break-out sessions for groups, and many more). ).
Hopin does focus on replicating the experiences of an actual experience, but it's not lacking some of the things which make the online experience unique. Also, while this platform costs a reasonable amount, they have to pay a part of ticket commissions (even for their "starter" pack , they pay 7% commission on top of charging $99/month billed annually ).
If you're looking to test out hosting events that are hybrid, they offer a free trial (although it should be noted that the length of the event can be as short as two hours ). You will receive 100 participants as well as 15% of the ticket sales).
vFairs
vFairs is a efficient hybrid event platform designed for universities and large companies to host conferences, workshops exhibitions, trade shows and much more. It allows you to live stream video of your the event to your web-based crowd, offers immersive virtual venues that allow you to join in-person and virtual attendees with text chat and audio/video meetings. vFairs has an app for mobile devices where participants can check-in to the event, connect with other attendees, as well as visit booths and exhibitor booths.
What vFairs is not quite as user-friendly is their experience. People have complained that the platform has limited flexibility for customization and that the integration process isn't seamless.
In general, this hybrid event platform is good for supersized companies.
Hybrid event examples
We've now covered all the aspects of running a hybrid event and we're ready to glance at some of the examples! The two cases were in-person events prior to the pandemic but have since shifted to online events during and now are giving attendees a mix of experiences.
Outwild Hub Hub
The Outwild Hub is a group that has a membership fee and an the event series designed for those who want to make the outdoors a bigger part of their life. The Outwild Hub has an online community, as well as virtual and in-person events.
- What they have to offer: Outwild Hub members get access to the Outwild Hub online community, as well as monthly speakers, a workshop series and access to events in person. They also organize online-only activities (community gatherings or workshops, keynote talks). They seamlessly connect in-person events on the internet by providing recordings of their presentations.
- People who should be a part of it: Anyone interested in spending more time outdoors, however, they aren't sure of how to do it. The group is designed for those who are looking to make big shifts in their lifestyle. It also helps those who moved during the pandemic to find new friends and spend time outdoors with others.
in the Cut
The Cut It is an online community that is open to BIPOC creators looking to break into the television and film industry (just as the host, Rae Benjamin, had gone from full-time graphic designer to being a script coordinator on "The Witcher").
What they provide: A Free online community for screenwriters who are aspiring can connect, learn about jobs, mentorships, and get filmmaking tips and tricks. This is a community where writers come together to make fake writers' rooms. There's also the option for users to have lifetime access to webinar replays (for cost) as well as online classes, or even writing retreats in person.
Who should be a part of: BIPOC creatives who want to become a screenwriter in Hollywood. People who've discovered entry-level jobs but don't know which path to take to get into a more lucrative career. They are open and free of censorship to aid in understanding the industry of entertainment.
Conclusion
Hope you're at ease and eager to organize the perfect hybrid event knowing the benefits of hybrid events as well as how to run one, and the things you'll require to be successful.
In terms of the features you require ... although we covered several different platforms for event management, this one is the best choice for balancing costs, customisation as well as features that are suitable for both people who attend in person and online. Come try it out absolutely free!
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