The best hybrid event examples from 2022

It's no wonder why 65percent of event professionals plan to use hybrid as their go-to method once events in person resume. Our community recently took part in a poll on LinkedIn and found the majority of them plan to create virtual events (38 percent) and hybrid occasions (38%) and only 6% plan to create only in-person and upcoming events. Hybrid events offer flexibility while making it easier to comply with local health and safety guidelines for an intimate experience in person.

In this article we'll discuss what constitutes a hybrid event and get some insight from the best hybrid event examples in 2022.

Let's dive in!

What does a hybrid event look like?

Hybrid events are a central event with two different and yet interconnected experiences. The connection shared between the in-person and online attendees makes for what makes the event so special. An approach that is hybrid can enhance events that include trade exhibitions, conferences, meetings or even seminars.

• Live event and on-demand media. Live content can be used in the same way as broadcasts on live TV. Event organizers are able to upload recorded video that guests can view anytime.
• Polls and Live questions. Polls and live Q&A help remote audiences get the impression that they are present in the room, with speakers and can participate just the same way an in-person audience member can.
• Rooms for breakouts. Streaming breakout sessions from the physical event allow digital audiences to join in.
• Tools for networking. Chat functionality, video, profile creation and 1-to-1 meetings help in-person and digital audiences meet.

The most successful hybrids of 2022.

Once you've learned something about the hybrid event, what are your options? How can you produce a great one? Here's a look at some of the best hybrid events yet to help in putting your hybrid event moving.

 Inbound 2022

INBOUND INBOUND, powered by HubSpot, brings together experts from across the globe who are experts in sales, marketing, customer success, and operations for revenue. The first hybrid event of their kind will kick from September 6th to 9th, 2022.

With both in-person and virtual tickets, INBOUND is ensuring that viewers who are not in the city will enjoy a dedicated experience of their own.

Virtual ticket holders can gain access to specialized "Digital Only" material, specifically designed for ticket holders who have virtual tickets. On-Demand content will be accessible for 1 year and available within 24 hours of the closing day of the event. Additionally, everyone can connect with the community of Inbound for networking, meetups, and chats.

When it comes to the hybrid event, having a group of people is essential for the event to succeed.

 B2B Summit North America

B2B Summit North America is the premier event for B2B managers and sales executives to strengthen their business plans. This event, which was hybrid in nature, took place on May 2nd, 2022 located in Austin, Texas and featured breakout sessions, connections with peers, and inspirational keynotes that were open to all attendees and participants regardless of location.

If they were participating online, they offered a guiding platform orientation that not only ensure attendees were confident in navigating the event as well as to assist to make the most of their experience. The event also featured the online sponsor market with collateral for sponsors as well as engagement opportunities lived. For in-person attendees, intimate 1:1 meetings with expert analysts are a great way to talk about top business issues among many other benefits.

Remote audiences want every piece of content that your event has to offer. The placement of content in the same place to encourage engagement from sponsors and of course, make the sponsors feel appreciated.

 Gainsight Pulse Everywhere 2022

Gainsight's Pulse Everywhere kicks off its new hybrid event on August 17th , at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The venerable hybrid festival offers both in-person and virtual ticket alternatives. Every ticket holder will have access to the most current research in customer success, community, and the latest trends in the field. The event will jam packed with information to help their attendees understand the top practices and techniques for creating exceptional customers experiences.

Expect virtual networking opportunities planned to replicate the in the moment conversations that happen during in-person gatherings. And in the case that you have to convince your employer to go to an in-person event, they have a handy template ready for download to show the worth of the event to the boss.

 #FinCon22

#FinCon22 is launching their new event experience in September Orlando, Florida. This digital marketing conference that is geared towards content creators with personal finances will go to the next level with regards to live network meetings. This year's event includes an important hub in the World Marriott Center that includes opportunities to network at meetups, lounges, exhibit booths, live sessions and roundtables as well as other events. The majority of FinCon's events are geared towards in-person attendees certain ticket holders get access to live event recording and other content once the event is over.

If you are planning an event, make sure you consider features that will encourage interaction between in-person and virtual attendees. Also, think about where you can monetize your content on demand.

 Empower Conference

One of the first significant hybrid conferences that took place during the last calendar year is Empower 21. In-person attendees and virtual ones are able to access a virtual event platform. Participants can interact with one other, view the agenda, the speaker's information, and more. For in-person attendees, safety protocols like mandatory masks and social distancing had been in use.

The hybrid conference proved businesses can still hold successful and secure in-person events with the help of health standards. The Empower Conference returns in-person to the Irving Convention Center on February 28th, 2022.

 TwitchCon

It shouldn't come as a shock that Twitch is the streaming online community for gamers, focused solely on virtual experience. But, Twitch recognizes that the benefits of a blended experience. In the past, TwitchCon featured live entertainment and music as well as panel discussions meetings and events, as well as tournaments. Utilizing their platform for streaming content TwitchCon fans enjoy social interaction and effortless engagement in everything live from the festival. TwitchCon is located in San Diego and is scheduled to take place on September 7-9, 2022.

 Apple's Special Events

One of the most impressive examples of events that are hybrid is Apple Special Events. As long as we remember the special events of Apple were streamed live to people around the world to showcase the most recent Apple products, technology as well as other. In 2019, a crowd of 1,000 people and two million people from the remote were watching Tim Cook unveil products like an updated iPad as well as a new Apple Watch, and the cutting-edge iPhone 11. Though hybrid has since been expanded to include more levels of audience interaction that can reach 99.95 percent of a company's entire audience from one event isn't a small feat.

 WEC Grapevine

One of the largest association for event and meeting industry was a pioneer in hybrid technology in 2021 . It is worth noting. WEC Grapevine ran a 5 days in-person conference that included more than 20 concurrent sessions, resulting in an attendance of 1739 total. It was the in-person attendance of 608 and digital attendees. MPI determined to demonstrate the safest way to bring back the business events and meetings. This hybrid event was such a success, it also began with Las Vegas in June of 2021 . It offered both an in-person and a online experience. Both were 100% live, taking place simultaneously, and participants could participate according to the best way for the event.

 Social Media Marketing World

A go-to hybrid event for influential social media users are the Social Media Marketing World event. It is held in person within San Diego and offers high-quality content to inspire social media managers that are featured on the most popular social media social media platforms. The virtual element allows the remote attendees to partake in the same material online. Registration is a clever process and allows attendees to choose various ticket options to expand the number of people they can reach. The tiers include 100% virtual, online video access, and unlimited access passes. The all-access tier features live access on location to all keynotes, sessions, recordings as well as other.

When building your hybrid event be sure to consider different ticket options and tiers to are targeted to the audience you want to reach and create a unique event experience.

 The New Yorker Festival

The well-loved New Yorker Festival is back to celebrate their annual festival of information, politics as well as film, literature, music, art, and popular cultural. This year's event includes a combination of virtual, live streamed and live activities all over New York City. In addition it is worth noting that the New Yorker Festival includes tickets for "Dining in Events" with curated food deliveries for those who attend throughout the five boroughs as well as a virtual conference with the chefs who prepared meals for the event.

In planning your next hybrid event try to create unique experience that combines virtual connections and some in-person interactivity.

Hybrid events FAQ

    What is the definition of a hybrid event?    

An event that is hybrid is a single event designed for two different audiences. What makes the concept of a hybrid event is that two different attendees share experiences connected to each other as well as event-related content via the use of a digital platform.                     What are the various varieties of hybrid events?    

Every event that is able to be conducted both on-site and virtually, can be an hybrid event. Hybrid events are also an ideal option for those who are unable to attend the event in person because of security or health reasons and have a budget that isn't enough for travel, or if the onsite event's capacity is not sufficient.                     What is the reason hybrid events are going to be the norm in the near future?    

Hybrid events of the future can host a live local audience in-person while the wider global audience participates virtually. This means we are experiencing a predominantly digital future in which measuring online behavioral data will create the benchmarks that will define the success of the event in the coming years.

Cover the entire thing up

Below are a few last thoughts to consider when putting together a hybrid event:

• Attendees in person will benefit by the experience aspect. Make sure to give exclusive, in-person experiences to participants. Consider hiring musicians and live entertainment to contribute to the physical element of the event.
• Give attendees a variety of ticket choices. Let attendees decide which way they'd like to take part. It will help them feel not just more relaxed with the experience, but potentially boost the amount of participation in the way that they choose.
• Hire a production team. Working with a an experienced team of AV experts and event agencies help for an efficient execution as well as hybridization.
• Remember there are no rules. Hybrid demands an inexhaustible quantity of imagination. Be open to trying new things and extend your knowledge of early experiences.

 The first version was launched on September 13th 2021. It was updated on May 18, 2022.