The safety concerns following the worldwide pandemic forced the events industry to go virtual, a decision that led to the continuation of the event sector. The following period witnessed the rising adoption of hybrid events. The virtual and in-person aspects of this event type brought in higher event participation rates. Even after relaxation in the pandemic-fueled global restrictions, many event managers still resort to hybrids events as their go-to event model.
Recent online polls suggest that around 50.7% of event marketers firmly believe that every future event will have some form of a virtual component in them.
As hybrid events continue to deliver on-demand experiences and improve event networking opportunities, the rising favor for this event model grows consistently high. The flexibility factor of the hybrid events has prompted event managers to hold on to this event model.
Here are the top reasons why hybrid events will continue to remain an integral part of the events industry.
#The perfect model for the post-covid age
If you are planning to conduct an in-person event, you will be familiar with the protocols you have to follow to host the event. With many restrictions on closed-door venues, it will be a challenge to host a successful physical event. This is where the hybrid model comes into action. For hybrid events, you can sort out important speakers, guests, and a few of the attendees to the in-person model and arrange a virtual platform for the rest of the event attendees.
This model ensures that you do not have to scale down the event size. You can enjoy higher event attendance all the while adhering to protocols.
#Higher attendee inclusion and more value
The in-person and virtual participation counts for higher attendance in hybrid events. The hybrid model brings convenience to events by offering options for people looking to join events in-person and those looking to join remotely. This helps people with travel restrictions and those from abroad to easily be part of the event. Since the speakers can join the hybrid event remotely and only have to stay during their time slot, the event managers can add more speakers and bring more insights and value to the event.
#Higher engagement rates
The hybrid model offers the opportunity for cross-platform interactions in events. In addition to the interaction between the in-person attendees, and between the virtual attendees, there is also the possibility of networking between virtual and in-person audiences. To scale the event engagement rates, the organizers can integrate various engagement tools into the event.
#Breaking geographical barriers
The hybrid events come with improved networking opportunities. By hosting global hybrid events, you can spread brand awareness worldwide and generate a significant amount of qualified leads. Access to a global audience ensures higher brand visibility and more marketing opportunities for businesses. With hybrid events, you do not need to invest in large venue spaces and even save costs on travel through remote participation.
#Crafting a content pipeline for the long term
You can use the hybrid model to develop a content repository by recording specific parts of your event. These recordings can be refurbished into short clips and reels and used for marketing purposes days after the event. The following content can be posted on the brand’s website and used to appeal to the target audience and generate quality leads.
#Better sponsorship opportunities
Corporate sponsors love being part of hybrid events as they get to leverage various features of the hybrid model, including its global reach, the possibility of interacting with both in-person and virtual audiences, and the opportunity to feature their brand in both mediums. Since hybrid event offers detailed event metrics, the sponsors get the opportunity to utilize them for connecting with their target audiences.
In addition to the above-mentioned benefits, one of the active features of the hybrid model that makes it even more popular is its lesser impact on the environment. These events use lesser resources and leave a smaller carbon footprint compared to physical events. All these features have contributed to the higher traction of hybrid events and will ensure their continuity in the future.
To facilitate successful hybrid events you need a feature-rich event platform. eventplus.io offers end-to-end features from event templates to online breakout rooms and post-event analytics to ensure event success. Connect with our event experts today for a free demo.