Online events have enjoyed a massive increase in popularity over the past two years, as a consequence of international covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions on international travel.
Many big brands, individuals, artists and performers all tried hosting online events, in a bid to help keep their industries alive and keep us connected to the world outside of our homes.
As the world returns to normal, the benefits of holding online events have been retained, but there is still the need for people to get together - hence the hybrid event format which maximises the number of people you can reach with your event.
Add a solid data collection strategy and business leads are there for you to work for months!
Read more about the benefits of hybrid events in part one of this article.
Currently 34% of event organisers expect to invest more in hybrid events in the next few years and Crowd are ahead of the curve.
Introducing hybrid events
Hybrid events are events that use a combination of offline and online platforms, with both elements of in-person and digital techniques. The mix of the two means it can be adapted for the audience and the company for optimal experience.
Being described as ‘a physical meeting in which an online audience also participates’ both the physical as well as the online audience can come together and participate in the same experience or content. The audience can partake from different locations - their own home for example, at the same time as the natural flow of watching an in person meeting rather than hosts talking individually on zoom calls.
So how can a company make the best of both worlds?
To host a hybrid event, start with activities such as interviews, panel discussions and tours whilst recording it all. Link the recordings to an online digital event for ticket holders to join and on this platform, from the comfort of their own home, they can gain access to content of all the activities filmed. This is a great way to collect data from potential leads.
These uploaded videos can be created both offline and online. Having this exclusive video content will encourage the people at the event to also visit online. Filming and recording your event also means you can repurpose and reshare digital content for future use.
As well as pre-recorded videos, live streaming the events is also very effective and it doesn’t have to be difficult to do. Create a professional set up with good quality cameras and mics for effective footage that keeps the audience engaged.
Once your live stream is set up, consider simulcasting. Simulcasting is when you simultaneously broadcast onto various platforms, such as Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, or with Crowd’s online events platform, GoDigitalExpo. This is exactly what Crowd has recently done for Trina Solar.
Overall, hybrid events are part of the future and are here to stay. They are the best of both worlds and have something that will work for everyone. With their proof of engagements, audience reach and their environmental benefits over normal events, hybrid events will grow in popularity.
Why not speak to us to find out how to take your event to the next level.
