Hybrid Event Platform

Organizers are realizing that there are many benefits to hosting hybrid events.

Following has some of the top hybrid event benefits:

1. Connect with more attendees: Physical only events are limited to only those with the time and resources to travel. Sports teams figured out many years ago that they could reach more fans by broadcasting games through TV and cable in addition to stadium attendance. The same benefits apply to hybrid events.
2. Lower cost: Reaching attendees via a hybrid conference software is cheaper than the cost for travel, hotel, food, staffing, etc.
3. Facilitate engagement: The best hybrid event software platforms include a mobile app so that in-person attendees can search and connect with virtual attendees via text and video chat. Also, virtual attendees, as well as in-person attendees can participate in session Q&A.
4. Reduced carbon footprint: Physical events can have a large carbon footprint. Hybrid conferences can substantially reduce the events carbon footprint.
5. Extended shelf life: Physical events are done immediately after the last session or other agenda item. Hybrid events can be available on-demand for weeks or months to allow attendees access to recordings and content.
6. More data: Hybrid events produce way more data on attendees. Imagine someone following an in-person event attendee around with a clip board and writing down every thing they did (sessions watched, content viewed, booths visited, etc.).

Steps to host a hybrid conference:

1. Decide your hybrid conference format. Do you have the budget and resources to support a synchronous event (both in-person and virtual happening at the same time) or non-synchronous (virtual and hybrid event happen at different times)?
2. Decide which session will be streamed to the virtual audience. Since the virtual attendees are not one the same time zone you may not be able to stream all of your agenda sessions.
3. Choose the best hybrid event platform
4. Create your hybrid conference content (documents, videos, polls, surveys, etc.).
5. Train the speakers to connect with both audiences and conduct practice sessions.
6. Deliver the hybrid conference.
7. Download the reporting to measure success.
8. Post event activities (recordings, follow up, etc.).

Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Planning and Hosting a Hybrid Event

Hybrid events allow you to engage with a wider audience, as they can accommodate both on-site and virtual participants. In most cases, the physical component of the event is hosted in a venue, while the virtual component is broadcast online.

Hybrid events can be synchronous (both virtual and in-person happens at the same time), asynchronous, or a combination.

At the in-person event, attendees can interact in person, as well as with remote participants via text or video chat. This allows for a more personal experience than a purely virtual event, as well as the opportunity for face-to-face networking.

The virtual component of a hybrid event usually consists of a live stream of the on-site event. This allows remote guests to watch the event from the comfort of their own home or office. Depending on the event, attendees may also be able to interact with each other and the speakers through Q&A, chat, and other engagement tools.

You can also make use of hybrid event technology to enhance your guest experience. This includes event registration software, which can be used to manage the registration process for both on-site and virtual attendees. You can also make use of virtual meeting functionality to host breakout sessions or interactive activities that can be enjoyed by both groups.

Overall, hybrid events offer organizations an effective way to engage with a larger and more diverse audience. By combining the best elements of a physical and a virtual event, hybrid events can create an engaging and interactive experience for all participants.