34% of event organizers are going to invest more in hybrid events in the near future. And 21% of marketers are actively developing a hybrid event platform of their own.
Hybrid events are the best of both worlds of in-person events and virtual events. They bring the best qualities of both to overcome their individual challenges to create a complete and successful event.
But how do they differ from in-person events and which one would be the better option for you? Let’s find out.
In-person events
Even with the rise of virtual events and hybrid events, in-person events remain a favorite for brands owing to the genuine connection they bring.
Brands get the option to truly immerse attendees in the event and nurture long-lasting connections with them by hosting them in person via physical events.
Such events have a flair of exclusivity to them. However, they are expensive to conduct and require a fair bit of planning and hands-on execution to leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Definition and examples of an in-person event
In-person events are affairs conducted in a physical capacity. Attendees attend it in person at the location of the event and the facilities are managed on the premises. Any content or video material created is meant for the attendees only.
Some examples of in-person brand events are conferences, seminars, trade shows, business expos, and workshops. Some real-life examples of physical events are the Met Gala, Film Festivals, and Automobile Expos.
Pros and cons of an in-person event
The pros of hosting an in-person event are:
- Connection — You’re able to create more meaningful connections with your audience when you are face-to-face with them. You can explain things better to them and gauge their response through their body language.
- Rich experience — Brands are able to create a rich experience for their attendees in in-person events by including physical activities.
- Networking — Physical events pose excellent networking opportunities. People from different backgrounds meet and communicate, opening up avenues for future partnerships with one another.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the challenges faced by physical events:
- Costly — Hosting events in person is a pricey affair. You need to secure a physical venue, get people to attend, and take care of the subevents and facilities throughout it for it to be a successful and memorable affair.
- Limited reach — Only a certain number of people can attend a physical event, strictly decided by the capacity of the venue you choose. Moreover, people need to be in the vicinity to be able to attend an event in person.
Ideal circumstances for hosting an in-person event
An in-person event is an excellent option when you want exclusivity. Host a physical event to showcase or discuss something that is important and exclusive to your brand, say a new product, or announce the expansion of your brand.
Hybrid events
Hybrid events have stepped up from physical and virtual events to bring both in-person and live elements to a single event.
A hybrid event platform helps you host a hybrid event. It brings in both virtual attendees and in-person attendees together for a unified and rewarding experience.
It also experiences greater longevity because everything is recorded for virtual attendees as well as for future use. However, it does feel less exclusive.
Definition and examples of hybrid events
A hybrid event is an affair that is held both in a physical capacity as well as virtually simultaneously. It combines the live event with virtual streaming to reach a wider audience. It being recorded helps preserve it better for use in the future.
Some examples of hybrid events are conferences, workshops, and business expos that are held both in-person and online. Apple’s Special Events are some of the most popular examples of hybrid events that combine the live and virtual experience for customers.
Pros and cons of a hybrid event
The pros of hybrid events are:
- Wider reach — A hybrid event allows you to reach the combined audience of both live events and virtual events and attract them together.
- Preserve the event — By the virtue of recording the event for the virtual audience, you get to preserve it for future use.
- Memorable event — By having live attendees and just as many joining you from around the world, you can make an impact with a memorable event.
There are some cons of hybrid events that you should also take a look at:
- Tough to orchestrate — It’s challenging to time the key moments of the event to feel the same for live and virtual audiences.
For example, unveiling a new product might not have the same impact on the virtual audience unless it’s zoomed in. You need to take care of such technicalities. - Less exclusive — Hybrid events might not feel as exclusive as live events, which can be detrimental if the goal is to create a brand experience or make attendees feel special.
Ideal circumstances for hosting a hybrid event
The ideal scenario to host a hybrid event would be when the event cannot reach its full potential neither live nor virtually. In that case, mixing both up gives you maximum reach. For example, trade shows and conferences.
How will you know which model fits best your needs?
To know which model will suit you best, take a look at your past experience with events and what you wish to establish with the current event at hand.
If you have decent experience with technology in your past events and your goal is to reach a wide audience, a hybrid event would be the way to go as it gives you the maximum reach.
It’s advisable to equip yourself with the technological aspect that accompanies an event before you enter it. It helps be agile and deliver a memorable experience to your attendees.
Conclusion
We’re seeing a rise in in-person and hybrid events in the marketing world today. Hybrid events have emerged as the middle ground between live and virtual events as they incorporate the elements of both.
Using a hybrid event platform helps you seamlessly plan and execute an event that ensures a rewarding experience for both kinds of attendees. You can take care of their unique needs, including more people, and preserve your event better for future uses.
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