What’s the difference between a hybrid event and a digital or live event?
A hybrid event is a live event that is both digital and live. A certain number of participants are on site and the rest digitally via a link or one of the many streaming services offered on the market today.
What are the benefits of hybrid events? For example, are there more reasons to hold hybrid events than the pandemic?
There are definitely more benefits to this type of event. For example, the event organizer doesn’t need to limit the number of participants according to the size of the venue. In addition, hybrid events open the door to the group of people who for various reasons can’t be present. Regardless of whether it’s people in high-risk groups in a pandemic or whether it’s a lack of time and that it simply takes too long to get to the place where the event is arranged. To be competitive in these uncertain times, I think you need to be able to offer this type of event.
What does the future hold for hybrid events?
Despite the fact that the event industry is slowly but surely trying to return to live events, I believe that the hybrid event is the “way of work” of the future. For example, there are figures that show that as many as 62 percent of event organizers in various industries are convinced that the hybrid event is here to stay. I even think that hybrid events will become the norm. Although no one yet knows exactly what they will look like.
Why do you think hybrid events will become the norm?
For many reasons, but above all sustainability and environment, costs and lack of time. When it comes to the former, I think many have realized lately that it’s unreasonable to, for an example, fly to an event that lasts for a few hours and then fly back home again. It’s far too much of a burden on the environment and is unsustainable in the long run. You want to take responsibility and contribute to a cleaner world. By offering hybrid events, the organizer not only contributes to a more sustainable way of life but also helps participants to reduce their travel costs. Also, Covid-19 has hit some industries hard. In some cases, this is money that is simply no longer available.
While it’s of course great to be able to participate live, time can also be a problem. The range of events of various kinds is normally enormous and lack of time is something we all deal with more or less today. To stay up to date and well-informed in your industry, you probably want to participate in as many events as possible, then it’s great if the opportunity to participate digitally is offered.
Also, I think the Covid-19 has changed us. We have become accustomed to live in a new way. Many of us will not go back to the old and in event arrangements, there are many indications that live events, which are both digital and live, are the standard of the future.
In conclusion, what do you need to think about to stay competitive in the event market today?
I think we all hope that in the near future it will be safe to arrange and participate in live events again. Nevertheless, it’s good to be aware of that digital meetings will most likely be our everyday life for at least six months ahead. Maybe even longer. Companies such as Microsoft and Facebook, for example, won’t let their employees participate in events with more than 50 participants before the autumn of 2021.
If you haven’t already done so, then you should make sure that you can offer hybrid events, as soon as possible. Those who do will definitely be at the forefront and have a head start there. Also keep in mind that technology will be your success factor, and when you and your company plan and arrange events, you need to adapt them so that they work and are appealing, regardless of whether your participants are physically or digitally involved.
PS. Did you know that with our event tool Magnet you can easily send the link to Zoom, Skype or Google Meet etc in the registration confirmation (via e-mail or text message)? Magnet is free for free eve
