What is a hybrid event?

Before we reading our hybrid event benefit list, what exactly is a hybrid event? Well, it’s what you’re thinking – a combination of a physical and virtual event. We are all wondering how covid-19 has changed the events industry. Initially, virtual events were our only option but now hybrid events are popular. The vaccine allows hybrid events to blend virtual and physical events.

Benefits of hosting a hybrid event

1. Increased reach and attendance

Have you ever wondered how to increase your event attendance? Hybrid events will allow a virtual and physical audience to attend your event. People who like physical and virtual interaction will be able to attend the event. Increasing attendance will lead to high exposure which is a hybrid event benefit. Hybrid events appeal to people of all ages. Technophobes can buy the physical ticket while tech-savvy people can view it online.

2. Higher engagement with your audience

A virtual element to your live event creates many more engagement opportunities. For example, you can host polls during the event that include both live and virtual audiences which blend your audience. This is a major hybrid event benefit as it does not diminish the interaction between guests.

3. More powerful sponsorship opportunities

There will be more opportunities for sponsorship because of the increased reach. With virtual and live audiences sponsors are reaching a wider demographic. This will create more exposure and revenue for the event. More people see advertisements so sponsors are happy which is a hybrid event benefit.

4. Social responsibility

How do we host a physical event without increasing covid-19 cases? The answer is easy- a hybrid event. By hosting the event online, you will decrease the number of people in the venue. With smaller physical numbers you will have room to allow social distancing. If physical tickets sell out there is always the virtual option which is a hybrid event benefit. Online communication also decreases our impact on the environment. The virtual world uses less energy, creates less waste and fewer vehicles travel to the event. All in all the increase in virtual events will decrease the global energy use by 6%.

5. Better marketing opportunities

At virtual events, it can be difficult to get exciting marketing photos. A hybrid event benefit is that you can take both physical and virtual photos. The professional photos you take at the event will be better for promotion! The virtual conferencing platform has the option of live streaming part of the event. You can use fun clips of the event as a marketing strategy.

6. Improved return on investment (ROI)

Virtual events are a good way of cutting back on expenses such as a venue, catering, and staff. You might worry that hybrid events have both virtual and physical expenses. But don’t forget your event has a higher attendance leading to the hybrid event benefit: more ROI. You can also use surveys to collect feedback on the event. The feedback your guests provide will help you to structure your future event. You can also analyze where money was well spent.

7. Greater flexibility

It is a difficult time to predict the future, nobody knows what could happen with covid-19. Virtual events were popular before the pandemic and they are only going to increase. Another hybrid event benefit is that your company is now flexible for virtual events. Now that technology is so available it is easy to host an event in the virtual world. This might not be the only pandemic to hit the world so be sure to get ahead of the curve with hybrid events. Without a virtual event to fall back on your event would not happen which is a hybrid event benefit. Flexibility for you and your guests will help you to plan the perfect event. If you are not using virtual events you could lose out on the business to competitors. Now that you have read our hybrid event benefit list what are you waiting for? Start planning your first hybrid event! Check out our article comparing virtual, physical, and hybrid events for more information. Remo creates an intimate space for guests to exchange ideas and engage at your hybrid event. If you’re looking to maximize the virtual event experience, look no further! Try Remo now for free or book a guided tour.