Top 5 Benefits to Hosting a Hybrid Event
In 2020, when previously in-person events were forced to migrate to virtual experiences, event organizers grappled with a laundry list of challenges – technological glitches, attendee engagement, security, and more.
But now that live events have returned, organizers see the benefit of offering the best of both worlds. Here are the top 5 benefits to hosting a hybrid event.
#1: Reach & Attendance
Offering a virtual experience alongside a traditional event allows organizers to extend their reach because it eliminates attendance barriers – geographical location, travel budget, venue capacity, and scheduling conflicts.
#2: Speaker Access
A hybrid format unlocks new possibilities regarding access to top industry experts and speakers. Hosting speakers from wherever they are based not only opens their availability, but can save cost for travel and engagement fees.
#3: Sponsor Revenue
Hybrid events can be incredibly valuable for sponsors, too.
Increased reach and attendance results in more exposure for their brand
A virtual environment increases the number and flexibility of sponsorable opportunities – digital ads, sponsored livestreams, digital swag bags, etc.
Digital engagement makes it easy to report on metrics that show the value and ROI of their sponsorship
#4: Valuable Data
Hybrid events offer invaluable metrics about your audience’s behavior and interests. These actionable insights not only aid in developing a customized follow-up plan, but also improve future events.
#5: Repurposed Content
Repackage and reuse virtual content to extend the shelf life and value of your event. Following the event, offer on-demand viewing, create a blog or guidebook with highlights from the experience, or edit a short recap video that can be shared across social channels or emailed to attendees.
Q: Is a hosting a hybrid event always recommended?
A: No, not always.
Hosting a successful, high-quality hybrid event requires a great deal of time, money, and planning. If you’re considering this approach, be committed to developing an experience that is equally immersive for virtual and physical attendees.
