Almost 50% of Corporate Event Attendees Consider Hybrid Events the Ideal Format for the Future
Since 2020, the event industry migrated from in-person events to virtual events — speakers, event planners and companies had to scramble to adapt and pivot towards the adoption of better technology solutions to connect and interact with an online audience. Since 2021, in-person events began to shift back towards in-person events, with people expecting that the world might “normalize” and go back to way it was before. However, with the global COVID-19 pandemic experiencing a recent resurgence due to the Delta variant, the new normal means there will continue to be people who are reluctant, or are unable, to attend in-person events.
Almost 50% of corporate event attendees consider hybrid events the ideal format for the future, compared to exclusively in-person or virtual-only events, according to Metrigy Research. Businesses are embracing this new reality. In 2021, 64% of businesses say they’re increasing their virtual events, and 58% say they’re planning for a mix of virtual and in-person events.
To better meet everyone’s needs, the hybrid event model has become a very popular solution and is definitely here to stay.
But first, you must understand what a hybrid event is, and what it is not.
WHAT IS A HYBRID EVENT?
A hybrid event is a meeting or event with at least one group of
in-person participants connecting with remote participants in one or more different locations.
WHAT A HYBRID EVENT IS NOT
• A live streamed in-person event
• A live event with on-demand content
• An in-person event with a virtual add-on
Is a hybrid event right for you? Take a look at your audience needs and your objectives to make that determination. A hybrid event is highly personalized for both in-person and virtual audiences and is designed to drive action and exploration.
STEP 1: PREPARING FOR YOUR HYBRID EVENT
Determine your hybrid event configuration