Before the pandemic, events were mainly organized as live events, and virtual experiences were limited. Virtual events became popular when organizers pivoted to virtual to avoid cancellation or postponement of their events due to COVID. With time, “virtual” became the new normal, and organizers reached more people across the globe using virtual event platforms.
However, as we gradually return to normalcy, the gains of the virtual experiences cannot be thrown away, which is why organizers are now talking about the need for hybrid event platforms to create and drive hybrid experiences.
This article explores why a reliable platform is required to successfully execute a hybrid event strategy. It also highlights some features, pros, and cons of the top five hybrid event platforms available. This will help you to make an informed decision when choosing a provider to work with amid hundreds of platforms that have sprung up in the past year.
What is a hybrid event?
A hybrid event is an event, conference, or meeting where learning, interaction, networking, commerce, and fun, are experienced by live and virtual audiences in an organic event environment. It is important to note that streaming a live event to an online audience does not make the event hybrid. The hybrid is in creating engaging and immersive experiences for both audiences during the event.
According to a survey we did among the Data Science Salon community in June 2021, 65% of people indicated that they are likely to attend a hybrid or virtual event in 2022 whereas only 32% say that they’re planning to attend an in-person-only event.
The reason there is a preference for hybrid is that people already have memorable virtual experiences, therefore, they prefer an event that allows them to choose how they participate; in person or virtually.
Why do we need a platform for hybrid events?
The idea of creating an “organic event environment” for audiences attending the same event in different modes brings the necessity for a viable hybrid event platform. You need hybrid technology to livestream sessions and proceedings to virtual audiences. You also need it to facilitate sponsorship and exhibition, as well as…
