Event managers are facing new challenges: After a majority of events have been converted to virtual-only formats, requests for on-site events are on the rise again. Thus, it is inevitable to consider the concept of hybrid events.

A successful hybrid event involves both on-site and remote attendees on an equal level

From hybrid conferences to general meetings

Faced with an infection situation that is still difficult to foresee and significantly more flexible working models, formats are now required to open up face-to-face events to remote attendees as well, and to do so equally – hybrid events make exactly that possible.

MediaEvent Services has many years of experience in the planning and implementation of hybrid events. Management call, hybrid conference or annual general meeting – we accompany various formats of renowned companies and can advise you independently of manufacturers in order to successfully implement hybrid events for you as well.

Hybrid Events with SlideSync

With SlideSync’s webcast platform, you can engage participants on-site and online equally.

High quality at low network load

SlideSync can stream high-definition video content of your hybrid event to thousands of employees and stakeholders without burdening your corporate networks:

Opportunities and limitations of hybrid events

Hybrid events have permanently changed the event culture. Thus, on the one hand, contemporary hybrid conferences deliver new experiences for attendees. On the other hand, they also bring various opportunities as well as restrictions for you as a host.

Hybrid events: Seizing new opportunities

Hybrid events entail some new opportunities and perspectives. In particular, these include:

Interactive participation of the attendees

In contrast to classic on-site events, you can use interactive online elements within the framework of hybrid events. These include, for example, surveys or a chat function for interaction between attendees. By using modern technologies such as augmented or virtual reality, you can give them the opportunity to experience hidden additional content on site. The interactive participation of the attendees in your event creates a significantly improved experience and can thus enhance their engagement in your event or your company.

Higher range thanks to location-independent attendance

Digital access to events enables attendees to attend the event regardless of location or time. Hybrid events therefore also allow visitors who cannot be on site for time, personal or financial reasons to take part in your event. In addition, all attendees can also view any recordings of the event again afterwards.

Reporting and analytics

Thanks to professional digital attendee management, hybrid events enable the collection and evaluation of all attendee data, naturally in compliance with the GDPR. This way, you can not only evaluate how many visitors your event has, but also, for example, which content is used particularly often and what the viewers are most interested in. The evaluated data can form a solid basis for the development of new events in order to improve their content and perhaps even personalise them for individual target groups.

High quality participant experience

Hybrid events provide the opportunity to offer attendees an even better experience of the event. Thus, hybrid events are not only generally perceived by attendees as modern and innovative, they also offer the opportunity for branding and thus conform to the corporate design of the hosts. This increases the chance of future events attracting higher numbers of attendees and allowing your company to build a long-term relationship with them.

Contribution to sustainability

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in the organization of events. Hybrid events contribute to this by reducing the number of attendees who have to travel to the venue. Not only does this save a considerable amount of CO₂ emissions for travel, it can also reduce the amount of waste generated on-site significantly. Hybrid events therefore contribute significantly to efficiency – especially in sustainability.

Possible limitations of hybrid events

In contrast to the numerous advantages and opportunities that hybrid events can offer, possible limitations and risks should also be considered carefully in advance. These may include, for instance:

Increased staff costs and expenditures

Should an event also be recorded and streamed live, appropriately qualified staff will be needed. The support of attendees participating online should also not be neglected. At the same time, more extensive technical equipment and a professional webcast provider are required for hybrid events. This can involve additional effort, which is usually quickly recouped. We offer qualified staff as well as the required technology at reasonable prices.

Complex processes require training

Hybrid events have significantly more complex processes than pure on-site events. All content and information must be adapted accordingly so both groups can perceive it in the best possible way. In order to be able to handle these complex processes, you also need to ensure your in-house employees also need to be trained appropriately in advance. We offer professional training and the necessary know-how for successful implementation.

Possibly fewer live attendees

Hybrid events also offer various advantages for the attendees. For instance, the time saved by not having to travel to and from the event can be a reason for many not to attend the event locally. You should include these considerations in the planning of hybrid events and assess the allocation of participants to the different groups of attendees at an early stage. You can organise your event with ease thanks to our efficient invitation and registration management.

Sounds interesting?

Contact us right away to discuss your hybrid event project, or check our SlideSync platform for yourself!