Last year, companies shifted to virtual events out of necessity and under extreme circumstances. As the world emerges from the restrictive environment that the pandemic created, savvy business leaders are using what they learned to build hybrid events to fuel networking opportunities and meet their KPIs.
Verbit gathered Chad Blaise, VP of Growth at Bizzabo, and Charlotte Copeman, Director of Technology at Kaltura, to share how business leaders can maximize new event experiences. Wondering what a hybrid event entails and the value-add of including live and virtual audiences? Watch the video where they explore more on these factors:
1. Witness Solid ROI
The overwhelming consensus that hybrid events will grow in popularity is partly related to the public’s increased familiarity with virtual communications. However, the real reason these events are so popular is that they work. 86% of B2B organizations reported that hybrid events led to a positive ROI.
2. Reach a Wider Audience
Most people agree that live events are best for engaging an audience, connecting with others and building meaningful business relationships. However, not everyone is ready to commit to attending live events again, whether it stems from uneasiness due to COVID-19, the topic’s relevance or the forum’s location. Hybrid events, therefore, attract both in-person participants who are able but offer a virtual alternative to attract people who wouldn’t have attended otherwise. With so much involved in producing an event, reaching the largest target audience possible delivers the highest payoff for increased brand awareness, connections and potential prospects down the line.
3. Test New Strategies & Engage Audiences
The best hybrid events cater to all attendees, but many business leaders producing events do not understand how to do so effectively. One study found that 71% of event planners report that engaging live and virtual audiences at the same time is the greatest challenge of hybrid formats. The same survey found that 39% of virtual attendees at hybrid events felt excluded.
It is not enough to simply stream live speakers to virtual audiences. Simultaneously engaging online and in-person participants requires specialized tools, efforts and strategies. However, it also presents an opportunity to test out new engagement techniques to see what is possible and what resonates best. There’s nothing like an A/B test to plan for the future.
Get Expert Advice from Speakers at Bizzabo & Kaltura
Hybrid events are new, but Blaise and Copeman are experts in the events game. They understand how to power and execute successful virtual and hybrid events. They also have tips on using video effectively and engaging audiences to create fun and inclusive experiences for them.
Verbit’s team also supports corporations with their in-person and live-streamed events happening on platforms like Zoom to ensure they’re engaging and accessible. Watch as these corporate technology thought leaders share how to inform your business’ event and engagement strategies going forward.