HYBRID EVENT? THE QUESTIONS YOU WERE NERVOUS TO ASK, ANSWERED
You don’t need to be an event production professional to have an idea of what an in-person event entails, even if it’s just noticing that someone had to organize the event from start to finish. Similarly, the average person probably can likely differentiate between a well-produced virtual event and a lackluster video call. But what about hybrid events? What exactly does a hybrid event look like? And how do you effectively balance risk management and mitigation with creative and hybrid programming? It’s likely needless to say, but it always bears repeating: no two hybrid events look the same, and they can differ enormously. With some much ambiguity, you probably have some questions. Don’t worry: our organization is happy to share with you the most common questions we get asked about hybrid events and help you and your organization evolve your event strategies for 2021 and beyond!
What Exactly is a Hybrid Event?
A hybrid event is exactly what it sounds like: a hybrid of two different event types, blended into one. In a world still navigating a global pandemic, hybrid events are in-person performances, speakers, and gatherings that connect to and engage with a virtual audience.
It’s the perfect bridge between what events have been for the past several months and what they will return to soon enough: depending on a state’s and/or country’s restrictions, people can begin to come together and connect to others in-person and in the digital world.
Am I Essentially Creating Two Events: A Virtual One and an In-Person One?
Luckily, no. But, there are extra steps that do require your attention and thought. And if you have experience planning an in-person event and planning a virtual event, you’re well-equipped to create a singular, hybrid one.
It’s helpful to think about this more like a venn diagram than two separate circles. You’re broadcasting the same message, highlighting the same great speaker, reaching the same expansive audience - just in two different ways. You’re figuring out the venue, the set design, the physical audience, etc., for the in-person side of the event, and you’re also addressing what technology, how you’ll stage manage and broadcast this, etc., for the virtual part of the event. If this feels a little overwhelming, don’t worry: there are great event production companies that are well-versed in each and every area of hybrid event management. Trust in the professionals and they can cover all you’ll need to make your event an enormous success.
What’s Engagement like Between In-Person Attendees and Virtual Attendees?
This question may feel daunting to consider at first, but it’s actually an exciting step forward. Regardless of when in-person events can happen in the same way they would before March 2020, it’s extraordinarily unlikely that future events won’t need to be sensitive to virtual attendees. In other words, a digital component to every event feels inevitable. That being said, now’s the perfect time to see how you can have guests at your venue or in your studio engaging with the lovely folks at home!
Luckily, plenty of tech-savvy event producers have been thinking about this question for a long time (Wizard Studios, included!). Engagement could be gamified with live Q&As, attendees could have personalized happy hours with breakout rooms that connect them to an event’s speakers or presenters, or virtual attendees could tune in through social media channels and specific hashtags. The list of engagement options grows each and every day.
What do Large-Scale Events (Galas, Performances, etc.) Look and Feel Like?
In-person performances, galas, and symposiums can be easily transformed into an unrivaled hybrid event with custom graphics, beautiful sets, and unique fabrications. For example, we worked with CurePSP on their annual gala and created a broadcast that included live and pre-recorded videos, top-notch performances with custom-made graphic overlays, and laid it all against an entirely custom-made set. Over the course of two days, breakout rooms were managed, a live Q&A was hosted to engage with the speakers, and our studio filmed and edited pre-recorded sessions to create a performance and gala that made participants forget they were sitting in their living rooms!
What’s the Biggest Advantage to Creating Hybrid Events?
By far, the greatest thing you can offer your audience at this time is real, genuine, human connection. After so many months of being cooped up in our homes, consumers all around the world are hungry to explore the world and feel like they’re authentically interacting with new and interesting people. Your event could be the first time they’ve engaged with someone or something new in almost a year!
On top of that, consider the reach the extraordinary reach that including a virtual event could have. Monetizing your event could mean sponsors from anywhere in the world. Your consumer base could be expanding to places you had never thought possible. And engagement in the virtual world allows you to connect to a more connected global marketplace. Talk about a win win for everyone!
Sounds Great! Where Do I Go to Get Started?
Entrust in an events production company that has years of experience working on events that are in-person, virtual, and a hybrid of the two. Luckily, you need look no further than Wizard Studios! The future of events is rich with hybrid opportunities, and Wizard Studios has the experience and wherewithal to create solutions that both inspire and engage. If you’re interested in transforming your next gathering into the hybrid event of a lifetime, contact Wizard Studios today!