Top 10 Features To Look For In A Hybrid Event Platform

Event marketing professionals from all around the world are opting for hybrid events due to their growing popularity and cost-effectiveness in comparison to traditional events. 

A Hybrid Event is the perfect combination of an in-person event with a virtual event platform. In other words, a hybrid event is attended by both the in-person and virtual attendees hence enabling the content to reach a wider audience.

Whether it is a tradeshow, conference, seminar, entertainment program, workshop or business meeting, the future of events is more focused on hybrid events.

It has been realised that a hybrid event can have a wider audience reach as compared to a traditional event with a limited target audience. People worldwide can be a part of an event held in any country using an app or a virtual event platform and have the same experience as a live in-person event. This has opened up the world to a possibility of increased participation and make an event global.

Here is a list of the top features to look for in a hybrid event platform to get the most out of your hybrid event.

1. Reliable Analytics & Data Report

Analytics is significant in finding the necessary information of a hybrid event. It is essential to track the participant’s data and make reports based on several metrics. Analytics feature enables the organisers to find out the least and the most engaging activities, features that were liked or disliked by the participants and other such factors. Choose a hybrid event platform that offers Attendee Tracking that gives insights into which sessions the attendees participated in. By knowing this information, you can send surveys or mainly targeted messages to the audience.

2. Networking Opportunities

Hybrid Events should provide enough networking and engagement opportunities to the audience to enhance their participation. Networking is one of the significant reasons behind attending most of these events. Event Platforms these days offer networking features that provide a real-like experience. Some of the top networking features that your event should incorporate are:

- Virtual Networking Tables

- Live Question and Answer Sessions

- Live Personal and Group Chats

- Live Polls

- Networking Lounge

- 1:1 Meetings

- Exchange Business cards

You might also be interested in:

• What are Hybrid Events | Know why Event Planners are Pivoting to Hybrid events in 2021

• Hybrid Events: 5 Questions to Ask Before Planning a Hybrid Event

3. Getting Feedback

There is a reason why you should add a feedback option to your hybrid event. The feedback allows attendees to share their experiences and is beneficial for the organisers to focus their time and efforts on improving the overall experience next time. Providing a feedback form to the attendees helps them know that we value their opinions and feedback. 

4. Content Strategies

For a hybrid event, it is of topmost priority that you plan the content appropriately. Plan different content for your in-person and virtual attendees because the virtual attendees do not have the same attention span as the in-person attendees. They may easily get distracted by just a simple notification on their phones.

Choose a hybrid event platform that provides live streaming options, pre-recorded content and a live chat option where the virtual audience can connect. 

5. Tremendous Sponsorship Opportunities

Hybrid events offer more visibility for the event sponsors as the events are attended by people worldwide, providing a higher reach. This will give sponsorship value to your event and attract more sponsorship deals. A hybrid event platform should offer fully customisable branding, from designing to end production, such as picking the colours yourself or adding the company logo. Offering both an in-person and a virtual booth to your sponsors and exhibitors is an excellent way to ensure more visibility for their brand.

6. Easy Navigation

In a hybrid event, it is easier for the physical attendees to move from one area to another, and the same should be done for the virtual audience. An easy to navigate virtual lobby designed with a navigation bar with buttons to reach any area of the virtual venue is super important. The attendees should be able to access these areas quickly. Event Agendas should be provided to the hybrid event attendees so that they can move from one session to another, being completely aware of the event proceedings.

7. Technology 

Technology plays a crucial role in hosting a successful hybrid event. It is the basis for the evolution of virtual events. There is a demand for technology providers to operate online platforms that control thousands of online attendees while also providing real-time interaction. Make sure that the video streaming service is working correctly. Incorporate the Attendee Access Control feature that allows organisers to keep track of their viewer’s movements. They can access the control to locations within a hybrid event. 

8. Lesser costs for more value

A hybrid event provides cost-saving benefits. People can attend a hybrid event from their homes, hence saving up on travelling and accommodation costs. As more people will participate in online virtual events, there will be less space required to set up the event and less food waste. Event organisers will save up on both time and money by organising a hybrid event. A well-curated event experience will a balance of in-person and virtual audience can provide a whole lot of value.

9. Customised event platform

You can add customised changes to the audience interface. Host a fully customised hybrid event with features such as exhibition halls, virtual lobby, auditorium, and so much more. Customisation is done as per the client’s needs. 

10. Engagement for the audience

Audience engagement should be the number one priority for an event organiser. Both the live and online attendees should feel engaged at the event. It can be the biggest challenge an organiser may face as the online attendees may not feel as present as the live audience. Curate your content and present it in a way that helps engage both audiences helping increase the audience engagement. 

Add breaks between the sessions so that the audience can utilise the break to check out the fun engagement features you are offering on the platform. There are so many attractive features that you can incorporate into your event. Some of these include a social wall, photo booths,  online games, chat options, and so much more.

During these unpredictable times, hybrid events are a perfect solution for both the organisers and attendees. Event planners will combine hybrid events into their long term strategy, even after the pandemic is over. The benefits of hosting a hybrid event make it an appealing option for companies that do event planning.

In the coming months, we will see if hybrid events change the way companies host their events. New technologies are always arriving that will provide better ways of connecting with your audience digitally. Event management companies are increasingly adopting virtual event strategies and promote their business on the digital platform.

This article came to you from Biz Connect Events, a leading virtual events agency known for creating hybrid and virtual events without limits. From shaping a holistic approach towards planning and execution to a proven record of designing and delivering corporate events – our success stories speak volumes about us, as does our diverse clientele. We conceptualise the event based on your needs from the first Teaser to the final Giveaway, Branding, and communication to deliver and reinforce the key message to your TG. Top Management attention on End to End planning with our team, which has managed more than 40 virtual events in the last two decades across 40 Countries, go hand in hand on the path to achieve sustainable operational excellence.

If you’re interested in learning more about Virtual and Hybrid events, contact us at contact@bizconnectevents.com or Call +91 6363556547