Some events are better hosted in person, as there are components that simply don’t lend themselves well to a virtual format. Others, meanwhile, are far more suitable for the Internet; far simpler and more effective to run through a streaming platform or online client.
As the digital era gains more prominence in the field of event management, there are a number of event planners who’ve come to realize that just about any event can be enriched by applying a virtual touch. By combining a physical venue with an online platform, event organizers can reach a far larger audience than would otherwise be possible.

A hybrid event, an affair that combines a traditional venue with both live and on-demand streaming. Hybrid increases the life-cycle and reach of an event pre-to-post to boost engagement and promote the event.

A hybrid event closes the gap between physical and virtual. It creates an environment where Internet attendees can interact with speakers and other guests as if they were actually there. It allows them to participate in Q&A sessions, chat about what they’re seeing on-screen, and in some cases even move around the show floor through telepresence technology.

We all know that the world economy isn’t exactly in a great place at the moment. Also, the COVID pandemic has derailed the way we work. Thus enforcing upon us a new norm of life. What this translates to where event management is concerned are budget cuts and travel restrictions – two challenges easily dealt with through a hybrid approach. By combining a virtual platform with their physical venue, event organizers can more effectively spread the word about their events and fill seats without some of the costs associated with in-person attendance.

Thus a hybrid or vertical event management must have the three important verticals

1) Marketing, 2) Convenience for attendees 3) Cost-effectiveness

Hosting a virtual event requires the same care and attention as an in-person event. With both events, you need to effectively promote the event, engage your attendees, create memorable moments for attendees, and prove event success.

The only thing that’s missing is the venue and the attendees on-site. But, by thinking of virtual events not as small one-off presentations, but as value-added, engagement-driven experiences, you can create an impactful event that extends well-beyond a computer screen.

Here are a few reasons to host a virtual event:

Accessibility: While the event is still being held in-person, virtual options allow you to accommodate attendees who are unable to attend in person.

Budget: Your organization needs to cut costs and making smaller events and webinars virtual can help move money to the biggest event of the year that brings in the largest number of leads. It also helps to have a virtual or hybrid option when attendee budgets to travel are a concern.

There’s no other option: Whether due to the extreme weather, travel bans, or an act of God, you’re forced to make your in-person event virtual or cancel it altogether.

But In-person Events and Virtual Events Aren’t Exactly the Same

Virtual events have limitations that in-person events don’t. Where in-person events can draw attendees with a unique destination and the promise of networking, virtual events must rely on content. Marketers and planners need to market content to the segments that get the best response. And, for virtual events, planners must decide how to provide content. At in-person events, breakout sessions and multiple content options are held at the same time. Not only that, engaging attendees through virtual meetings is more difficult and requires creativity and event technology like mobile event apps to make an impact.

Another reality is that, with virtual events, face-to-face engagement suffers. There’s no way around it.

FUTURE OF EVENT MANAGEMENT

The COVID scenario has changed the way we live and socialize. Though we can’t meet people or many people will not be able to attend important functions or ceremonies, we need to move on.

The solution is having Virtual / Hybrid events. We can at least feel the presence of our loved ones and have them engaged in any of our events. In the near future, almost 30 percent of events will be held on Virtual / Hybrid platforms.