Hybrid events are as suggested, a blend of virtual and physical events. What distinguishes a virtual event from a hybrid one is engagement. Engagement is key during a hybrid event because two types of audience are present. It also implies that the physical absence of your virtual audience does not result in marginalisation; they get as much from the whole experience. Since hybrid events are a mix of both forms, here are some tips that guide the success of a hybrid event.
- Budgeting
Budgeting for a physical event can be different from a hybrid one. This is because both virtual and on site factors have to be catered for. Nonetheless, it gives room for flexibility as one may not necessarily have to, for instance, book a large space for all attendees. You can comfortably book space for 1000 people and still have a larger audience thanks to digital streaming. This way, it helps to streamline your budget. Nonetheless, your budget still has to cater for your virtual audience and you may have to invest in a good streaming platform, topnotch site that handles tickets for concerts, stage equipment, cameras, lights, rehearsal sessions and so on.
- Balance
A successful hybrid event relies on balance. It may take more work because your event will cater for two different types of audience. However, finding the connection between both will make your event even better. You can get this from your audiences’ feedback mails or registration forms as to what their anticipation is.
Also,your on-site audience may be more focused on events going on around them, being more eager to meet new people and so on, while your virtual audience may prefer shorter sessions, often due to time zone factors and multi-tasking too. Striking this balance may require you providing your virtual audience with recorded sessions. Engaging your fans virtually from time to time will equally provide a sense of inclusion.
- Live audience, live performers/speakers
Whether it’s a live performance or otherwise, you want to make sure that as much as possible, other performers or even hosts are on-site. This will help your fans, both physical and virtual, feel more connected to the sessions. Since virtual audiences draw a lot of energy from what’s happening live, having these sets of people with your physical audience is better because of the feedback and interaction involved.
- Documentation
Documenting your event is one thing, letting your fans have access to it afterwards is another. The content of your event can be recorded and made available to them after the event. Think of it as some sort of memory keepsake and gift to them. Though some streaming platforms permit these resources to be available for a couple of hours or days, you may want to take a look at a more lasting source.
- Driving ticket sales
The amazing thing about hybrid events is that there are lots of available options. There’s no need for one to feel left out if your fans can’t make it physically to a show. So, while ensuring that your physical audience is about to be comfortable enough to enjoy the best event they’ve witnessed so far, ensure that your virtual attendees aren’t left out too. Your creativity with tickets shouldn’t stop with the physical audience. You can also curate different tickets for concerts just so your attendees get a premium experience.
Others such as driving social media engagement and following up your fans afterwards with thank you emails also work. Don’t also forget to select the right streaming platform like Show4me for your virtual audience to get the best out of what you’re cooking.
0
0
