Nobody knew how long the COVID-19 epidemic would persist or how it would affect when it first emerged in early 2020. Digital transformation became essential for the events field, a sector historically dependent on the capability to engage and connect people in person.
As we enter the post-pandemic era, hybrid events increasingly overtake traditional events as the best option for the greatest participation and marketing potential. But how can you properly organize these events to win over the masses and hit your target metrics?
Continue reading to learn new strategies for hybrid events to amaze newer audiences like never before.
Be innovative when networking
Consider becoming creative with your network as one of the best hybrid event ideas we have to offer.
One clever concept for hybrid event best practices is to start the networking process before the event begins. This will help you prepare and execute your event smoothly.
You may divide guests into virtual groups, create online teams, or offer opening talking points through your desired agency tools.
Post in advance on Social Media and share via email
Your audience will be drawn to value-based content like webinars and podcasts featuring the event presenters or other experts before the event.
Additionally, good teaser content can be uploaded on social networks to raise interest in your hybrid event. These videos can be either professionally produced or made by users.
On the other hand, you can share the big news with your email list. We recommend looking at a guide to learn email marketing for strategic content and CTAs. In addition to enhancing your event brand, this helps you improve the registration process.
Invite online influencers to promote your event
Great hybrid event ideas come with inviting well-known influencers to talk about your event. It is one of the best investments you can make within this scope.
According to specific figures, influencer marketing generates a return of $5.78 for every dollar invested. In light of these figures, influencer marketing is the most successful and cost-efficient marketing tactic.
Incentivize social media influencers to promote your hybrid event by offering them a free ticket to the event. Additionally, you can provide them with a referral link that their fans can use to purchase tickets to the event at a discount.
Add in break times for games
Play some games at your hybrid event to shake things up and set it apart from the standard corporate workflow! Your participants will stay alert to the changing format of your events, and you’ll also create space for discussion and impromptu connections.
You will repeatedly spend much of your time going back and forth with your participants on a game break, so you can use recurring appointments to save time. To foster a feeling of belonging offline and online, consider implementing fun activities or game breaks where everyone can participate. Participants can relax while still forging meaningful connections.
Make an organized and balanced schedule
Undoubtedly, it might be challenging to devise creative hybrid event ideas or arrange one meticulously. Ensure your checklist is ready before the planning process starts since structure and order should always come first.
The best answer might be to make a unique event management platform investment. Your hybrid event can be planned, advertised, and analyzed all in one location, avoiding any inexperienced organizational or technological mishaps.
If you still face difficulties arranging the schedule and content of your event, you can ask for external help from guided business planning services.
Additional methods for making hybrid events more engaging
Hybrid event participation is simple, with an investment in a reliable hybrid event platform. But these are some proven methods for making it interactive:
- Be imaginative,
- Consider fresh ideas,
- Highlight your visuals with effective data visualization tools,
- Keep the writing concise,
- Incorporate dialogue-based sessions,
- Promote audience involvement,
- Add a touch of individualization,
- Utilize technology, such as event apps, to keep your audience interested.
The world has changed drastically in the last two years, yet businesses have survived and adjusted. Hosting earlier in-person activities got difficult as working remotely became trendy these days.
Through trial and error, hybrid event management has evolved into our new way of life. Hybrid events enhance participation, revenue, and marketing efforts long after the event.