The event landscape has constantly evolved over the years. Since the pandemic, virtual and hybrid events have been amplified as they combine the interactive elements of a physical event with innovative technological solutions. These features include polls, quizzes, chatbots, breakout session rooms, presentations, photo booths, and many more.

On the one hand, where virtual events benefit situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, many people still value in-person communication at live events. To ensure all attendees receive an engaging and immersive meeting experience, it's important for companies to understand how to harness the power of hybrid and virtual events.

If you are interested in learning more about virtual and hybrid events, you can head to our blog section/ can check our earlier blog posts where we have given an in-detail description. Click on the links provided below to check them out:

1. What Is Virtual Hybrid Meeting And How To Conduct It Successfully

2. How To Choose A Virtual Event Platform Service Provider?

3. How Customising Virtual Events Can Help You Increase Engagement?

In this blog, we will highlight the difference between virtual and hybrid events. At the same time, we will address how they can help you achieve your event goals and make your event memorable.

Virtual Events

They are entirely presented on the digital landscape. Companies can connect, communicate and engage with their target audience by combining both live-streaming and pre-recorded content. It allows participants to share instant real-time feedback from anywhere in the world.

Compared to in-person, virtual events offer a wide range of benefits, including:

• Reduction in travel, lodging, venue and food expenses.

• Removes geographical barriers and reaches out to global audiences in real time.

• Increased sponsorship values as international clients can connect and collaborate with source companies to generate brand awareness.

Hybrid Events

On the spectrum between in-person and virtual events, hybrid events lie in the middle. It includes a physically present audience at the venue as well as the online participants that connect over virtual platforms. Using the right virtual event platform, both attendees can connect and interact with each other throughout the event.

Although hybrid events accumulate all the benefits that of virtual events, the following are some exclusive advantages of organising them at your next company event:

• Better reach and engagement for in-person audiences.

• Increased event rate of investments as it reaches a wider audience base who are interested in attending the event.

• Reduces carbon footprint as interested participants can attend using video conferencing tools, hence improving environmental health.

How To Choose Between Virtual & Hybrid Events

If you review these benefits, you may wonder: "Which type should I select for my company's next event?"

You should consider many factors when selecting a virtual or hybrid format.

• Who is your target audience? (General public, internal teams, investors, etc.)

• What are the goals of your event? (Business decisions, product launches, investor meetings, etc.)

• Are there any travel restrictions in your city/country? (Pandemic, lockdown, visa issues, etc.)

• How flexible is your budget? (Keep ROI in your mind & calculate)

• How much time do you have to plan & execute the whole event? (1 week, month, or year)

Following are the parameters on which you can decide to opt for virtual events:

• Travel restrictions are in place.

• Mostly a global audience.

• Attract new audiences.

• Short planning time.

And if you want to opt for hybrid events, ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Most audiences are locally present.

• High collaboration goals.

• Flexible budget

• Long-term planning.

To conclude:

Both virtual and hybrid events boast impressive outcomes. Ensure to keep the pointers mentioned above in your mind and accordingly select the best alternative event type to achieve the organisational goals. If you still have any queries related to virtual or hybrid events, you can reach out to us now!