The Value of Hybrid Events and How to Get the Most Bang for the Buck
Hybrid events became a trend in the post-COVID cautiousness. Now that hybrid events are no longer a result of travel restrictions or increased safety, there are other reasons why they can work to your benefit.
There are three key reasons why hybrid events can take your next corporate meeting to the next level.
Keynote Presenters
Imagine having triple the selection of keynote presenters to inspire your sales team. When you reserve a keynote who presents remotely, your choices go way up because it simplifies everything. And you can often get a discounted keynote speaker rate for a remote presenter.
Broader Availability
Offering a remote option allows you to bring in executives who would not have been able to travel for one reason or another. You create an inclusive culture for individuals who are dealing with illness, injury, family issues or disability. For companies with multiple divisions, this option enhances cooperation between teams that might not communicate often.
Cost Savings
Nothing compares to having the whole company together for an annual meeting; however, when you consider long-distance travel—particularly if you have international offices—the cost of
transportation and lodging is significant. That impact on the bottom line can go straight to the company or be redirected to the event to allow for an even better experience.
Hybrid Events Planning Bonus Tips
- Don’t discourage attendees from showing up in person. Make the hybrid event offer only to select audiences, or delay that option until the week before the event for those who are facing situations that prevent them from leaving home.
- Tout in-person attendance. This can happen with the addition of door prizes, post-event social activities, or topic or division breakout meetings. If you have a famous in-person keynote speaker, give the option for autographs or photographs with them.
- Ask how ITA can set up an app to help engage your audiences. We have built apps that specifically help hybrid audiences feel like a part of the program.
- Allow your attendees to engage with new technologies. Live voting or polling that integrates across the world in real time helps with engagement. Or introduce an AI avatar of your CEO to answer questions. It’s a good look for forward-thinking companies.