We’ve all heard sayings about how you learn through trying and improve through learning. This adage has certainly been the case for the events industry in the past couple of years as organizers have adapted, experimented, and iterated. While there are numerous hybrid event trends coming to light this year, we wanted to put a spotlight on some BIG ones!
Safety
Although we’re in the best state we’ve been in for years with respect to the pandemic, it is still very much a thing to be contended with. We’ve witnessed an increasing awareness of physical safety over the past few years and this will continue to be the case for in-person and hybrid events. You can expect to see a continued focus on social distancing and safety this year as hybrid events become the more sustainable path forward.
Apps and AR
Everyone is on a mobile device, even when they’re at events (albeit checking less often maybe). With virtual events and their integration with hybrid ones, event management platforms are creating apps for the virtual attendance and engagement aspects. Another burgeoning trend is augmented reality (AR). Event organizers are now finding ways to leverage the virtual side of hybrid events to incorporate sponsorship/signage, gamification elements, and other marketing-driven efforts.
Less is more
With virtual and hybrid solutions, events have become more streamlined than their traditional in-person counterpart. The staffing, hosting, travel, and accommodation costs are fewer allowing for investment in other impactful aspects of an event (e.g. more and higher-profile keynote speakers). Small-scale events that can reach a far wider audience are a very optimal equation for event organizers.
More for Less
Similar to the point above about savings being reinvested in other areas of the event, you can also use the savings to host more events! One of the bigger trends is more interactive and user experience-driven events that have fewer resource requirements (which are handled via the event platform). Try incorporating engagement activities like polls, leaderboards, virtual photo booths, scavenger hunts, and other games into your hybrid event!
Events and their strategies will continue to evolve and change which is why we’re here to help! Contact Baldwin Audio/Visual Solutions today to learn more about our event solutions.