Brands always need vibrant and engaging experiences to stay connected, with their audiences and end customers. 2020 was undoubtedly a year of pivoting on so many levels. Brands that found ways to pivot were able to reap the rewards by taking a calculated risk with digital experiences. Many reported taking a leap into uncharted territory with their brand experiences because of the setbacks caused by COVID19.

As we look ahead with optimism in 2021 and beyond; we’re currently seeing an important gravitation; another ‘leap’, towards a hybrid approach (a live, in-person event with a virtual online component). The hybrid strategy supports the invaluable human connection, we all need. Connections forged via a chance discussion over hors d’oeuvres an astute comment whispered in a lecture audience can be recreated in a hybrid experience.

At the same time, a hybrid approach embraces additional benefits. Some of these benefits include greater flexibility, audience accessibility, improved cost controls, and global exposure.

What’s hybrid? At its most basic definition, a hybrid event is a tradeshow, conference, un-conference, seminar, workshop, or other meetings that combines a ‘live’ in-person event with a ‘digital’ online component.

What type of hybrid experiences is most popular?

• SKO’s – Sales Kick-Off Meetings
• Product Launches and Reveals
• Trade Shows and Events
• Annual User Conferences
• Educational Forums
• Company Appreciation Events
• Executive Briefings
• Digital Environments of corporate spaces, facilities and manufacturing operations combined with digital sales tools embedded

Typically, the digital component of the experience involves many aspects of the live event.

• Live streaming of the actual event, as an option. This could mean, when the event starts for in-person attendees, it also starts live for the digital attendees.
• Live streaming of subject matter experts, key executives, poignant speakers, and workshops with optional access to their presentation materials.
• An event webcast with synchronized content (slides, live chats, polls, gaming, etc.) that coincide with the live event and foster greater engagement.
• Real-time discussion features allow attendees to network with each other and receive content from presenters on the fly.
• On-Demand content within a unique channel that can be accessed for months and years to come, password protected as an option.
• Integration of social media channels such as LinkedIn, YouTube,
  Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Tic Tock depending on each brand’s needs and where their audiences typically reside.
• Real-time networking and appointment setting opportunities for attendees/companies to interact, allowing companies to stay engaged with their end customers and prospects.