What is a “Hybrid Event”
Hybrid events have exploded in popularity in recent years with the growth of livestreaming and in response to Covid-19. At its core a Hybrid Event is an in-person event that is also streamed online. However, the complexity and difficulty can vary depending on the event.
Different Kind of Hybrid Events
There are a variety of different Hybrid events, from the simplest which would be a straightforward event that is also live streamed with no remote viewer interaction. To the slightly more complex Hybrid event which would allows remote users to be involved in discussion and ask questions of speakers as if they where there in person. To the very complex that is a Hybrid event with high remote viewer interaction as well as live crosses from speakers in different locations.
While all Hybrid events have their logistical challenges with a skilled and experienced team much of the stress out of planning these productions.
Different Hybrid Platforms
There are a variety of platforms for livestreaming that can work well for hybrid events. Two that come to mind are Zoom with its robust chat, Q&A and inbuilt polls. And Bigmarker with the same chat and Q&A functions but with the added bonus of customisable landing pages. But you can also use 3rd party systems in parallel to the stream for chat and Q&A such as Slido. This can allow in person attendees as well as remote attendees to use the same system to ask questions.
All in all, Hybrid Events are a fantastic combination of the best aspects of both in person events and live stream events. While they can take time and effort to organise and plan, they ultimately are the best of both worlds. Allowing you to reach a much larger audience.
