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Online and Hybrid Events: A Trend from the Present to the Future
Events have always played a crucial role in society, enabling greater connection, learning, celebration and engagement between people. Traditionally, events are held physically, in a specific space, with people, all with the same goals. However, over time, online events have become more popular and hybrids.
Know what they are online and hybrid events; the types of online and hybrid events that exist; the trajectory of the evolution of events towards an online and hybrid model; their benefits and challenges.
What are Online Events?
Online Events
Online events encompass a set of activities, meetings, conferences and presentations held 100% online. They enable the virtual participation of people from different parts of the world. They can be inserted in different contexts, from social, business, educational, or even entertainment. Access to these events occurs through a link on a web page.
Types of Online Events
Webinars
In general, these events consist of an online lecture or seminar, which can be broadcast live or pre-recorded. Webinars usually have a more educational aspect, with online courses, workshops and lectures. They can also be used to promote a particular product, for corporate meetings or even to share knowledge on a particular topic.
Workshops and Online Courses
These types of online events are forms of teaching and training educational online. Online workshops are generally more interactive, with various activities and projects to complete during the session. Online courses are more structured learning programs, with recorded class videos, quizzes, and reading materials.
Virtual Conferences
Virtual conferences are most commonly used in corporate environments, using video conferencing platforms. They allow people from different parts of the world to come together to share knowledge and ideas on a given topic. In general, participants can attend virtual lectures, presentations and exhibitions.
Product Launches
Online product launch events are usually created by companies. The aim is to promote a specific product or service through digital media. In addition, they aim to create an expectation in the public, as well as connect and generate sales. A big driver of this type of event has undoubtedly been social media.
Virtual Fairs
Virtual trade shows have become increasingly popular over time. Held on online platforms, they allow exhibitors to interact with attendees by watching live presentations. Sometimes, some trade shows include features such as augmented reality or 3D tours, making the experience of those attending even more realistic. Thanks to their accessibility and flexibility, these trade shows are a unique way to increase clientele and create networking contacts.
Online Entertainment Events
These types of 100% online events are usually music shows or concerts, virtual festivals, theater shows and performances, game streaming, stand-up comedy shows, film festivals, or even broadcasts of sporting events. The main objective of these events is to entertain and bring the audience closer together.
Online Corporate Meetings
These meetings are held online and bring together employees from a given company. They usually discuss work-related matters. There may also be a need to share certain information, make important decisions, or collaborate on a specific project.
What are Hybrid Events?
Hybrid Events
This type of event simultaneously combines the physical and online model. Allowing some participants to participate in person and the other part to follow the event and interact virtually. These events usually include online platforms such as live chats, polls, and question and answer sessions. The main objective is to interact proactively with participants.
Types of Hybrid Events
Hybrid events can be divided into three categories: events whose speakers are remote, participants are remote or in a multi hub meeting format (where there is a main event, and there are multiple places that are connected to the main event via live streaming).
Hybrid Congresses
Hybrid conferences bring together professionals from a specific area to discuss ideas, share points of view, network and participate in activities. The fact that the event is hybrid allows people from further away areas to watch and participate in the event even if they are far away.
Internal Events of a Company
Companies or organizations that have employees working remotely sometimes need to hold weekly, monthly or annual meetings. The main purpose of these meetings is usually for employees to interact and communicate with each other.
Hybrid Conferences and Seminars
These events combine both in-person and virtual elements, enabling interaction between participants both physically and remotely. These types of events typically use a variety of digital platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, as well as other forms of interaction such as live chats.
Hybrid Fairs and Exhibitions
Trade fairs and exhibitions can also be adapted to the hybrid model. In this case, exhibitors are present on site, and virtual stands are accessible via the internet, allowing people who cannot be physically present to have access. These types of events can be job fairs, business fairs, or even technology fairs.
Product Launch in Hybrid Format
These strategic initiatives are usually created by companies with the aim of introducing new products to the public. They are held in auditoriums or convention halls, with live presentations and product trials. These types of events can also incorporate an online format, giving remote participants the opportunity to watch and interact.
Hybrid Workshops
In these types of events, instructors or teachers are usually present at the location where the workshop is being held. Trainees may be present at the same location or attend via online platforms. Hybrid workshops may be more closely integrated into corporate models or even learning workshops, where participants' skills are demonstrated.
Networking Events
Hybrid networking events are emerging as an innovative trend these days. They are a unique way to combine the best of in-person meetings with virtual ones, incorporating streaming tools or even augmented reality solutions. Some examples of this type of event are business meetings and happy hours in corporate settings.
Performances
Performances and concerts are events that can easily be adapted to the hybrid model, combining the in-person and virtual elements. They can be music concerts , plays , or even cultural presentations. Being hybrid, it allows participants who are watching through online platforms to interact and live this experience to the fullest.
Evolution of In-Person Events to Online and Hybrid Models
For much of the history of Humanity, the events took place in person . Through congresses, seminars, festivals, fairs, among others.
These events have long allowed direct interaction between participants. Contributing to the exchange of ideas and experiences, interpersonal connections and sensory experiences. However, in-person events began to present some limitations.
Sometimes there are high costs for travel and accommodation for participants. As well as restrictions in terms of geography, or even in terms of accessibility.
This reality has been changing in recent decades, with technological evolution, enabling greater integration of technology into events and consequently their democratization.
During the technological growth, there was a development of digital platforms and various communication tools. New videoconferencing platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams and Google Meets emerged. Most of these platforms began to be used in webinars, live broadcasts and virtual conferences.
This allowed a true revolution in the events industry . Bringing considerable changes to the way we plan and execute an event.
During the COVID 19 Pandemic, these changes became even more significant. Verifying a greater acceleration in the adoption of online formats at events.
Due to mobility restrictions and the need for social distancing. Companies had to find alternatives to maintain their activities at a social and business level. It was in this context that online events gained even more strength, becoming a practical and beneficial solution for companies and people.
In addition to reducing costs associated with transportation, accommodation and food. Holding this type of event allows for greater flexibility; maintain interaction with the public; enhance new contacts and customers; increase the diversity of participants and expand the target audience.
The success of online events during the pandemic led many business organizations to adopt more innovative methods. Allowing the creation of more interactive, accessible and dynamic digital events.
In addition to online events, hybrid events have also started to gain more fans. Emerging with a slightly different concept from online events, hybrid events have allowed the best of both worlds to be combined – online and in-person. Allowing greater flexibility for participants, giving them freedom of choice in how they interact with the event.
As we can see, the transition from in-person events to online and hybrid events represents a crucial change. Driven by advances in technology and adapted to the needs of today's world , this evolution has allowed for a series of benefits and challenges. Learn about some of the advantages and challenges of online and hybrid events.
Advantages of Online and Hybrid Events
Greater Reach
One of the most important advantages of online and hybrid events is undoubtedly the increased audience reach. Allowing people from different parts of the world to participate in these events even if they are not physically present.
Cost Reduction
By being held 100% or partially online, these events allow for smaller cost reductions. It is a unique way for organizations to save on transportation, catering and accommodation. In addition to companies, participants will also have lower expenses.
Increased Flexibility
Online and hybrid events allow for greater marketing flexibility. Allowing businesses to use different channels to promote their brand. This flexibility is also visible in the format of the event itself, giving companies greater freedom of choice. In relation to the number of participants and speakers, the duration, as well as the chosen content.
Sustainable Practices
Did you know that online and hybrid events contribute to sustainability? And truth. Thanks to the reduction in the need for transport, as well as the reduction in logistics, the use of paper, disposable materials and the reduction of waste. These events contribute to good environmental practices.
Challenges of Online and Hybrid Events
Target Audience Engagement
One of the biggest challenges of these types of events is engaging with the audience. Sometimes it is a challenge to maintain or capture the interest of remote participants. There may also be difficulties in providing interactivity between the speaker and the participants.
Reduced Interaction
Although these events are usually prepared with virtual tools, such as chats, interpersonal interaction and networkingmay experience a reduction in this type of event. Furthermore, there are people who continue to prefer face-to-face events, due to the greater connection between all participants.
Technical Challenges
At these events, participants' experience can sometimes be affected by connection failures or internet access; difficulties in accessing the event platforms and device incompatibility.
Evaluate Feedback and Satisfaction
In online and hybrid events, it is sometimes challenging to evaluate feedback on a given experience. Due to the lack of direct interaction, the variety of experiences offered by these types of events, as well as the diversity of audiences and their different expectations.
With technological advances and the democratization of online and hybrid events , it is understandable to wonder whether in-person events will be forgotten.
Despite the growing trend of hybrid and online events, they are increasingly integrated into our daily lives. There will still be people who will always prefer face-to-face, human contact. That's why event organizing companies are always in constant evolution, adapting their offer to people's tastes and preferences.
If you are considering organizing your event in Portugal or Spain with a company specializing in event organization, choose Living Events!
Choose from a wide range of solutions, from Activities and Team Building, MICE, Event Venues, Full Service, Online Events even Customized Tours. With a specialized team, Living Events will ensure that your physical, online or even hybrid event is a true success!
Contact us and be surprised.
