A Hybrid Conference
What is IT?
In our previous article we talked about adaptation and its importance in these critical times. Today we want to focus on being proactive with a curious mindset and how Hybrid Conferences can help expand your organization’s brand awareness creating engaging events with a worldwide audience, speakers and sponsors, without losing the advantages of real-life events.
In this article, we will dive deeper into this type of event (by definition: the combination of in-person and virtual) and explore the opportunities that emerging technologies such as AR (Augmented Reality) can provide.
ENHANCING HUMAN INTERACTIONS
First of all, we believe that there will never be an interaction more authentic and genuine than being face to face. Technologies are doing a great job to make the virtual interactions better every day, but on a Hybrid Event you can make the best out of both and it’s key to emphasize the importance of the in-person part.
The ability to use all the human senses provides a much more vivid experience. Human interactions are not only physically beneficial, but also imperative for mental and emotional well-being which consequently builds deeper relationships and networking that will last for a longer period, that in addition can be sustained taking the advantages of the virtual technologies.
engaging with a worldwide audience
The virtual side of these conferences goes way beyond watching a keynote from a speaker on-demand or joining a virtual live meeting. People from all around the world are able to participate in Q&A sessions, poles and virtual workshops where the engagement is a lot more immersive than before, and enables networking among participants worldwide.
It’s worth mentioning that every physical space has a limit, whereas digitally there is almost none. This democratizes the opportunities for everyone, taking into account that not every person has the time and resources to assist to every conference they want to go to.
opening the door for renowned speakers
We all know the difference it makes in the impact of a conference, having distinguished speakers. But, because of the time-value of people like Bill Gates or Brian Tracy many organizations can’t afford to pay them.
The game changes when these speakers don’t have to take a flight to assist to the event. They are able to perform a speech in their house or office for an hour, disconnect and keep working on their extremely busy agendas the minute after they finish.
EXPANDING THE TIMELINE OF THE EVENTS
The combination between in-person and virtual allows the organisers to create an experience before, during and after the conference, which will have a much bigger impact on the attendees. In addition to viewing videos on-demand, participants will be able to engage in community groups and have a follow-up of the event whenever they need.
From a business perspective, organizations will be able to expand their brand awareness to another level, and enhance their e-commerce performance.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Augmented Reality (AR) is an emerging technology that will change the way you can reach your audience, both external and internal. It will add interactivity, data visualization, and holographic communications that will enhance the participant’s experience.
In conclusion, endless opportunities and new ideas are arising every day. We believe that it’s important for conference organizers to take these technologies to their advantage, and provide the best possible customer experience.