The latest government announcement is uplifting the event industry by allowing public gatherings of up to 250 people. This is indeed exciting news! And why limit yourselves when you can increase capacity by being creative?
The best solution for companies is hybrid events, which combine both face-to-face and virtual presence in order to maximize audiences.
Happening has been hard at work for several months to find the perfect solution, and now offers you advice on how to hold successful hybrid events in 2020.
The advantages of a hybrid event
Besides reaching a larger number of people, hybrid events have many advantages such as:
More inclusive events
Hybrid events have the possibility to include a variety of people who might not have otherwise been able to participate in the activity:
- vulnerable people who need to be more isolated from the group;
- countryside or rural communities far away from urban settings;
- introverts and those who feel uncomfortable in groups.
More versatile events
Without the limitations of a specific physical environment, the virtual space offers the opportunity to select from a wide variety of set decor options as well as themes and conference topics.
The technology allows the possibility to have speakers from outside the geographical area participate without having to pay for transportation and lodging.
How to adapt your event to a hybrid formula?
A hybrid event must be as attractive to participants attending in person as to those online, so that they may all enjoy the same level of participation and interaction.
A set with multiple functions
Rethink your space and your decor to facilitate social distancing without compromising on the look of your settings, while making everything attractive to both sets of your attendees: live and online.
For seating, prioritize such items as ottomans and single-seat armchairs, or separate your sectionals with removable partitions.
Ensure that the lighting, audio, and stage are all selected to broadcast beautifully on screens. The choice of lighting is particularly important for cameras. Several options are available to create secure networking spaces. For example, our networking maisonnettes are now equipped with protective panels and are disinfected between uses.
Turn your stage into a film set
The stage is the centerpiece of the event, therefore its design should be as impressive as the set of a television show! Make it warm and welcoming, while remembering to divide the space for the safety of your host / speakers. Add some greenery to your decor, as well as curtains, furniture, etc.
Make sure speakers respect safe distancing on stage, and participants stay seated as much as possible.
Television quality is achieved by using a professional team and suitable audio-visual equipment. Happening has set up a hybrid webcasting studio, specially designed to welcome guests on-site, while offering a quality online event.
Commitment is more important than ever
Make sure that your host interacts with people in the room as well as those on the online platforms. Asking questions helps create interaction between participants. There are also many applications available to create walls of tweets or publications.
With the ability to comment remotely, your participants will feel more involved.
When planning your event, consider integrating games, brainstorm sessions, or discussions involving teams of both virtual and physical attendees.
A touch screen that allows an on-site guest to connect and network with someone online is also an excellent way to increase interaction.
If you offer a meal or a gift bag, remember to deliver it to your remote guests in advance.
Related content : 4 ways to improve your virtual events
Organize your hybrid event
With these tools and tips in hand, you can now organise your next event: congress, galas, training workshops and team building activities.
Need a hand?
Our team of experts is ready to lend a hand and guide you every step of the way, from ideation to delivery. Happening will provide you turn-key solutions for your in-person, virtual or hybrid events. Contact us!
