Best hybrid examples

It's not surprising that 65percent of event planners intend to utilize hybrids as their primary format once in-person events resume. Recently, we polled our members on LinkedIn and discovered that the majority are planning to host virtual events (38%) and hybrid occasions (38%) while only 6% are planning to host only in-person soon. Hybrid event types allow flexibility, helping to ensure compliance to local standards for safety and health for more intimate in-person experiences.

In this piece we'll discuss what makes an event hybrid and what we can get some insight from the best hybrid event examples from 2022.

Let's get started!

What exactly does a hybrid party take on?

Hybrid events are a main event that offers two distinct, yet connected experiences. The common connection between live and online attendees makes for the content of the event. An approach that is hybrid can enhance events that include trade exhibitions, conferences, meetings, or seminars.

• Live event and on-demand content. Live content can function as the live broadcast on television. Event organizers can upload pre-recorded video that guests can view anytime.
• Polls and live Questions. Polls and live Q&A allow remote audiences to feel as if they are inside the room and have speakers, and participate the same way an in-person participant could.
• Breakout spaces. Streaming breakout sessions at the event allows online viewers to be part of the action.
• Networking tools. Chat functionality, video, profile creation, and 1-to-1 gatherings help digital and in-person viewers connect.

The best hybrid examples of 2022

Now that you know a little more about Hybrid events, the question is how can you produce a great one? Here's a look at some of the best hybrid events that have yet to motivate you to get your hybrid event going.

 Inbound 2022

INBOUND INBOUND, powered by HubSpot is a gathering of experts from across the globe in sales, marketing, customer success, as well as revenue operation. The first hybrid event of their kind will kick in September 6th and runs through 9th September 2022.

With both in-person and virtual tickets on offer, INBOUND is ensuring that viewers who are not in the city will enjoy an experience that is completely their own.

Virtual ticket holders can gain access to specialized "Digital Only" material, specifically designed for ticket holders who have virtual tickets. The content on demand will be available for a year, and will be available in 24 hours from the closing day of the event. Additionally, everyone are able to join within the Inbound community for meetings, networking and chats.

When it comes to the hybrid event, having a group of people is necessary for the event to thrive.

 B2B Summit North America

B2B Summit North America is the premier event for B2B marketers and sales leaders to strengthen their business strategies. This event, which was hybrid in nature, took place on the 2nd of May 2022, located in Austin, Texas and featured breakouts, peer connections, and inspiring keynotes for everyone who attended and participated no matter their location.

For those they participated virtually they provided a guided platform orientation that not only ensure attendees were confident in getting around the venue and also to help to make the most of the experience. It also included the online sponsor market with collateral for sponsors as well as engagement opportunities lived. For in-person attendees, small 1:1 meetings with top analysts are a great way to discuss top business priorities as well as other benefits.

Remote audiences want every piece of content that the event can provide. The placement of all the resources at the same time for sponsors can encourage participation, as well as, obviously, making the sponsors feel appreciated.

 Gainsight All Over 2022

Gainsight's Pulse Everywhere kicks off its new hybrid event on August 17th at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The venerable hybrid festival offers both in-person and virtual ticket options. The ticket holders get access to the most current research on customer experience, community, and the top trends to watch. This event is jam-packed with information to help their participants understand most effective practices and methods to create top-quality customer experiences.

You can expect virtual networking events to mimic the moment conversations that happen during live events. In the event that you must convince your boss to go to an in-person event you can download a simple template available to download and show the worth of the occasion to your boss.

 #FinCon22

#FinCon22 is launching their new event experience in September Orlando, Florida. The digital marketing event that is geared towards content creators with personal finances is going further when it comes to in-person networking. The event this year will feature an important hub in the World Marriott Center that includes networking opportunities at meetups and lounges, booths for exhibits, live sessions and roundtables as well as other events. While the majority of FinCon's schedule is geared towards in-person attendees tickets holders with specific passes will have access to on-demand event videos and content after the event has ended.

In evaluating your event, make sure you prioritize features that encourage connection between attendees who are in person as well as online. Make sure you consider ways to make money off the content you stream.

 Empower Conference

One of the first significant hybrid conferences to take place this year was the Empower21 conference. Virtual and in-person attendees are able to access a virtual conference platform. Participants can interact with one other, view the agenda, speaker information and much more. In-person guests, security procedures like masks that are mandatory and social distancing were in the place.

This hybrid event proved that companies can continue to provide successful and secure in-person events by following health guidelines. It is expected that the Empower Conference returns in-person to the Irving Convention Center on February 28thof 2022.

 TwitchCon

It wouldn't be a surprise if Twitch is the streaming online platform that connects gamers to each other, focused solely on virtual experiences. However, Twitch recognizes that the benefits of a blended experience. In the past, TwitchCon featured live entertainment and music as well as panel discussions meetings and events, as well as tournaments. By using their platform to stream content, TwitchCon virtual audiences enjoy social interaction and effortless engagement in every aspect of the event. TwitchCon is located by San Diego and is scheduled to be held on October 7-9 2022.

 Apple's special Events

One of the finest examples of hybrid events is Apple Special Events. For as long as we can remember Special events hosted by Apple have been live streamed to viewers across the world, introducing the most recent Apple products, technology and much more. In 2019, an audience of 1,000 people and two million remote viewers were watching Tim Cook unveil products like a new iPad as well as a new Apple Watch, and the new iPhone 11. While hybrid is now been expanded to include more types of engagement with audiences and reaches 99.95 percent of an organization's total audience in one event isn't a small feat.

 WEC Grapevine

One of the biggest meeting and event industry associations has taken hybrid to the forefront in 2021 . It is worth noting. WEC Grapevine ran a 5 days in-person conference that included twenty or more concurrent sessions and the total of 1739 people. It was 608 in-person and 1131 digital attendees. MPI determined to demonstrate how you can safely revive business meetings and events. This hybrid event was such a success, it was was launched at Las Vegas in June of 2021 . It offered both the in-person experience as well as a online experience. They were both live and simultaneously taking place, allowing attendees to participate according to the best way for their needs.

 Social Media Marketing World

An ideal hybrid event that is attended by influential social media users are the Social Media Marketing World event. It is held in person in San Diego and offers high-quality material to help social media professionals who are prominently featured on social media social media platforms. The virtual component allows for the remote attendees to partake in the same content digitally. The registration process is clever and empowers attendees with multiple ticket tiers to maximize their reach. Tiers range from 100% virtual, on-demand video access, and unlimited access passes. The all-access tier features live streaming on-location access to every presentations, keynotes, and recordings and much more.

If you are planning your hybrid event be sure to consider different ticket types and tiers that are targeted to the audience you want to reach and provide a curated event experience.

 The New Yorker Festival

The adored New Yorker Festival is back with their annual celebration of information, politics and literature, films music, art and popular cultural. The festival this year features the combination of online, live streamed events and in-person occasions across New York City. In addition it is worth noting that the New Yorker Festival includes tickets to "Dining In Events" which features curated meal deliveries for those who attend in the five boroughs, as well as a virtual conference with those who cooked the food.

When building out your next event in a hybrid format make sure to include exclusive events that mix virtual connectivity as well as some face-to-face interaction.

Hybrid event FAQ

    What exactly is a hybrid event?    

An event that is hybrid is a single event which is intended to offer two audiences to experience. What makes the concept of a hybrid event is the fact that both audiences share connected experiences as well as event-related content via the use of a digital platform.                     What are the different varieties of hybrid events?    

Any event type that can be conducted both on-site and virtually, could be considered an event that is hybrid. Hybrid-type events can also be a great solution for attendees who are unable to attend the event in person due to medical or safety concerns, have limited travel budget or the space isn't enough.                     Why are hybrid events going to be the norm in the near future?    

Hybrid events of the future can host a live community in-person, while a wider global audience participates virtually. That means that we're looking at a primarily digital future, where measuring internet-based behavioral data will be the future benchmarks of success.

Make sure to wrap it the entire thing up

Here are some final ideas to keep in mind while planning a hybrid event:

• In-person attendees will thrive from the experiential aspect. Make sure to offer exclusive experiences in person for attendees. You might consider hiring musicians and live entertainment for the physical element of the event.
• Give attendees a variety of ticket choices. Let attendees decide what they would like to do. It will help them feel not only more comfortable with the experience, but potentially boost the amount of participation according to the method they decide.
• Engage a team of production. Working with a an experienced team of AV experts and event agencies help for seamless execution and hybrid development.
• Remember there are no rules. Hybrid calls for an endless quantity of imagination. Do not be afraid to try new ideas and expand on early learnings.

 First launched on September 13th, 2021 and updated on May 18, 2022.