7 reasons why hybrid events are taking the lead

by Startacus Admin
Hybrid events are here to stay - Kate Healy, founder of Virtually Together shares her thoughts on why they will evolve going forward
During the pandemic, virtual events have given everyone a chance to socialise with loved ones during difficult times. It has also helped work events continue in a new dynamic, with many employees favouring the virtual experience over in-person events. But now, in a post Freedom Day world, there is a strong desire to return to physical events. However, hybrid events are a mix of both, a combination of virtual and inperson attendance in one. They are set to take the lead in many sectors and create wider scale opportunities for event marketing teams. Hybrid events allow you to reach a large-scale audience and provides you with the opportunity to have international speakers present at your event. To explain why hybrid events will evolve going forward, Kate Healy, founder of Virtually Together has shared her expertise.
1) Cost reduction
Physical events have significant costs, the entertainment, venue size and food are required on a larger scale. Hybrid events reduce the number of in-person attendees which helps to decrease the overall costings. It’s important to understand the costs of virtual additions such as the screens, connectivity and cameras that allow for a live stream to include remote attendees. However, these will be lower than in person addons as the number of participants joining online can be indefinite.
2) Increased audience engagement
Having a virtual audience allows for greater engagement. During the build-up and the event itself, guests can participate from their devices and interact with other guests. The platform creates a space for questions, shares, and likes. This can be extended for the in-person guests too, the most cost-effective way is through an event app which allows all users to network in once place.
3) Improved ROI
For any event, ROI is harder to calculate but hybrid events offer increased return on investment due to the increased reach and scalability. As these events offer more attendance you will have additional sponsor views and sign on after the event. You can also obtain enough data to translate into an accurate report on your performance. In terms of virtual scalability, technology needs to be set up once, after which it’s easy to
replicate for future events. Plus, virtual platforms don’t require crews for set-up and removal. To boost your margin even further, you can scale down your in-person event and have a larger online presence.
4) Reduced impact on the environmentDuring the pandemic, we’ve seen the positive impact that reduce travel has had on the environment. Pollution and emissions have decreased due to people spending more time indoors. Hybrid events accommodate those who wish to continue reducing their personal carbon footprint. A drop in a headcount will mean less plastic use for catering, promotions, and less food wastage.
5) Authoritative speakers
With hybrid events, your event can reach larger numbers. A combination of both in person and virtual eliminates travel and time zone limitations. It also provides your attendees with access to international and in demand speakers. With more budget on the table, you can consider reaching out to previously out of budget industry leaders.
6) Data driven insights
At a solely live event, it be can be hard to do a accurate count and manage the engagement level. With hybrid events, you will know exact particpant numbers and also if, at any point, they drop out of the session. For sponsors they can gain essential information on traffic and interest, helping with their ROI.
7) Allows your business to address changing needs
The COVID-19 crisis has changed the way everything operates in the world. Technology and the way we work has been greatly impacted with many people now working from home indefinitely. As all businesses are adjusting their methods, they will be enticed to sponsor your hybrid event if you can guarantee and tract audience engagement. There is also no need to search the internet for event ideas when all the work has been done for you. At Virtually Together we host events from wine tasting to murder mystery parties. Keeping your events 100% in person is a risk and can leave your business behind. Hybrid events allow you to cater to all audience members regardless of their preference and location.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kate Healy is founder of Virtually Together, an platform offering virtually hosted activities hosted by a range of independent specialists and small businesses
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Over 100 organisations come together via The Micro Business Alliance to help provide a voice for the UK's startups, micro businesses and small businesses.

The lowdown on London-based hearing wellness startup Mumbli and its mission to help businesses provide inclusive spaces for all hearing abilities and preferences.

Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.

Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.

With the UK facing a clear digital skills gap, Amy Caton, Digital Talent and Impact Senior Manager at BT Group shares some insights on what businesses should do to close that divide.

The lowdown on Berlin-based Beazy and its innovative solution that helps teams to plan, produce and deliver creative content and helps businesses to connect with talented content creators.

The lowdown on Fluffy, the app offering dog training, 24/7 vet messaging and insurance to give pet owners peace of mind and support them with their pet care responsibilities.

Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.

Leading sports marketing platform, OpenSponsorship announces move into music sector, the first new vertical industry for the trans-Atlantic martech business.

Kingussie High School scoops first place for Junior and Senior categories at this year’s Growing Future Assets Competition.
Published on: 6th August 2021
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Micro Business Alliance launches to represent 75% of the UK’s businesses 28th Mar 2023 Over 100 organisations come together via The Micro Business Alliance to help provide a voice for the UK's startups, micro businesses and small businesses.
- Tech Nation report reveals UK Tech could quadruple in value by 2032 with right conditions 23rd Mar 2023 Tech Nation calls for tangible support to secure capital, talent, growth and exits needed to accelerate the growth of UK tech in decade ahead.
- Neurodiverse learning and training platform Neve shares major six-figure investment opportunity 22nd Mar 2023 Glasgow-based This is Milk seeks investment for Neve Learning, its cloud-based Ed-Tech platform that has inclusivity and accessibility at its core.
- Huckletree opens new London hub for tech companies pioneering Web3 solutions 16th Mar 2023 Huckletree's new Web3 HQ aims to put London’s West End at the forefront of Britain’s tech superpower ambitions.