The Virtual & Hybrid Future Of Events

With the current inability to host face-to-face events, the future of events for the foreseeable is undoubtedly going to be a combination of Virtual and Hybrid events...

What are Virtual and Hybrid events?
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• A Virtual event is an event that is hosted entirely online, most likely through an online platform such as Hopin.
• A Hybrid event combines a physical, in-person event alongside virtual equivalent, allowing attendees to access some or all of the events' components.

There are a few trends emerging when it comes to hosting hybrid events; Many organisations are limiting the number of in-person attendees, to allow more room for social distancing, sanitisation and general safety.

On top of this, with many people still unable to travel, Hybrid and Virtual events allow organisers to ensure their events are still accessible for a wider audience, without restriction.

Here at Melt Productions, we firmly believe in the power of events to bring your employees, colleagues and associates together, (even though, for now, we may be far apart!)

Just because we are unable to meet in person, there are still a whole host of creative ways we can (and should) continue to connect. 

Here are some key reasons your company should be talking about Hybrid and Virtual events:

• Virtual & Hybrid Events Allow You To Get Creative In Ways You Never Have Before: 

Thinking outside the box is something we specialise in here at Melt Productions, not only this, we love a challenge when it comes to discovering new ways to actively engage with an audience.

Virtual and Hybrid events may have a slightly impersonal stigma attached to them, but there are now so many amazing options to ensure this is no longer the case. 

From luxury gift boxes and hampers to send out to your guests, to virtual workshops,  immersive gaming experiences, live acts, comedy, theatre, the list really is endless. 

Where there's a will, there's a way, and in reality, many of the aspects of a physical event can be transferred to a Virtual or Hybrid event. 

Here at Melt, we are confident we can turn all of your ideas into a reality!

• Virtual & Hybrid Events Allow For More Flexibility: 

With the current uncertainty of how and when the world will be able to "get back to normal", or if it ever will, the diversification as to how an event is produced is fundamental. 

With all the excellent virtual platforms that are currently on offer, there is no need for us to simply stop creating events, the key is to adapt and get creative.

Virtual and Hybrid events allow for so much more flexibility when it comes to event planning; for medium/large physical events, the idea of downsizing could save you a huge amount of budget, time working through logistics, travel and accommodation costs, hospitality, staffing fees and so on... But it doesn't mean these elements need to be scrapped completely, far from it, going Virtual or Hybrid allows for a whole new event format to shine through!

• They Keep Your Audience Connected: 

Whether you plan to host an online workshop, livestream a performance, or host a multi-session industry conference, Hybrid and Virtual events are a way to keep your audience connected. 

There are a variety of tips and techniques we use to help encourage connection between guests: 

• Create natural pause points for people to offer their own input. 
• Your guests will only be able to give their attention for so long. Zoom fatigue is real, so keep it interesting by using platforms that include live chat features, live polls, Q&As, breakout rooms, networking sessions and a mixture of live and pre-recorded content.
• Allow your your guests to comment, vote, or ask questions about the content. These will also break down the barrier between guests and speakers. 
• Enlist a engaging speakers/performers/talent.
  There’s nothing worse than getting into a virtual event and realising that the speaker is on autopilot about their content. Make sure your speakers are excited, knowledgeable, and organised.
• Ensure your technology is up to the task. This means researching the best platform for your event. Different events will have different requirements, we will only ever recommend the best technology for your event. 

• They Are Something To Look Forward Too:

Right now, it's hard to look too far into the future and not feel a slight sense of unease. If there's one thing the Pandemic has taught us, it's that keeping positive is vital to help support everyones mental and physical health. 

With the lack of holidays and celebrations across the board, now more than ever, people need something to look forward too. 

Events allow this to happen. They are the 'change of scene' or 'immersive escape' that many of us need right now.

• Playing A Part In The Future Of Events:

Regardless to future of the COVID pandemic, the concept of Virtual and Hybrid events are here to stay. 

Running your event in this way, opens your event to a much wider audience, simply from making it more accessible. 

With the advanced nature of virtual event platforms, it's become increasingly easier to create a really solid event experience for you and your guests. 

Speaking with many of our clients about their 2021 - 2022 event plans, almost half are already working with us to develop the Virtual and Hybrid nature of their events.

No more need to cancel or postpone your events, it's time to adapt; Virtual event technology has improved at incredible speed throughout 2020 and we are confident this will continue.

So, whether you’re planning to take your physical event online, or looking to create a new event from scratch, Melt Productions are here to help you create exciting events for your global audience. No travel required!

We are able to produce events of any shape or size; from small gatherings of a few dozen to huge conferences with hundreds of thousands of people. It doesn't matter how big or small, we will ensure you and your guests are having the best experience possible without having to meet face-to-face. 

To discuss your Virtual or Hybrid event plans with us, please do get in touch via the 'Contact' page, we would love to hear from you!