Virtual & Hybrid FAQs
What are virtual & hybrid events?
Virtual events are events that are done digitally, using software that allows guests to connect remotely. They can be done in a range of formats including webinars, conferences, training sessions to name a few.
Hybrid events blend virtual events with live events, allowing guests to attend in person or log in remotely to take part. Hybrid events can be done in any format a virtual event can be done in, but they have their own considerations when running one.
What are the benefits of running a virtual or hybrid event?
There are many benefits to running a virtual or a hybrid event. One of the biggest draws is that they have greater accessibility than live events, allowing people to attend from anywhere without the need for travel. They also have a lower carbon footprint than live events as less people need to travel to the venue, making them a greener alternative to a live event. Virtual and hybrid events are more cost effective than live events, reaching larger audiences at a lower price per head.
Can I have a recording of my virtual event and chat records after the event?
Most virtual event software solutions allow for the events to be recording including chat logs. This gives organisers a way to redistribute content for those who couldn’t attend or reuse it for other channels. It also allows for a follow up to questions and queries from the chat that couldn’t be addressed live during the event.
How do you brand a virtual event?
Without a physical space to brand it can be hard to imagine how to keep your brand identity strong through a screen. There are many ways to incorporate your brand, including lower thirds, banners, and holding screens. These can also offer spaces for theming and sponsors too!
How do you make a virtual event engaging?
Engagement for virtual event starts from when you first advertise it to your potential attendees. Have your brand and messaging clear from the get-go and keep your guests in regular communication on when the event is, the itinerary, and why it’s so important to register and attend.
Utilise multiple channels to maximise engagement, an effective solution we recommend for virtual events includes a pre or post event pack to increase anticipation or secure registrations. These can be branded or themed to the event to create an even stronger event identity.
How do we encourage people into registering and attending?
Getting people to register for a virtual event and then attending are two different obstacles, although some of the solutions have a lot of overlap. Communication is a key factor, ensuring regular and multi-channelled touch points with potential attendees and registered guests.
The other method to encourage attendees is by incentivising attendance. This can be by adding an engaging and fun session, offering event packs for attendees on registration, or post event sending a pack only to those who attended. These tactics hinge on well thought-out communication that your audience see, otherwise it’ll mean nothing.
Can we have a registration website attached to our virtual event?
An integrated registration site is a great solution to increase connectivity for virtual events and streamline communications. Our recommendation for virtual event registration sites is Cvent, which provides a wealth of tools to increase engagement with virtual events and sponsorship solutions.
How do I add sponsored content into a virtual event?
Sponsors and partners can be a huge part of live events, and the same is true for virtual and hybrid events too. The shape that sponsorship takes is different for virtual events though, relying on overlays, banners, and adverts between sessions.
There are other ways to incorporate sponsorship, such as sponsored event packs with branded merchandise, or get them involved in the virtual event with a dedicated segment during the event.
Is there a way to follow up after to see if it was engaging or beneficial?
Post event feedback is vital whether you are running a live or a virtual event, and the way to collect feedback has a lot of overlap between the different event formats. Have a survey ready to distribute at the end of the event to get attendee feedback while it’s fresh in their mind is always best, especially if you schedule the last five minutes of the event to be for feedback. Alternatively, send out the survey link via various channels including email, social media, or messages.
If you want to get your business online, Inconnection can support virtual and hybrid events of all shapes and sizes. From intimate sessions to full product launches, we have in-house experts and an extensive supplier network to create the best event for you and your partners. Fill out the form below to speak to one of the team and start your next virtual or hybrid event.