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Virtual Events vs. Hybrid- What is the Difference?

As event professionals, our purpose is to bring people together. Recently, our industry has had to get creative to accomplish this goal. We have turned to technology to communicate, connect and collaborate through the option of virtual and hybrid events.

You have probably heard these terms all over the place lately, and it can be confusing to figure out what makes them different. Precision is here to break it down for you, and give you an idea on what may work best for your next event.

As people are now having to choose to downsize or change venues (including to pivoting to a venue on a virtual platform), Precision is staying up to date on latest meeting and event trends so that you don’t have to.

 

Quick Fact: Virtual Events take place completely online while a hybrid is the combination of a “live” person event with a virtual online component.

 

While both options have different benefits, it is important to know which is the most appropriate based on the goals of the meeting.

 

Virtual Events: Fast Turnaround, Low Cost, and Broader Reach

Clients will choose virtual events because aspects such as time or money may not be an abundant resource at the moment. Webinars, Video Conferences, Teambuilding, are all examples of virtual events.  These events are about taking aspects of a face-to-face event and transforming it to a complete web-based format.

Virtual events completely eliminate travel, making it cost effective and convenient to participate.

 

Hybrid: Flexibility to reach the greatest number of attendees

Hybrid events are the best of both worlds. Attendees have the option to either participate physically by attending the event or online from the comfort of their home or office. This is carried out by implementing technology during a live event to offer virtual components for people to participate and engage even if they cannot attend in person.

Hybrids offers the gratification of communication and networking that people desire in person while giving those who cannot attend a chance to participate.

 

Is this the end of Live Events?
As event professionals, we get this question a lot…but at the end of the day, people want connection. If we’ve learned anything during this pandemic, people crave human interaction. We hope that soon we can gather in person and celebrate together. However, virtual technology is the future of events- even if we go back to face-to-face meetings. Trends show that the virtual component won’t disappear anytime soon and Hybrid events will be the “new normal”.

At Team Precision the show must go on. We are dedicated to event innovation and serving clients where they need it most. Let us guide you to create your virtual or hybrid event and bring attendees together, just like they are face-to-face. When the time comes for live events again….we will be ready.