Key Difference Between A Virtual And A Hybrid Event

Every organizer gets confused when it comes to hosting an event. Ever since the pandemic, everyone was hosting a virtual event. But now, users want to physically visit the events. Hence, this is the biggest trouble for the hosts. They have to want to reach both local and international audiences through their events. Hence, the solution is the hybrid event.

However, many people are still confused about the difference between a virtual and hybrid event and how they can make a difference by conducting one. Hence, here is a comprehensive blog sharing the major difference between a virtual and hybrid event.

Virtual Events:

You can create a remarkable experience for your global audience by taking them to your event via a virtual gate. Virtual technology is the easiest way to create an online ambience and invite attendees to attend the entire event from their locations. Furthermore, you and the participants can save all the physical event expenses, such as travel, venue, parking, accommodation, food, and many more. Hence, you can save a lot and even get the ease to sit back on your home sofa and enjoy the event without hassle.

You can create a replica of your brand with suitable elements and components in your virtual event platform. It offers complete freedom to integrate different features and functionalities that can be helpful in boosting communication, engagement, and networking opportunities in your online event. Furthermore, it is available for different kinds of events, such as AGMs, expos, fests, conferences, townhall, trade shows, award shows, launches, fairs, exhibitions, and many more.

Hybrid Events:

Hybrid events are similar to virtual events but with the integration of physical events. Furthermore, a hybrid event is a bridge between physical and virtual events. Hence, organizers can entertain both offline and online audiences at the same time. In conclusion, you can create a physical event as it is and make it available online with the help of the right virtual AGM platform.

There is only one difference between virtual and hybrid events: both online and offline audiences can join the hybrid event, but only online users can attend a virtual one. Hence, you will need the right virtual event service to conduct a hybrid or a virtual event.

How to Choose the Best Approach for Your Upcoming Virtual or Hybrid Event?

• Standard Microsite:

You can create a separate microsite for your virtual and hybrid events. Furthermore, it can be helpful in sharing complete information about your brand and the event you are hosting.

• Easy Navigation:

You can create 360-degree navigation for your audiences. Also, you can create an introduction guide including all the parts and sessions of the virtual event. Hence, the attendees will know the various elements of your event without hassle.

• Browser-Based Solutions:

You can stop the hassle of downloading any app or software. Just get the virtual event service that offers a web-based event to just click on the invitation and join through any browser.

• Custom Environment:

You can initiate your own ambience from entry to exit. Furthermore, you can add various animated lighting and melodies in the lobby. Also, you can create every auditorium and touchpoint as per your requirements.

• Dynamic Banners Functionality:

You can get endless opportunities at your virtual event to promote your brand. Hence, you can use various images, gifs, teasers, trailers, product description videos, and more in the banner space.

• DIY Booth Button Icons & Names:

You and your event partners can create numerous virtual expo booths where you can promote your services and products. Also, you can assign some brand representatives who can answer the various questions asked by the audiences.

• AI Matchmaking Tool:

You can integrate Artificial intelligence in your event that can analyze the user's data. It will create some matches based on the participant's interests and likes. Hence, audiences will get friend suggestions in a live event.

• Hoot, Clap, and Emoticons:

Your audiences may feel bored if they just have to sit and watch the speaker’s sessions. Hence, you will need the sounds and emoticons to make your event more entertaining. Furthermore, the attendees can click on the hooting or clapping sound and share the various emojis to share their experience and encourage the experts.

• Gamification:

You can integrate AR/VR-based games into your event to make it more fun and interactive for global participants.

• Leaderboard:

You can add a pinch of excitement to your virtual event by adding the leaderboard to your virtual event platform. It can display all the scores gained during the event with the ranking.

• AR Photobooth:

You can keep the audience engaged at your event with an Augmented reality-based photo booth. It is a tool that provides various backgrounds, as selected by the host and clicks photos. Also, your attendees can download and upload these photos on different platforms.

• Push Notifications:

You can pop up the messages, updates, and other essential announcements during the live event with the push notification feature.

• Networking Tables:

You can create numerous networking tables that can be helpful in creating a meeting on a round table for 2 to 8 attendees. Hence, speakers and attendees can discuss specific topics at this meeting table.

• Business Card Exchange:

All the attendees, hosts, partners, sponsors, and every other person at your virtual event will be able to exchange their business cards with others. They just have to request and approve the sharing invitations.

• Third-Party Integration:

You can integrate any app or software you want for better communication and payment experience. For instance, you can use WhatsApp, Zoom, MS Team, Google Meet, Razorpay, Hubspot, PayPal, and many more.

• Access Control:

You can create VIP and subscription-based sessions in your virtual event. Also, you can restrict and allow specific users in such sessions.

• Document Library:

You can create a library for all the files, pdfs, images, infographics, flyers, brochures, and other documents.

So, these are the various key differences between a virtual and hybrid event. You can achieve 100% success no matter which one you choose for your upcoming event.

Hope, you will find this article beneficial to know the major difference between a virtual and hybrid event.