“The Future of Hybrid Events: Insights from a Study of 150 Event Marketers”

As the world continues to adapt to the changing landscape of events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the concept of hybrid events has become increasingly popular. But what does the future hold for hybrid events? To gain a better understanding, Morning Consult conducted a study on behalf of Zoom, surveying over 150 event marketers and planners from various organizations.

Findings:

The study found that 91% of event marketers believe that hybrid events will play an important role in the future of event planning. This indicates that hybrid events are here to stay and will continue to be a popular format for events in the years to come.

Implications for Organizations:

The findings of this study have important implications for organizations as they plan for future events. Hybrid events provide a unique opportunity for organizations to reach a wider audience, offering the best of both worlds – the personal touch of in-person events and the accessibility and reach of virtual events.

Advancements in Technology:

As technology continues to advance, it is likely that hybrid events will become even more immersive and interactive. The use of virtual reality and augmented reality is expected to increase, offering attendees a more engaging experience. This will be especially important for organizations looking to create memorable experiences for their attendees.

Sustainability and Carbon Footprints:

The trend towards sustainability is also expected to drive more organizations towards hosting hybrid events instead of purely in-person events. By reducing travel and the need for large physical spaces, hybrid events can have a significantly smaller carbon footprint. This will become increasingly important as organizations look to reduce their environmental impact and meet the growing demand for sustainable events.

The Benefits of Hybrid Events: Improved Networking Opportunities”

Networking is a crucial aspect of in-person events, but with the rise of virtual and hybrid events, it can be difficult to replicate the same level of interaction and connection. However, event professionals who plan and organize events believe that hybrid events can facilitate interaction between virtual and in-person attendees effectively. In a recent survey by Morning Consult, 54% of those surveyed support this idea, and 61% believe that interaction between virtual and in-person attendees is the greatest benefit of hybrid events.

Virtual Networking with Zoom:

At Zoom, we believe in the power of virtual networking and have developed a new feature on our event management platform, Zoom Events, specifically designed to capture the essence of in-person events and connect virtual attendees. The virtual networking tool allows participants to create profiles with images, social handles, and contact details, providing several opportunities for meaningful conversations before, during, and after an event.

Ideal Interactions at Hybrid Events:

Exchanging contact information and having meaningful conversations at a hybrid event are considered the most ideal possible interactions by event marketers, as evidenced by the Morning Consult survey. With the virtual networking tool, attendees can connect with one another, facilitating the creation of new relationships and the strengthening of existing ones.

“The Future of Hybrid Events: Insights from Event Marketers

As virtual and hybrid events become more prevalent in the event industry, event marketers are facing new challenges in ensuring their events are engaging and accessible for all attendees. A recent study conducted by Morning Consult, commissioned by Zoom, surveyed over 150 event marketers to gain insight into the current state and future of hybrid events. Here’s what the study found about the top concerns and opportunities for event marketers in the world of hybrid events.

Top Concerns for Event Marketers

According to the study, 46% of event marketers regularly question whether their event will be engaging enough for attendees, while 55% believe establishing equality between remote and in-person attendees is crucial for a successful hybrid event. In order to overcome these challenges, event marketers are turning to technology for solutions.

The Importance of Technology in Hybrid Events

The study found that the majority of event marketers are using audio/video communication platforms for hybrid events, but not all platforms are equipped to handle the entire lifecycle of event management. This can result in issues such as connection problems for remote attendees, difficulties in accessing the event, and choosing the right platform for the event.

To ensure a successful and engaging hybrid event experience, event marketers need to invest in technology that is seamless and can handle the entire event lifecycle, from content distribution to intentional interaction between attendees. Zoom’s event management platform, Zoom Events, is designed to do just that, with unique features such as backstage interaction between speakers, an expo hall for attendees, and virtual networking opportunities.

Networking Opportunities in Hybrid Events

Networking is one of the biggest benefits of in-person events, but it can still be achieved in virtual and hybrid events. 54% of those surveyed in the Morning Consult study believe hybrid events facilitate interaction between virtual and in-person attendees well. At Zoom, we believe in the power of virtual networking and have developed a new networking feature in Zoom Events to capture the magic of in-person events and connect virtual attendees.

Advice from Event Pros

As hybrid events become more common, event marketers may feel overwhelmed by the challenges they face. However, with the right technology and approach, hybrid events can be just as engaging and successful as in-person events. For expert advice on how to create a successful hybrid event experience, talk to Zoom’s Event Services Team today.

The Future of Hybrid Events

From technology to engagement, the Morning Consult study provides valuable insight into the top concerns and opportunities for event marketers in the world of hybrid events. With the demand for virtual and hybrid events expected to increase in the coming years, event marketers need to be equipped with the right technology and approach to ensure their events are engaging and accessible for all attendees. To learn more about the future of hybrid events, read the full study and get started with Zoom Events today.”