CEO COLUMN
Hybrid is here to stay
Hybrid events that combine both in-person and virtual experiences will be an essential part of the new normal .
Dan LaBert , CEO NAILBA DLaBert @ nailba . org
By now , you ’ ve heard the news , NAILBA is pushing forward with our in-person annual meeting (#
NAILBA40 ) — November 15 to November 17 ( Monday to Wednesday ) at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando , Florida . We have carefully reviewed the safety protocols , monitored the vaccine distribution and will soon release a conference schedule that provides a recognizable atmosphere in a ( hopefully ) post-pandemic , safe to attend environment . However , in our planning discussion and review of the 2020-21 NAILBA Engage Virtual Conference , the metrics screamed , and I mean screamed , there is and will be a demand for on-line engagement .
Are we Zoom or Microsoft Teams fatigued ? Absolutely , but that doesn ’ t mean it is going away . Our discussion centered on it being the right time to make steps back toward planning on-site events . While many are still comfortable with virtual-only , the needed shift will likely happen gradually . Even in a COVID-19-secure future , there will be a new need to create open participation from both on-site venues and home . Traditionalists and progressives — hybrid is here to stay .
Per CVENT , “ now , it ’ s time to think about a different type of event — hybrid events . There will be situations where a virtual event is the only option . There will also be situations where an in-person event will be the most effective . Hybrid events that combine both in-person and virtual experiences will be an essential part of the new normal .”
Going hybrid NAILBA 40 will be a hybrid event . How could we not consider this option ? Here is how
NAILBA Engage performed in virtual only environment : 1,772 Total Registrations Main Stage High 721 ( complete views , not partials ) Exhibit Hall Engagements 17,082 Booth High 534 Unique Visits VIP Booth High 361 Unique
What does a hybrid event mean for the 2021 # NAILBA40 Annual Meeting ? This means in addition to the November 15 to November 17 in-person event in Orlando , Florida , there will be an additional three days of on-line & on-demand content in early November and December along with a robust VIRTUAL exhibit hall . Please note , the content and presentations at the LIVE event will be exclusive for in-person attendees . I . E . The main stage content , live exhibit hall and hallway magic ( seeing friends and colleagues you have not seen in well over a year ) will only be in Orlando and not re-broadcast .
Organizing this hybrid event is beneficial for everyone in the NAILBA community who would like to attend in-person event . As we know , there may be limitations on gathering all participants in one place . This could be due to government directives preventing large groups , or due to participants who feel hesitant to travel and gather in groups . Regardless , NAILBA is prepared to engage and safely welcome all of independent distribution .
By the way , did you catch the hashtag ? (#
NAILBA40 ). NAILBA will be celebrating 40 years of being the voice of independent brokerage distribution !
I hope to SEE you in Orlando , November 15 to November 17 , at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando , Florida .
4 Perspectives Q2 2021