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HYBRID EVENTS : FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET
EventsAir details why hybrid events are creating inclusive spaces for people that are sustainably focused for the planet he world of events has changed forever since 2019 . It ’ s difficult to imagine that just four short years ago , the terms hybrid event and virtual attendees didn ’ t really exist – now , they seem to hold the key to the very future of event management .
Much has been written and said about the future of events , particularly in this crucial period as we emerge from the strangeness of Covid-19 and settle into the new normal . At EventsAir , some of the most common questions we hear from our customers are related to the event formats that have emerged since 2020 .
The evidence suggests strongly that the new formats are here to stay . In 2022 , the global virtual events market was valued at US $ 199bn , and Market . US research estimates that it will reach an eye watering $ 1.066tn by 2032 .
This means that most professional event organisers are on an undeniably steep learning curve . However , rather than fighting the hybrid wave , we believe the most successful event planners are going to be the ones who remain focused on the benefits of these new formats - rather than being distracted by the challenges of change .
In short , hybrid and virtual events are better for people and they are better for the planet . Here ’ s why :
Hybrid and virtual are better for people At the end of the day , most events need to deliver on two things : content ; as well as networking and engagement opportunities . The delivery of those two elements should be a secondary consideration .
This is why we believe events are no longer hybrid or in-person . They just are . Events have remote and live attendees – it ’ s simply a mode of content consumption and a method to expand audience reach .
Most of us in the events industry will agree that the people involved in the event – attendees , sponsors and exhibitors , and even those who are delivering it – should drive the experience and the format – not the other way around . The overwhelming characteristic of post-Covid-19 life is that people want autonomy , in all areas of their lives . That also extends to events .
Hybrid events are also far more accessible , which opens them up to more people , more often . Virtual attendees can join from anywhere with an internet connection , expanding the event ’ s reach to a global audience and eliminating the need for , and expense of , extensive travel .
They are also incredibly suitable for anyone with a busy schedule , whether that ’ s related to work or family , because they offer greater flexibility . Attendees can watch sessions and engage in with the programme based on their schedule and availability . If you offer an ‘ on demand ’ option for the content after the event , that ’ s even better .
Overall , hybrid events are far more inclusive , because they offer www . conference-news . co . uk