Ever since the covid-19 pandemic started to recede, corporations have been using hybrid events for their brands. Hybrid events are a combination of offline and online events, which means two events are happening simultaneously for two different sets of audiences. While hosting an event on a Hybrid Event platform engagement is very important. A lot of efforts go into planning a hybrid event, which means a lot of people contribute too. This is why the event must do well, the brand is at stake and it additionally units a precedent for similar occasions. Therefore a few good ways to create a buzz about the hybrid event would be:
Gamification
A positive method of growing the quantity of engagement and quantity of attendees engaging could be with the aid of games or quizzes that would be entertaining for all. This cheers and inspires attendees to actively participate in the session and thus take home quality information. Games will have online and offline people getting curious and hence lead to more attendees flocking in.
There will be a sense of fun involved and would keep the event very interesting therefore the attendees are left with a positive brand image of the company. Using the tools available on the hybrid conference platform, several kinds of games or quizzes can be planned on a hybrid conference platform, like Dreamcast, which can make the process more efficient and easier.
Prizes
Why is it necessary to give attendees things? Simple, motive, when introducing games and discussions, attendees might get interested and participate for a while, however, might want to leave after a while. If there are prizes and rewards kept for winners, it keeps them continuously participating, thus keeping the engagement levels high.
Explain to the audience what they can expect out of their input and if they win the workings of the rewards system so that they feel inclined to participate. A very big or grand prize is not entirely necessary; a discount coupon too would allow the participant to feel like they are not missing out.
Perks
Another way to have better engagement and higher participant numbers is to have a little sponsor corner. Here they can advertise their product and hand over a small sample or a perk to the attendee. This leaves them feeling good about the brand as well as the sponsors to boost the brand image in its entirety. If participants feel like they are getting something out of joining in or that it is an advantage to them, they are much more likely to take part and follow what’s going on.
For offline attendees, it could be a small setup on one side or a lounge, while for online attendees it could be mini-workshops or chat rooms where discount coupons and vouchers are provided to the attendees. And in doing so on the Hybrid Event platform, along with attendees, also escalates the engagement of the sponsors and exhibitors that help with generating event revenue.
Technology
Virtual reality and artificial intelligence have been here for a while; they both cater to simulating the environment electronically through advanced mechanisms. Since it is related to all things tech, it is very popular with a younger demographic. And this is why including virtual event platform reality headsets at offline events so attendees can get a look and feel of how the brand and its products are, is very important.
This would increase the amount of engagement among the younger attendees by a great extent; even adding Artificial intelligence assistants would be very helpful and would cater to and answer all the apprehensions and queries of the older demographic, artificial intelligence assistants would also be able to give them a tour and guide them through the event. Now, this is a very clever solution as during an event, the team has a lot of work and tasks at hand so might be busy and preoccupied thus having AI assistants would make the event very efficient and easy.
Put together like-minded attendees
Online, and offline, there will be attendees coming with diverse sets of likes and dislikes. However, there are bound to be attendees who would make perfect fits for each other. And that is why it would be a good idea to have some form of a quiz to see the attendee’s likes and preferences and match them with like-minded people, with permission of course. Then add them to their own chat rooms, for a quick discussion, so that they can go over what they liked and disliked and would come back with fresher perspectives.
This would also help attendees network on the online platform and help with improving engagement. For the same reason, it can be carried out in the offline setting too. There could be group discussions where like-minded people are added to the same group and can communicate better with the other groups and understand what the brand is all about.
Conclusion
These are a few of the main things that can be done to boost engagement, however, there are many smaller things that can be done to encourage attendees to participate or to create a buzz so that they actively listen and tune in. Weeks before the event, start spreading the word, and set the expectations so that the attendees know exactly what they’ll be getting out of attending the event.
Add pictures, videos, and graphics, things that people can look at and appreciate. Decorate the offline setting well, in line with the theme, this gives attendees more to talk about and appreciate. And on the online front, and colors, and the logos so that the event looks inviting and the attendees want to participate.
Using pop-up notifications, attendees might forget what’s happening next so having pop-up notifications serve as reminders hence keeping engagement numbers high. Have the hosts do a Q&A session so that all attendees feel welcome and can ask whatever they have on their mind
