As meeting planners become more familiar with all the different hybrid event formats, they’re discovering the possibilities for incorporating hybrid elements into their upcoming events, including awards galas. Our LAI Live team has been busy at work helping clients produce hybrid programs offering a variety of creative concepts to keep their audiences engaged.
Destination search has evolved immensely in such a short timeframe. In the past, meeting organizers have selected locations based on factors such as access to airports, abundance of hotels, transit infrastructure, cultural attractions, and venues. Now, there’s something else to consider when selecting the right venue for an event: the level of COVID-19 restrictions.
The results are in from our recent survey of meeting organizers and event professionals at our Plan V: Hybrid Homerun broadcast. We asked some top questions around how organizations are planning on programming their events for the rest of 2021 and into next year and we’re sharing the facts and figures from our survey findings, as well as helpful resources for event success.
Bouncing back from a full year of virtual, LAI Live was ready to jump into a large, in-person event and we did that in Orlando, FL with ARDA’s Spring Conference! While the onsite experience was very much the same as before the pandemic, the pre-production process had some unique elements, as CDC and travel restrictions were still in place during much of the process and the rules were changing daily.
One of the key components of putting on a successful hybrid event is creating unique and engaging experiences for both your in-person and virtual audiences. Engaging virtual audiences can be especially challenging as there’s often an element of disconnect between the in-person versus on-screen experiences.
Hybrid events are among the leading trends for meetings for the remainder of 2021 and beyond and it’s easy to see why so many groups are excited to leverage this format moving forward. First and foremost, hybrid events combine in-person events with all the best aspects of virtual events.
The virtual component of hybrid events offers several benefits, including:
Everyone is excited to be able to meet in person again, and groups are even more excited about the possibilities for combining the best of virtual events with their in-person events. We expect this hybrid event trend to continue to rise, even now that the in-person meetings we know and love are returning. Learn how to go hybrid with your event.
You've decided that you don't want to host a fully in-person event, but now you must decide which platform you want to utilize for your event. The virtual and hybrid event platform selection is an important one. Like an in-person venue, you need to select one that will support your programming and attendees' needs while keeping your attendees as engaged as they would be at an in-person venue.
With its annual Salute to Excellence In Education Gala on the horizon…the National Education Association Foundation wanted to create a virtual environment where attendees and awardees alike felt an atmosphere of honor, celebration, and elegance. The show consists of several awards, performances, speeches from honored guests, sponsorships, and a dramatic surprise cash prize. Since the event is usually an evening black tie affair, the graphics and experience needed to communicate the same excitement and sophistication.
As we return to in-person events, it’s important to focus on how to best make the transition for your organization and the attendees. Follow these quick tips on best practices when preparing for your next event to go hybrid.