Virtual vs Hybrid Events: What’s the Difference?
To say that the last few months have been a whirlwind would be an understatement. What began as punctual cancellations or postponements quickly became rules: all in-person events were to be suspended indefinitely. Thankfully, the great advances made in Virtual Reality (VR) during the past years has allowed us to combine the security and flexibility of online meetings with the closeness of face-to-face activities. The way VR is being used has eliminated some of the barriers of physical encounters, fostering the birth of two alternatives: virtual and hybrid events.
Virtual Events: On the Rise and Here to Stay
Virtual events allow hundreds of people to be connected simultaneously from any type of device, and when accompanied by 3D applications, the participants can also interact with voice and movements. The integration of online avatars allow recreating scenarios in which participants can interact and communicate in a very effective way.
Today, companies are striving to provide personalised experiences and connect with people at various levels. With immersive spaces and interactive chats, participants will be able to have real-time conversations and exchange comments with the company. Prohibitive logistical and financial limitations on attendees are reduced with virtual events too, enabling companies to expand their audience reach beyond their home city or country.
Hybrid Events: The Best of Both Worlds
In a hybrid event, it’s possible to attend conferences, workshops or any activity offline and online. This is done by transmitting a conventional event online through live transmission or by configuring a virtual space that reflects the physical event. The main advantage of a hybrid event is that it unities the benefits of virtual and on-site events, taking advantage of the best of both worlds.
Hybrid events allow for far greater quality in production values. Event hosts and speakers are able to appear from a studio, offering superior lighting and sound while also adding to the overall event experience. Working to effectively incorporate virtual elements (such as live video streaming and Q&A sessions) into an in-person event can be a successful way for companies to ensure inclusivity within their businesses.
A great example of an online-offline hybrid virtual event is FPT Techday 2020 that was held on November 19th in HCM City, Vietnam. It is FPT Corporation’s annual large-scale technology event that brings together leading consultants and technology gurus on one platform.
Powered by Silversea Media Group technology, FPT Techday 2020 is skilfully rendered in 3D, allowing visitors to “walk through” a virtual main lobby and virtual booths. The online event also integrates conferencing, live streaming video, live chat, webinar, gamification, business matching, surveys, comprehensive analytics and other advanced capabilities to ensure seamless communication, networking opportunities and information flow among attendees.
Get in touch with our team at Silversea Media today. We can discuss the benefits of virtual vs hybrid events with you, as they apply to your company goals. Let us help you to drive your business into the future.
Read “How to Amplify Leads With a Virtual Fair”: https://silverseamedia.medium.com/how-to-amplify-leads-with-a-virtual-fair-518781e5131
Read “8 Ways Companies Can Make the Most Out of a Virtual Career Fair”: https://silverseamedia.medium.com/8-ways-companies-can-make-the-most-out-of-a-virtual-career-fair-a5166a8d888a
