A year of online status updates, welcoming new colleagues virtually, and “you’re on mute”.
Four seasons on, we – knowledge workers across public and private organisations – got savvier with technology and upgraded our work setup. We adapted to working from home and struck workable deals with spouses, children and pets.
And yet, we all long to be together again at the office or in the workshop room. But it may not be soon.
In a recent CVent survey, most event organisers believe the market will go ‘back to normal’ somewhere in 2022. Until that time, they will be looking at a mix of both online and offline, often referred to as hybrid.
We’ll occasionally turn to hybrid events, but only in very specific cases.
Hybrid events combine online and in-person participation. This is mostly understood as taking place at the same time. But here’s why they are likely more of a problem:
Virtual participants used to have but a passive role. Today, they rightly expect more.
This means planning as much engagement for those participating online as for those physically present.
This is a planner’s nightmare. Imagine organising catering, location, accommodation… and then also various pieces of software, planning online participation, filming equipment, microphones…
Creating a perfect experience for both groups means double the work, double the budget, and double the risk that something goes wrong.
Should we write off all hybrid events? Not so.
For example, once small groups can meet, teams can connect from different locations. All participants will have the same experience at the same time (i.e. they all meet in person with their team, while connecting with other teams online).
This is simpler, streamlined, and less risky. The same experience for all ensures that no one is forgotten.
Another option: parts of a process will take place online, and other parts offline – rather than taking place at the same time.
For instance, a live meeting takes place with a small group under COVID measures. Before, participants shared their ideas and suggestions on an online platform; maybe even joined early webinars. After the meeting, they’ll join online conversation circles.
Online and offline experiences take place at different times. This makes the process simpler and more pleasant for everyone.
High-stake meetings will continue to take place in person. So will meetings to (re)connect, forge relationships, improve trust, solve problems…
But many more meetings will stay online, and we all know this is for the best. We may even dream a little: could we come out the other side of this pandemic holding… fewer meetings?
And for those that will still take place, we’ll help you make them count!
