The pandemic has left us redefining what events are and can be. The three event categories below are ways in which businesses and communities can gather together and stay connected!
Virtual Events
Virtual events are completely online. Attendees join events through an online platform. These platforms create the event environment and atmosphere.
- Pros
- Broad Attendee Reach – Anyone with internet and a device can join a virtual event! Lowered ticket prices reduce entry barriers for attendees.
- Attendee Data Collection – Most virtual platforms collect attendee data for you.
- Lower Cost – No need to pay for a venue, catering, staff, posters, equipment, etc. (Yay!)
- Record the Event – Virtual events can be recorded and used later.
- Cons
- Limits Human Connection – Let’s be honest, virtual events lack human connection, but there are ways around this! Book a free consultation to find out how. Virtual events foster connections that may not happen in in-person events. Maybe you hit it off with someone who is half-way around the world?
- Lower Ticket Prices – Ticket prices are normally lower for virtual events. This causes your revenue stream to decrease. However, attendees will pay for insider information – leverage this by packing your event full of insider knowledge!
- Decreased Engagement – When hosting a virtual event, you are competing with all other notifications being sent to attendee devices. Make sure to utilize the digital tools available to fully engage your attendees!
In-Person Events
An in-person event is held in a physical space with individuals attending in-person.
- Pros
- Easier Networking – Like usual, networking is done face-to-face.
- Established Wow-Factor – Less creativity is needed to establish the wow-factor.
- Greater Revenue – In-person events normally cost more, so ticket prices are higher.
- Cons
- Cost – Venue, catering, staff, printing materials, equipment, etc. costs need to be paid.
- Decreased Accessibility – Accessibility is limited because attendees need to be in-person. Ticket prices may also be a barrier.
Hybrid Events
A hybrid event combines aspects of a virtual, and in-person event. This can look like a mostly in-person event that is streamed, or a mostly virtual event with only a couple people in-person at a venue. An example of a hybrid event is Singing For Peace. Singing For Peace was a concert that took place in a church. It was streamed for an online audience. There were four people in-person at the church, while many tuned in from home.
- Pros
- Broad Attendee Reach – Hybrid events are flexible. They cover both in-person and virtual event needs!
- Networking Possibilities – Attendees can network both in-person, and online depending on the event structure.
- Attendee Data Collection – Data can be collected online and in-person.
- Greater Revenue – Ticket pricing can be tiered depending on attendees coming in-person or tuning in online.
- Record the Event – The event can be recorded and used later.
- Cons
- Cost – In-person events costs can still exist depending on the size of the in-person portion of the event.
Every event is unique and requires its own tailored approach. Don’t hesitate to contact Eventing Together for more personalized answers to any questions you may have.
Which form would your event take? Let me know in the comments below!
– Nicole Kanga, Founder