In-person events, with a digital component, are back!
As pandemic restrictions ease across the world, event organizers are starting to shift their focus from digital-only experiences to hybrid events that combine online and physical elements.
A recent survey by Kaltura reported that 90% of event professionals predict the globe’s biggest gatherings will boast both digital and in-person experiences moving forward.
This is exciting news. Here’s why we here at Notified are so bullish about the potential of digital when it comes to your event strategy.
1. Digital Events and the Focus on Creating Connections
Attendees might come for the content, but they are also hoping to make important connections - with solution providers, subject matter experts and potential customers.
The best way to bring communities together is a dedicated app or event platform that connects in-person and virtual attendees seamlessly. This type of technology gives participants the ability to use their laptop or mobile phone to search for connections and check availability in an instant.
Participants appreciate the convenience of filtering contacts by interest and expertise. Once they find a person or company of interest, it’s easy to book a meeting in a physical or digital space with a single click.
The best platforms in the business will also allow attendees or sponsors to schedule their own unique networking sessions on site or virtually.
2. Access Event Content Anytime, Anywhere
Attending an event in-person often means making tough choices when to comes to content, since there’s probably no way to see everything. That’s where digital experiences come in!
While the event is live, organizers can post recorded sessions to their event portal or livestream so digital visitors can experience the event in real time alongside in-person counterparts. Attendees can log in and access content during program breaks or after the event for as long as planners like.
As a bonus, end-to-end event platform providers like Notified give planners a wealth of data and analytics, such as the most popular content and how attendees are engaging with sponsors and each other.
3. Digital Experiences Offer Peace of Mind
Not everyone is going to be comfortable traveling to in-person events over the next few months as the pandemic lingers. Others may simply find they do not have the time or budget to travel in 2022.
There are also those that intend to stay as digital-only participants for the foreseeable future. That’s not to mention the potential for venue or city closures due to possible COVID-19 flareups.
Whatever the reason, it’s clear digital event participants are here to stay, and these individuals will be expecting planners to cater to their digital needs now and in the future.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Marketing Tech News forecasts the digital event experiences segment is likely to grow 23% each year between 2020 and 2027. Kaltura’s research shows similar promise for 2022. Some 94% of event planners said they are hosting virtual experiences this year, with the majority also planning to incorporate hybrid characteristics.
Before you make any final decisions on your event calendar for the year, get in touch with our expert team at Notified to learn how to create “wow-worthy” digital experiences to support your next event. Learn more today.