Things are way different now than they have ever been. Where many businesses would use events to help grow their business, now they are forced to navigate that strategy in a whole new way. There are a few trends that have popped up due to the circumstances, and a lot of these strategies can still help grow your business.
Hybrid Events Galore
If this year has not shown us anything, it has at least shown us that we are able to maintain as some parts of activities online. Because of this, you can expect to see an increase in hybrid events in 2021. Hybrid events allow you to be able to participate in an event either totally online, totally in-person or both. There is an abundance of possibilities that overflow when it comes to hybrid events.
For those shorter-length in-person events they may continue to be held online to save time and money. One of the great things about hybrid events is that you can easily follow up with attendees, sponsors and different customers without problems, effortlessly connecting once the event ends.
Another way to incorporate the hybrid format is to make the pre-activities online and maintain in-person participation for the main events. You could even make an event-preview or early admittance online as a way to function as a teaser to the event.
Touchless Interaction
Even those in-person events will be touchless. You can expect to see contactless registration and sign in. When it comes to paying for things at events, you should also think about incorporating ways that customers and event-goers can pay for things digitally. When it comes to communication, it would also be a good idea to think about ways that you can communicate with everyone involved without papers. Consider using scannable wristbands as opposed to touchscreens when it comes to registering your event participants.
More Communication
Since it is much more difficult to get to in-person events, people are relying on heavy communication. Take this into consideration when planning for your event. Make sure that you are open and honest about all your communications so that your event will go successfully without as many snags as possible. You may get more questions regarding your registration forms. This goes without saying, but make sure that you are also keeping your attendees updated on any health communications so they have all the latest information. You want your participants to know all that is going on and how it relates to your event.
Networking Online
In addition to creating a hybrid event, it would also be a good idea to find interesting ways for your participants to connect with one another. When someone goes to an event, there are plenty of opportunities to meet people, but when planning an online-only event, or an event that is partially online, you want to give your participants that opportunity to get face time with each other. Avoid stacking events back to back and make room on the schedule for people to genuinely connect.
