Virtual Events Vs. Hybrid Events: What’s the Difference?
Worcester | 2020
Virtual Events:
A virtual event, as opposed to a hybrid, is run entirely online. There is no live, in-person component to a virtual event. Instead, attendees interact on the web and do not meet in a physical location, meaning attendees can participate from all over the world! Most of the material is pre-recorded and assembled for showing on the specified day and time of the event.
During this time of heightened rules for gatherings because of the pandemic, most events have been virtual. These events have appeared on organization web sites, YouTube, Zoom, Facebook, etc., where audience members can watch from wherever they are simply by logging in, or clicking a link on their Internet device. Much like traditional events, virtual events may be sponsored, and may be ticketed, depending on the organization. Instead of attendees interacting with each other around hors d’oeuvre tables, as in traditional events, they can mingle in online chat rooms.
In 2020, many organizations have transitioned to virtual events including online auctions and fundraisers, walk-a-thons, graduations, and award ceremonies, to name a few. Some options for these virtual events include 1) pre-recorded professional, in-studio filming 2) professional on-site filming 3) casual cell phone filming.
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Hybrid Events:
A hybrid event is a meeting that combines a live in-person event in conjunction with a virtual online component. This is typically done via live streaming technology as the event happens to reach a broader audience. This method was becoming more popular just before the pandemic hit, as organizations wanted to expand their reach beyond local participants.
Hybrid events work well when there’s a limitation on capacity. Due to the pandemic, many venues are restricted to how many people can occupy a space. The state of Massachusetts, for example, re-opened event venues to 25% capacity, which doesn’t leave much room for an audience after figuring in the event participants and staff.
Many graduations have been hybrid this past year. Select schools have allowed students to participate in the commencement ceremony, outside and socially distanced, while their families could watch online.
Churches have also been conducting hybrid services. Churches are also limited in capacity for attendance, so to be able to include the entire congregation in worship services, they’ve been live streaming for people who can not, or should not attend in person.
Now that you know the difference between Virtual and Hybrid events… which is right for your organization? If Revelation can be of service – don’t hesitate to call – 508-797-0253!
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