Understanding the Value of Hybrid Meetings

By Beth Noll, Event Planning Manager, Corporate College

Virtual meetings hit the scene hard in March 2020, with hybrid meetings — part in-person and part virtual — following close behind. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, most meetings took place in person. However, many organizations have found that hybrid meetings allow them to continue conducting their business in a productive manner. 

Hybrid meetings and in-person meetings are fundamentally the same — both allow for information sharing, attendee tracking, marketing/sponsorship opportunities and interactive feedback sessions.  However, hybrid meetings come with their share of roadblocks.

In a short period of time, meeting planners have been forced to rethink the scope of events both big and small. Among the challenges planners now face include ensuring attendee engagement and participation, sponsorship ROI and scheduling across multiple time zones.

We can expect to see an increase in hybrid events moving forward — from smaller in-person events held over the course of several days or weeks, to condensed mini-meetings that allow attendees to choose from various time slots, to growing virtual events to reach more attendees.

As you look to plan your hybrid meeting, consider who needs to be involved, what you hope to accomplish and determine your meeting agenda. Then, connect with your event planning rep to look at how your technological needs can be met.