Hybrid event venues need to keep both your in-the-room crowd and screen-bound squad happy. So, it isn’t just a case of plugging in a webcam and calling it a day!
After all, hybrid events are like a well-made cocktail - part virtual, part in-person, and mouthwatering when you get it right. But things can go downhill fast if you don’t have the right ingredients (read: venue).
Elsa Joseph, Head of Events at global event platform Eventtia, summed it up perfectly in her article Hybrid Event Guide: Choosing The Right Hybrid Event Venue and More:
“Planning and hosting a hybrid event does pose its own unique challenges,” she pointed out. “For instance, not every venue is ideal in accommodating hybrid events, and while choosing the right venue is already quite challenging for a standard event, it’s going to be even more challenging with hybrid events.”
So, where do you start? Right here of course, as we look at sourcing hybrid event venues to keep your event rolling, your tech in check, and your attendees engaged - wherever they are.
Why Hybrid?
Hybrid events offer you the in-person magic of traditional gatherings while leveraging the reach and flexibility of virtual experiences. As a result, you benefit from:
· A wider audience - No more choosing between an intimate event or giant reach. Now you can have both!
· Greater engagement options - Live polls, gamification, Q&As, and virtual networking keep everyone engrossed.
· Cost efficiencies - Fewer in-person attendees mean you can save on venue size, catering and travel, while still delivering a high-impact event.
But these benefits aren’t worth having if you end up with a subpar event – which is largely down to the venue you choose.
Ask the Right Questions About Hybrid Event Venues (because assumptions lead to tech terror!)
First up, you need to ask questions. Lots of them. Never assume a venue has all the hybrid-ready bells and whistles just because they’ve got WiFi and a HDMI cable.
You really need to dig deeper when you’re looking for hybrid event venues. That means asking questions such as:
· What’s the internet situation? - A hybrid event without a rock-solid internet connection is like a mic drop before the speaker’s even started talking. You need high-speed, stable WiFi and preferably a wired connection for streaming.
· How’s the AV set up? - Is the venue equipped with cameras, microphones, and lighting? Or will you need to bring in your own? Is there space for a control desk? These details make the difference between a slick production and a pixelated mess.
· Is there backup power supply? Because the only thing worse than a WiFi outage mid-event is a complete blackout.
· Do they provide in-house tech support? - An on-site tech team is a lifesaver when things (inevitably) go pear-shaped.
Size Matters (but not how you might think)
Hybrid event venues must fit more than people into a space. In addition, you need to think about the following element:
· Streaming setup - Does the venue have enough space to accommodate cameras, lighting and your tech team, without making the live audience feel like they’ve wandered onto a film set?
· Breakout areas - Hybrid events thrive on interactivity. Can the venue offer smaller spaces for in-person networking, without making virtual attendees feel left out?
· Flexibility - Can the venue scale up or down depending on last-minute virtual vs. in-person attendance changes? Having options gives you wriggle room when the unexpected happens (like it frequently does when you’re in the event game).
Let’s Make This Easy
Need hybrid event venues that are as tech-savvy as they’re stylish? We’re here to help you find them.
At The Venue Hunters, our FREE venue finding service takes the time, effort, and guesswork out of sourcing the best hybrid-ready venues.
Why go it alone when you can tap into expert venue knowledge, bulk buying power, and insider access to the best hybrid event venues in the UK, Ireland, Europe, and beyond?
Get in touch today and let’s make your next hybrid event a state-of-the-art, stress-free success.
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