WHAT TO CHOOSE? The pandemic that we have been going through since last year has forever changed the way we work, relate to others, and even entertain ourselves.
In the history books, in a few years, there will be a chronology “Before Covid” and “After Covid”.
IN-PERSON AND ONLINE EVENTS: DIFFERENCES The in-person events industry was one of the sectors that suffered the most from successive confinements. This fact led to the reinvention of the entire sector and the multiplication of platforms for online events.
While in-person events involve face-to-face human interactions, in online events, these same interactions are virtual. Although different, these two types of events both have opportunities and challenges.
IN-PERSON OR ONLINE: WHICH IS THE BEST OPTION? There is no doubt that the biggest difference between in-person and online events lies in the logistics required to carry out the former.
When planning and organizing an in-person event, it is necessary to take into account:
The Space Its location (and respective parking), dimensions and accessibility, available audiovisual equipment, decoration and organization, air conditioning and lighting, among others. Human Resources It may be necessary to provide a team of hostesses or event advisors, security personnel, cleaning staff, interpreters, and audiovisual technical team, among others. Other Resources Gifts and folders with various documentation, coffee-breaks, eventual meals and entertainment moments, among others. In addition to the greater investment required, there is also the challenge of managing the agenda, as it is not always easy to ensure that the organization, speakers, and participants arrive on time (traffic and parking difficulties can be an obstacle).
In the case of online events, most of the costs listed above do not apply, and as a rule, there are also no reasons for delays or not respecting the schedule.
In online events, a larger audience is also guaranteed: with no travel and/or accommodation expenses, participants join in greater numbers.
This important factor also leads us to an increased environmental responsibility with the non-production of waste.
Where there is a larger audience, there is also greater visibility, hence, more leads.
Here, the challenges are more technological and related to the quality of the Internet connections of all involved, the quality of audio and video, and the diversity of interactions and activities possible to engage the audience.
HYBRID EVENTS: THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS After exposing the differences and challenges of each of the two options, it becomes easier to make a sensible choice.
At Supreme Stage, we believe that one type of event does not cancel out the other. For example, until recently, it was believed that online events could compromise sales in-person (in the case of online stores vs. physical stores); this is not the case. On the contrary, online ends up attracting more audience and improving the user experience.
We also believe that, if well planned, these two types of events can be complementary; having in the same event in-person and online initiatives, combining the best of both worlds, and a wider audience.
CONCLUSION We live in the Experience Era! More than any other technical or academic factor, what matters most is experiencing a different and enriching experience.
We also cannot forget the latest generations, digital natives! If we are to organize events for these audiences, without excluding the others, it becomes obvious that a hybrid strategy is the best option.
If you still have doubts, schedule a meeting with our team: we will not spare efforts to find the most suitable format to enhance your product or service.
We are available through the following contacts:
customer.service@supremestage.com
963 003 436.
