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If the virtual landscape of the two-year lockdown taught businesses and event organisers anything, it’s that you can do just as many things online. Immersive events, included. Events have become more convenient and cost-effective, and hosting several events in a row requires less effort than your traditional affairs.
If the virtual landscape of the two-year lockdown taught businesses and event organisers anything, it’s that you can do just as many things online. Immersive events, included. Events have become more convenient and cost-effective, and hosting several events in a row requires less effort than your traditional affairs.
With society entering a re-awakening and in-person events becoming a hit once again, virtual events don't seem like it’s going anywhere. If anything, it’s become an established channel to host events in and not merely a substitute to the “real” one.
But if you’re one to strike a happy medium between the conveniences of virtual events and the human touch you can only find in in-person events, hybrid events will serve you best. Which is why in this blog, we talk about what hybrid events are, how it benefits businesses, and what to look for in a good hybrid event platform.
We also list the 12 Best Hybrid Event Platforms for 2023, to help you decide on the right event technology for your specific event needs and goals.
A hybrid event is an event that accepts onsite seating and attendance while also offering a livestream for those at home or across the globe to watch. This event strategy is best suited for events with local and international audiences who want to enjoy the event’s activities according to their own level of convenience and access.
Corporate events can leverage hybrid events too and fill the gaps brought by organisations’ limited travel spend or their chosen venue’s limited seating capacity. Regardless of your demographic or logistical reason for choosing hybrid events, it’s sure to grant you more flexibility and event marketing opportunities.
Just look at the numbers. The global virtual events market size was worth 94.04 billion dollars in 2020, and it will grow at a rate of 23.7% until 2028. With thoughtful planning and the right technology at our side, hybrid events have the potential for even better returns.
But to create memorable experiences for your audience, you need advanced event technology. And luckily, we have a plethora of these technologies available now, from one-way broadcast systems to immersive virtual realities. Choosing the right one allows you to fully reap its benefits such as:
And if these aren’t enticing enough, you can check out a previous blog where we talked about the 9 reasons you should be using a hybrid events platform. A little spoiler–new revenue opportunities is one of them.
What features to look for in a hybrid event platform depends on the type of event you have and the goals you intend to achieve. However, as a rule of thumb, you need the following to create a remarkable experience for your audience.
Like in-person events, virtual events need a point of entry where attendees can buy tickets, register their names, and receive alert emails containing details of their booked event. All these are possible with a ticketing system that accompanies both physical and virtual portions of your event.
You need to be able to carry your branding into your virtual event, which means that one important feature to look for is the ability to customise your broadcast page, if not your entire virtual event ecosystem, with your logo and brand colours.
There is less pressure to interact in virtual spaces which means that you have to evoke engagement in more creative ways. Live chats, polls, and Q&A widgets are great for this very purpose. See if your event technology provider offers these integrations.
If part of your event’s promise to attendees is the opportunity to meet new people and possibly strike out a lifelong partnership, you’ll need a networking room. Networking rooms mimic social interactions that happen naturally in between physical events, giving attendees equal chances to grow their network.
The best part about hybrid events is that you get the best of both virtual and physical realities, maximising your reach, engagement, and revenue streams in the process. But what hybrid event platforms work best to pull off a one-of-its-kind event?
Select a system that is in step with your objectives for the event and is able to accommodate the kind of gathering you plan to organise (e.g. conference, workshop, trade show).
Look for a platform that is user-friendly and simple to manage, since this is important for those who are organising the event as well as the people who are attending it.
When planning your event, you should think about using a platform that can accommodate a big number of people and manage significant volumes of traffic at the same time.
Choose a platform that not only enables you to personalise the overall look and feel of your event but also provides a variety of features and integrations that are tailored to meet your specific requirements. Customization is essential.
Ensure that the platform you are using has sufficient security measures in place to safeguard the participants' privacy and personal information.
When searching for a platform, look for one that has a customer support staff that is quick to respond and helpful. This team should be able to assist you with any problems that may happen while you are attending the event.
The 18 Best Hybrid Event Platforms For 2023:
What else did you think we were going to start with? We believe Eventcube was the world's best ticketing and event management platform before the pandemic, whether that's for a physical event or virtual, and we still think this is the case now. In fact, it's only getting better.
With Eventcube, you can build multi-channel streams and immersive virtual environments that’s unique to your event needs. Throw in Eventcube’s lauded ticketing system into the mix and you have an event platform that takes care of your guests at every touchpoint.
The platform is built to support increased audience engagement. Whether it be through social media plugins, virtual polling, Q&A or interactive chat rooms, Eventcube can help you make your audience feel more connected to you and with each other!
When hosting an event, you don't have to watch passively from afar. There are options to use innovative production tools like custom display units & enhanced virtual design to make your events pop. Eventcube is, without doubt, one of the best hybrid events platforms in the market right now.
Ticketing
Virtual Events
*prices are accurate at the time of publication (08/15/2022) and may have now changed.
Hopin is an all-in-one virtual event platform that strives to create highly customisable hybrid events for startups. One of the biggest names on the market, Hopin does what it does very well. With its product range, you can create virtual venues and live streams to complement your real world events. The platform also has tools you can use to build beautiful registration pages.
On the ground, Hopin’s got you covered too, with attendee management systems that ensure secure and seamless check-in. This connects to a detailed reports page that allows you to track sales, get to know your audience demographic, and determine which content is most in-demand.
*prices are accurate at the time of publication (08/15/2022) and may have now changed.
Boomset's real selling point is the abundant backend tools it offers event organisers working onsite. It takes care of attendee management on the day (or days of the event), ensuring a quick and more streamlined check-in. All this while you print badges, capture leads, and reconcile attendee statistics to your reports and analytics page.
If you’re still mindful of disease control in your live events, Boomset has mobile apps attendees could use for contactless self check-in. Innovative technology for cashless payments are also available for walk-in guests.
Admitting tickets has never been easier with Boomset’s wide range of advanced tools; QR codes, UNH/NFC, and RFIDs only being a handful of them. The best part, all these connect to Hopin’s product suite and can be used in tandem with the software’s virtual event platforms.
Boomset is a powerful event platform for those looking to produce something big (not for those looking to produce a small event.)
*prices are accurate at the time of publication (08/15/2022) and may have now changed.
Canapii embodies the most straightforward definition of hybrid as it advertises itself as a solution for simultaneous virtual and in-person events.
You can set-up your conference, workshop or launch events like you usually would and Canapii will work alongside you to stream your event online through its own virtual platform. This allows you to engage with audiences from both worlds and through the help of Q&A and polling features, it would feel as if attendees are all one and in the same room.
Canapii ensures that virtual attendees are not at a loss when it comes to networking. Both in-person and online guests can interact with each other through chat and breakout rooms, and engage in 1:1 discussions–an absolute hybrid dream.
The best part: Canapii has a built-in ticketing system and lets you create multiple ticket types for every type of attendee. All this means that you can host global events and usher greater visibility for your brand.
*prices are accurate at the time of publication (08/15/2022) and may have now changed
Ignoring the lure of the international market in favour of a local focus, Localist is all about making things simple and straightforward for community and grassroots organisations to host, sell and promote their own virtual events.
Localist’s trademark is a centralised calendar that aggregates all events inside your organisation, making it easy for community members to be up-to-date with events. The catch-all calendar also doubles as a marketplace to find events, buy and sell tickets, and register one’s attendance.
This powerful virtual and hybrid event platform works with all of your existing tools, including virtual conferencing software like Zoom, Hopin, and even Facebook Live. It also integrates with your website’s content management system, so you can always add a feature to your website without losing any functionality or having to learn new software. Localist's API allows for integrations into other standard programs without any known issues.
On quotation
*prices are accurate at the time of publication (08/15/2022) and may have now changed
Communique Conferencing is a hybrid event platform that specialises in creating immersive virtual environments and engaging in-person experiences for mid-to-large enterprises. The platform integrates AI technology to build unique, personalised experiences for all stakeholders involved.
Communique offers clients two options: an immersive 3D virtual environment you can tailor to your organisation’s needs and a simpler 2D plug-and-play event space that meets any budget. Both services come with a range of tools and features including dynamic data and analytics, email communication, and a ticketing system.
But the highlight must have to be the Communique mobile app–the place where in-person and virtual guests convene. Attendees can create their own profiles and join challenges to earn a spot in the leaderboard. They can also start conversations in their own activity feed and invite fellow attendees to chat one-on-one. If you’re looking to gamify your event and enhance peer-to-peer interaction, Communique is the way to go.
As the name suggests, Communique Conferencing really does mean business. It’s specifically aimed at the enterprise-level conference market. This means there's a relatively hefty price tag attached to it which might put off some smaller businesses.
On quotation
*prices are accurate at the time of publication (08/15/2022) and may have now changed
Converve is all about networking, which is arguably the hardest aspect of real world conferencing to recreate in the virtual space. The headline here is the use of finely tuned algorithms that make it easy for people to find the right connections. What’s fascinating about the software is that you get to decide your own matchmaking rules, whether that be based on attendee descriptions, interests, and behaviours. The system then makes recommendations based on keywords, paving way for more targeted conversations.
More than being a matchmaker, Converve is a fully functional event management platform. You can host immersive video meetings, breakout sessions, and interactive workshops through its broadcast system. You can even embed your custom live streams and link pre-recorded videos from streaming providers of your choice.
Meanwhile, participants can build their own agenda of online sessions and set it in their local time zone so they don’t miss an event.
*prices are accurate at the time of publication (08/15/2022) and may have now changed
6Connex is a hybrid event platform that's built on HTML5 with a robust enterprise-grade security. This effectively means that it delivers a smooth mobile experience while attendees can participate with any device that supports a browser.
The company understands that today's modern event organizers value engagement. The platform offers custom virtual booths and real-time chat and the ability for organisations to upload their marketing or sales collateral before the event starts.
6Connext makes no secret of the fact it's all about the virtual trade show, virtual job fair and virtual summit market. And it caters for that client base excellently, with the system robust enough to facilitate virtual events with attendance numbers in the tens of thousands, but pricing also flexible enough to entice those hosting just a handful. Oh, and did we mention the E-Learning Program development options?
*prices are accurate at the time of publication (08/15/2022) and may have now changed
SpotMe is an event platform that prides itself in its fuss-free user experience. It offers a suite of event products but its hybrid event solutions is a stand-out for its ability to bring together in-person and virtual attendees through its web and mobile apps. As with other event platforms with networking capabilities, SpotMe matches attendees with similar interests and has private chat rooms that encourage 1:1 interaction.
The software also takes its accessibility features seriously, having partnered with some of the best live captioning AI tools in the market to accommodate over 20 languages. You can say that SpotMe had anticipated businesses’ global reach with the increasingly virtual to hybrid mode of hosting events.
And if you’re one to keep things simple and true to the spirit of hybrid events, you can also stream your live stage events with SpotMe. You can do so by connecting professional live broadcasting systems like OBS and VMix with SpotMe Streaming.
Aventri has all bases covered when it comes to hybrid events. On the virtual side of things, Aventri offers an event platform where you can stream live events or on-demand videos and facilitate attendee networking in-between sessions via a virtual lobby. In the real-world, the software ensures safe and seamless guest check-in through NFC-powered technologies. And to help your team enforce venue limits and regulate crowds, you have tools that track session attendance.
An event platform that keeps your logistics in mind, Aventri boasts an all-in-one event management service that simplifies your planning, marketing, and lead capture tasks. Brand awareness is also top of their list as they set out design features you can use to fully brand your landing pages and event campaign materials. If that’s not impressive to you, we don’t know what is!
BigMarker advertises itself as the most customisable virtual events platform in the market. And while many event software claim to be just as easily configured, BigMarker backs their word with over 15 virtual event modules you can mix and match to create a one-of-a-kind virtual or hybrid event experience.
Clearly, they went beyond slapping your brand colours on a webpage and dove deep into curating the virtual venue of your dreams. No wonder they’re trusted by reputable broadcast companies like TED and CNBC.
BigMarker also houses an arsenal of event management tools in their event microsite. But it’s not the registration and ticketing system that’s most impressive here (although they do so well, too). It’s their mobile event apps that take centerstage–the place where the ‘hybrid’ in hybrid event happens.
These mobile event apps are geared towards attendee engagement. It serves as an integrated space for virtual and in-person attendees to relay and upvote questions, allowing moderators to hone in on the most in-demand queries. AI-driven networking is also a key feature of the app. Powered by LinkedIn, attendees enjoy a full feature Networking Centre where they can find relevant connections, chat, and further their professional and business agenda.
*prices are accurate at the time of publication (08/15/2022) and may have now changed
EventMobi’s ability to account for the three major hybrid event use cases means that they know their market well enough to leave room for flexibility. It’s true that hybrid events are not a one-size fits all but one consistent aspect to this mode of delivery is that it improves attendee engagement. And EventMobi doesn’t run behind in this department. However you want to configure your hybrid event, you can still carry the software’s networking capabilities with you.
With private chat rooms and discussion halls, you can put like-minded guests together and facilitate productive conversations. Or if you’re presenting one-way to both online and physical audiences, live chats, polls, and Q&A’s can keep your event alive. Otherwise, you can host challenges and reward active listeners a place in a shared leaderboard.
EventMobi also allows you to extend the shelf-life of your event content, too. It offers a robust video library you can continuously monetise with ticketed access past your event date.
Event App and Virtual & Hybrid Event Platform
Registration, Website & Ticketing
*prices are accurate at the time of publication (08/15/2022) and may have now changed
Brella recognizes the engagement gap in events of all types. So they endeavoured to become pioneers of event networking technology.
AI-driven attendee matchmaking is Brella’s hero product. Prized in its advanced ability to match attendees based on intent, it’s obvious how attendee retention is high up on the platform’s priorities.
Brella comes with tools to help you run your event, too, including ticketing and registration and a powerful lead generation mechanism for sponsors.
With so much focus on networking and engagement, little is said about the platform’s actual streaming capabilities. It is however a white-label service, so you may have free reign over your own stage.
*prices are accurate at the time of re-publication and update (01/16/2023) and may have now changed
InEvent describes themselves as an endgame for professional events and they very well may not be exaggerating. How often would you find an event platform that also manages flight itineraries and rooming details?
InEvent suits incentive travel events best. The hybrid element only comes in when you gather attendees in a Virtual Lobby to network and interact with sponsors or when you hold simultaneous live and virtual sessions.
The software also keeps its registration and check-in tools mobile so attendees only ever have to bring their phones with them. Marketing tools are built into the software too and are easily integrated with your favourite CRM.
“Hybrid” is a spectrum and you have control over how much or little the virtual (relative to the physical) plays a role in your event.
With InEvents, your options are limited but it does help add interest to any in-person conference. Not to mention, data collection is more feasible online than on-ground.
Hybrid, In-Person and Virtual (V&H)
Webinars - $10,800 billed annually (500 attendees_
*prices are accurate at the time of re-publication and update (01/16/2023) and may have now changed
Webex is a true hybrid platform that’s found success in unifying virtual and in-person experiences. Seamlessness is not only true for presenters, it applies across the board from sponsors to attendees to, perhaps, non-attendees who are in it for on-demand content.
While it offers lots of flexibility, Webex did not slack in the streaming department. With or without a third-party platform, you can stream like a pro on TV. And if mixing live with pre-recorded videos is your way of keeping things fresh, Webex has built in tools for scheduling when content goes on air.
Overall, Webex is an excellent hybrid platform. The best part? It’s got a good history with creatively disruptive trade shows.
Webex Suite
Events - On quotation
*prices are accurate at the time of re-publication and update (01/16/2023) and may have now changed
Eventdex boasts a one-stop platform to “manage, market, and monetize” hybrid events. Let’s look at the features that hold them up to their promise.
Firstly, Eventdex welcomes both in-person and remote attendees into the same event. They have a powerful conferencing platform to support this alongside a fuss-free registration system that attendees can access online.
Otherwise, it’s entirely possible to lead each type of event attendee to events that are especially curated for them. As if that’s not enough, Eventdex makes room for no-shows to access recorded content at a later time. It couldn’t get more hybrid than that!
Engagement also has a place in the platform with live Q&A and polling widgets that consolidate data from both audiences.
There aren't any features in Eventdex that you couldn’t find in another platform. What the platform can offer is a solid and simplified event planning experience. That in itself makes it worth adding to your tech stack.
*prices are accurate at the time of re-publication and update (01/16/2023) and may have now changed
Events are about community and Accelevents had not lost sight of that. Accelevents thought adding a virtual layer to face-to-face events might just be the key to expansive communities—a global one at that.
A host of connection-focused features caters to this vision. The platform has tailored networking, integrated chat rooms, and immersive widgets for Q&A and polling to in-session engagement. Although if you want to take networking to a personal level, there is an attendee directory to browse through and an instant meeting scheduler to lock in that lead.
Accelevents certainly sets you up for success with multiple ticket types and enhanced exhibition spaces for sponsors; both which help you maximise revenue. We like the platform most because of its versatility for a large variety of uses.
Per Event
Unlimited Events
*prices are accurate at the time of re-publication and update (01/16/2023) and may have now changed
There you have it–our round-up of the best hybrid events platform to explore in 2023.
All 12 softwares are top contenders in the category and are laden with their own pros and cons. Use this resource to weigh your options on a scale defined solely by your goals and event needs. But if you’re still at a loss, remember to opt for the choice with the greatest flexibility.
At Eventcube, we recognise that no two events are alike. Which is why we put a prime on customisability. You’d see this from our pricing structure to the technology that powers our virtual events and additional features we pull together at your request.
We also offer production studio services where our studio experts work alongside you on the day of your event to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the virtual side of your event. For these reasons, we can confidently say that hybrid event is a territory Eventcube excels at, rivalling some of which you consider the industry’s bests.
Find out how this translates to your business. Let’s breathe life into your hybrid event plan and build immersive virtual environments that flings you to success.
Request a demo today.
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