Engagement is key to the success of hybrid events. But how do you go about creating the kind of engagement that will elevate the level of your virtual content over and above a basic live-stream?

Here are our 7 top tips to ensure your next event hits the mark:

Before we get started, if you would like to read more about what is a hybrid event and which type of hybrid event is right for you, check out our recent blog posts. Now, on with the tips!

Games

Quizzes, trivia, competitions and other interactive elements can really help keep audience attention, especially between sessions or during breaks. And if you have gone to the trouble of making great content, they can help make sure people stay around to see more of it.

Keep it Focused

Keep scripts tight to prevent ad-libs which could derail the presentation, keep things short so as not to tax attendee attention and make presentations specific rather than general and rambling. We advise a mix of high quality pre-recorded content and engaging live content for the best results.

Consistent engagement

We recommend you try some method of engaging the attendee at least every 15 minutes during a session. This doesn’t have to be bothersome or tedious, it could be something a simple as opening questions to the virtual audience. But consistency is key to keeping attendees focused.

Onsite Representative

To make your virtual attendees feel equally cared for, an onsite representative who speaks directly to them can really help build a sense of community and keep people engaged.

On-Demand Content

Offering some of your content pre-recorded or on-demand can let your attendees take breaks and then get back to the session. Be sure to keep your production value high as this will also help keep attendees focused and encourage them to stay longer. Check out our top 3 tips to maximize production value in your virtual or hybrid event.

Collaboration

Collaborative virtual sessions are a great way to get attention and build community. Plus, most attendees say they are there to network, so helping them get what they want will help you keep them engaged.

Moderator

In a hybrid event, the role of the moderator is even more important than usual. You need someone who can give the event a sense of continuity as well as the necessary dynamism to keep people interested. Both audiences must be involved on an equal footing. It’s a complex and difficult task, so your choice of moderator is key.

To learn more, contact the Huddle Team below to start planning your hybrid event!