Hybrid events to provide long-term solution to business events industry

11 May 2021

Hybrid events is becoming an increasingly common term in the events industry, and is simply defined as an event with both a live in-person audience and an online virtual audience.      

Many industry surveys are now forecasting that due to the uncertainty over travel restrictions and further regulations in the future, digital integration will become a long-term solution to business events, especially those with an international audience.  

Using digital technology, the hybrid approach enables event organisers to safely host events with bigger and more diverse audiences in multiple live venue locations across the country, or even the world, whilst being able to adhere to safety measure and covid-secure guidelines.   

The digital integration element means delegates can either avoid travel altogether and attend virtually from the comfort of their own home, or even gather in venues local to themselves and still be able to benefit from face-to-face interaction and collaboration.   

Paul Szomoru, Director of NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, said: “The return of business events from 17 May is as welcome as it is overdue. Safety continues to be a priority and it is exciting to see the innovation and evolution within our industry, enabling us to continue hosting events in the safest way possible.

“Hybrid events are definitely being talked about as a solution to getting business events back, and we are ready to be able to support event organisers in hosting such events in Newcastle, Gateshead and North East of England, thanks to our fantastic support specialists and venues.”  

In preparation for the increase in demand for hybrid events, NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau is working with a range of brilliant event support specialists to give event organisers the confidence to be able to approach this new way of event delivery:

Big Purple Productions

An event management company based in Gateshead, has invested in specific technology to meet the needs of any hybrid event, including green screens, and additional equipment to allow online live Q&A sessions with audiences and facilitate remote presenters. 

R&B Group

R&B has delivered AV production services for over 28 years and have created a secure ‘on & offline’ hosting EVP (event video platform), which provides a fully customisable ‘business Netflix’ for streaming hybrid events, hosting content, and providing brandable layouts for sponsors and advertising within a member’s area.  

Sparq

A dynamic technical event production specialist, are working in collaboration with clients to create stunning live and online experiences at every scale; from full technical production through to live event streaming to all corners of the world. 

NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau is also working to support the events industry on a national level and has collaborated with seven other English Core Cities (NewcastleGateshead, Birmingham and West Midlands, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield) and their convention bureau teams to create the Hybrid Event Solutions UK – an industry first in the UK.  

This collaborative initiative provides a single point of contact for event organisers who want to organise national and regional conferences once restrictions have eased – read this story to find out more.   

If you want expert advice on how to create a hybrid event for your next meeting, conference or exhibition, get in touch with our team today for free unbiased advice.