Even though the world is beginning to open back up, there still seems to be an overwhelming cloud of pressure on associations to decide whether to take their events live and in-person, virtual or combine the best of both worlds with a hybrid event. According to the ASAE Research Foundation, the #1 opportunity that associations say that they have in 2021 during this global health crisis is the chance to engage with members in new and creative ways.
Embrace your own version of hybrid
It seems that the obvious solution for meetings is to offer both a live and virtual component, right? Since the pandemic, however, the word “hybrid” has taken on several meanings and new definitions, suggesting that there is no wrong way to offer a hybrid solution, just as long as it is executed properly.
- Use mobile apps or virtual gamification components to encourage participation from members who are or are not live.
- Be creative with social media and use your association’s influencers to spark new conversations.
- Repurpose your live content without breaking the bank by recording content to build a post-event library.
- Mail a booster package to your attendees designed to engage and boost morale.
Onsite Engagement
Your members, board, key stakeholders are all itching for that in-person interaction and networking. Get people re-connected and having fun!
- Include a wellness component to your event and get your attendees active and moving. Have your coffee and snack breaks outside (if possible) for some fresh air or think of a fun offsite component like a local farmers market or golf outing.
- Create as many small group opportunities as possible. NETWORK! NETWORK! NETWORK!
- Keep your dress code casual.
- Go beyond the exhibit halls for your sponsors!
- Content is king – use your sponsors as panelists in sessions or host product theaters to get them in front of your members and attendees.
- Host beer or wine tasting with the exhibitors and attendees.
- Encourage exhibitors to bring networking gifts or prizes.
Engage Virtually
The average virtual attendee only watches 68% of a virtual session that is 20 minutes or longer. The key is to keep it short. Keep it active.
- Offer “HIIT-style” (high-intensity interval training) content sessions that are straight to the point and no more than 20-minutes.
- Bring in a wellness component such as morning yoga.
- Have more panel discussions to encourage ongoing conversations rather than stale power point presentations.
- Offer case studies or focus groups.
- Ask people to have their cameras on and do not start until you see actual faces!
- Keep up with recurring networking outside of annual meetings and events like virtual coffee breaks or educational and interactive webinars.