Event Operations

Hybrid Events: The Next Step to Getting Back to the Event-Planning Business
2021/06/10

Hybrid events – where in-person audiences are mixed with audiences attending virtually – are the next step in the world getting back to business, including the events and meetings sector. Though, to be honest, that definition is a bit too simplistic perhaps. The Events Industry Council provides this definition: “A meeting that combines face-to-face and virtual aspects.” But what that combination means exactly is up to event planners, it seems. Many events will go this route to ease into getting back into…
Six Rules of Etiquette for Virtual Events and Meetings
2021/06/01

Covid-19 vaccine rates globally hover at about five per cent and Canada is sitting at 4.8 per cent as of this writing, which means for the event and meeting planning industry virtual events are still very much a reality for the next while. Soon we can get back to in-person meetings and events, but for now we’re still Zoom-ing. So what points of etiquette should be noted? Well, a few things. Just as we would be considerate and watch our…
The Hidden Advantages of Virtual Events
2021/06/01

The production advantages to creating virtual events are clear. They’re much easier to execute and track for engagement and are far less expensive. There are a few other advantages that you may not have thought about though. Low costs can equal more exciting entertainment: Because of the lower operation costs involved in hosting virtual events, companies have significantly more wiggle room to splurge on more exciting event entertainment than what their budgets previously allowed. For example, a company who hosts…
7 Reasons Why Virtual Events Can Be Better Than Traditional Face-to-Face Events
2021/05/18

There are ongoing debates around the efficiency of virtual events. However, a great number of event planners are reinventing themselves and suggesting that their clients convert their conferences to an online platform. It’s true that face to face (F2F) interactions and networking is different than a virtual experience. But many virtual events can be just as good, if not better, than being in person. Below are top seven reasons why virtual events can be better than F2F events: Cost efficiency:…
Balancing Act: Reducing Risk Without Taking a Hit to Attendee Management
2021/05/18

What if our keynote loses power? What if we have a system failure? What if there’s a network outage? The worry of potential tech challenges fuels the nightmares that keep event professionals up at night in the days leading up to a virtual event. The good news is pre-recorded content can solve a lot of these concerns. Finding the perfect balance of live and pre-recorded content will reduce your risk while still allowing your attendee to sense a shared experience…
5 Marketing Techniques you Need to Use for your Next Virtual Event
2021/05/04

There was a time not long ago when many of us had never attended a true virtual event. Now, with the novelty of modern technologies worn-off and the over saturation of virtual events, event professionals and marketers alike must find new and creative ways to promote their events. While there is increased talk about hybrid events in 2021, 75 per cent of event organizers plan to incorporate technology into their events going forward, no matter the event format. This is…
How to Choose the Right Venue for your Hybrid Event
2021/04/21

2020 saw many events turn virtual due to the pandemic. This year, with the vaccination rollout now in full swing, hybrid events are slated to become the most popular event type. Much like in-person events, the venue can make or break a hybrid event’s success. For face-to-face events, the right spot will depend on the event’s size, duration and audience. Other considerations include budget, catering, parking, accommodation and venue availability. These factors are also important when planning a hybrid event…
Why you Should Avoid Conference Call Apps for Virtual Events
2021/04/21

Video conference call fatigue is real. Today’s virtual attendees are tired of the Brady Bunch squares they interact with daily and are looking for high-quality and to be intrigued when they attend virtual events or trade shows. Few people look at a video conference call and say, “Wow, this is captivating just like broadcast events.” These platforms may be a great tool for peer discussions, family functions or the classroom, but not for a professional presentation of topical information with testing,…
Venues Host What Could be Most Important Event of 21st Century
2021/04/08

Hard-hit by COVID-19, convention centres are once again seeing lines of people eagerly waiting to gain entry. But unlike in ‘normal’ times, they’re not there to attend a ‘typical’ event. Rather, thousands are flocking to these facilities to take a jab in the arm to protect themselves from the potentially deadly virus. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) is among several events venues across the country that have pivoted for the public good. Canada’s largest convention and meeting facility opened…
Which Hybrid Model is Best for your Event?
2021/04/07

Hybrid events have been around for years but they’re completely new to many planners. With all signs pointing to the pandemic’s (eventual) end thanks to the rollout of vaccines, it’s time to become acquainted with them, if you’re not already. Planners will need to add such events to their toolkit to compete in today’s industry and be relevant to their audiences. Hybrid Events Defined A hybrid event is not an in-person event with sharable recorded sessions or a virtual event…