Virtual or hybrid: Key considerations when planning your marketing events

For those in the alternative investment sector, you’ll know just how important networking can be to your success. In fact, LinkedIn tells us that 80% of professionals consider networking to be essential for their career growth. For many, work events have long played a crucial role in this, providing a platform for firms to meet up, showcase their offerings, engage with investors and discuss market trends. Traditionally, these events were held face-to-face, which, while great for building strong connections, often posed a series of challenges, especially when trying to reach people spread across the globe. Fast forward to today, where the world has undergone a significant shift, moving towards digital and hybrid events.

 

Evolution of B2B Marketing Events

Whether it was investor conferences, roundtable discussions, or fund launch events, in-person gatherings were where trust was built, deals were struck and many networking connections were made. Unfortunately, they also faced significant obstacles, with geographical limitations, high costs, and the difficulty of bringing everyone together in one place at one time, being a complex task.

As a result of the pandemic, businesses were forced to rethink how they connect and communicate. Initially, transitioning to virtual events felt like a temporary solution, but as we became more familiar with the technology and possibilities, it became clear that virtual events weren’t just a ‘stand-in’ for traditional in-person gatherings – that they offered unique advantages that could be used for the benefit of the sector. Discovering that virtual platforms allow an extended reach, allowed businesses to engage with a global audience without the barriers of travel and timings.

As we’ve adapted, hybrid events have emerged as a go-to solution, blending the strengths of both in-person and virtual formats. These events allow firms to maintain the personal connections that are key to supporting relationships while also reaching a broader audience online. For example, hosting an investor conference in one country, while also live-streaming it to participants across the world optimises the reach and impact of the event.

 

Advantages of Virtual and Hybrid Events

The move towards virtual and hybrid events presents a series of benefits for businesses and related parties.

  • More People, More Connections

Without the constraints of geography, you can now connect with investors and shareholders who might not have been able to attend an in-person event due to travel restrictions or a busy schedule.

  • Join From Anywhere

Virtual events, for instance, allow participants to join from wherever is most convenient, and or comfortable. This kind of flexibility makes it easier than ever to attract and engage with your audience.

 

Organising a Virtual or Hybrid Event

While the benefits of virtual and hybrid events are clear, organising them requires careful planning and execution.

  • Know Your Audience: Start by understanding the needs of your target audience. For example, some clients may value the convenience of virtual attendance but still appreciate opportunities for live interaction.
  • Set Clear Goals: What are you hoping to achieve? Whether it’s lead generation, brand awareness, or product education, setting clear goals will guide your planning process and help you choose the right format.
  • Choose the Right Tech: The platform you choose can make or break your event. Looking for ones with more interactive tools will keep people engaged and give a more dynamic experience.

 

Add a Personal Touch: In a virtual or hybrid setting, it’s easy for attendees to feel a bit disconnected. That’s why personalisation is so important. Tailored content and targeted follow-ups can make all the difference in making your attendees feel valued.

 

Ultimately, the success of a virtual or hybrid event lies in both planning and understanding your audience’s needs. By making use of the correct technology and ensuring content relevance, you can create powerful experiences that resonate with both in-person and online attendees. In doing so, firms can not only create meaningful connections but also set themselves apart in an increasingly competitive and globalised market.