After two years of travel restrictions and virtual events, most organizations prefer hybrid platforms to organize events and conferences. Over 70% of event organizers are incorporating hybrid events to accommodate a vast pool of attendees and increase audience engagement. Without surprise, the global virtual and hybrid events market size is expected to grow at a rate of 23.7% until 2028.
Hybrid events are a cost-effective solution to engage and network with a global audience. Marketing and sales departments can integrate online activities with onsite events, ensuring several options for attendees and speakers.
Let’s look at the benefit of opting for a hybrid event instead of a virtual event and the best hybrid events platforms to look out for in 2022.
Benefits of Hybrid Events For Your Marketing Strategy
The purpose of a hybrid event is to provide a consistent experience to all attendees enjoying special dates together, despite their physical location. Hybrid platform technologies are a vital marketing strategy to reach a wider audience and scale the event internationally.
Here are the primary benefits of organizing a hybrid event to boost your marketing campaigns:
- Increased reach and attendance
- Improved audience engagement
- Global Sponsorship opportunities
- Better return on investment
- More accessible switch to virtual events in case of restrictions
- Boost on marketing pipeline
- Reduced environmental impact
- Safety and efficient Covid measures
- Cost reduction on location and staff
- Stronger and international attendee communities
The 10 Best Hybrid Events Platforms For Marketing in 2024
Especially for marketing and sales, hybrid events are key strategies to increase the audience reach and turn them into leads. However, it’s crucial to choose the right platform to ensure a smooth experience for the audience and organizers.
Here are the best 10 hybrid events platforms to look out for in 2024:
1. InEvent
Alt tag: hybrid event platform
InEvent is one of the most trusted hybrid event platforms. Companies like Sana, Coca Cola, Santander, and government offices use it. The app is a one-stop shop for managing, promoting, and monetizing any type of hybrid event from one, organized platform. It offers a wide range of features, including registration and check-in, live navigation and engagement, networking between virtual and in-person participants, analytics, and reporting after the event.
| Pros | Cons |
| Clean and user-friendly virtual lobbyHigh video streaming capabilitiesWhite-label and customization capabilities for event branding Communications management systemAccessible backend for event admins24/7 customer serviceNetworking features like 1:1 speed-dating rouletteCRM, marketing, payment, business analytics, social media, engagement, and API integration Affordable pricing | No for stand-alone or one-time events No for audio-only events |
2. Hopin
Since 2019, Hopin has been a growing hybrid event platform. To improve its services, the company acquired multiple partners: Topi (mobile app development), StreamYard (live streaming), Streamable (video hosting), Jamm (video collaboration), Attendify (event marketing), and Boomset (onsite solutions). As a result, it is one of the best platforms to organize hybrid events smoothly and professionally.
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| Pros | Cons |
| Easy setup and account installment High-quality video definition For all event size | Consistent monthly fee for advanced plans No virtual backgrounds capabilityLower customer support after the first event Not fully accessible by some devices or browsersLimited white-labeling and on-demand capabilities |
3. Cvent
Launched in 1999, Cvent is a popular and renowned software for hybrid event registration and management. Lately, the company has improved virtual features to retain and integrate in-person features.
| Pros | Cons |
| Smart solutions for registration, data collection, and report sharingTickets, registrations, and tracking attendance for large multi-day events | Hard to navigate for event organizersPoor flexibility and customizationExpensive packages Poor customer service for small businesses. |
4. vFAIRS
vFAIRS is a comprehensive event software featuring stunning immersive 3D virtual environments resembling in-person conferences, recreating a traditional event experience for virtual and in-person audiences alike.
| Pros | Cons |
| Exhibit and networking hallsAnimations mirroring physical locationsInteractive virtual environment | Hard backend access for event adminsNo for academic conferencesConfusing navigation for the audience Expensive for small or medium-sized businessesWeak hosting concurrent live sessions |
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5. Whova
Founded in San Diego in 2012, Whova pivoted multiple solutions for virtual and in-person business events. As a result, Whova is among the best hybrid event platforms available in the market.
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly intuitive for both organizers and attendees Gamification features Personalized agenda | Poor technical supportScalability issues for events with over 100 attendeesHard to navigate UIConsiderable learning time for organizers |
6. Hubilo
Hubilo is the most popular hybrid event platform for interactive event experience. After the pandemic, the company improved virtual features to deliver the best experience for remote and in-person audiences alike.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy frontend and backend navigation Interactive leaderboardUser-friendly interface | Weak native video streaming Limited data analytics for tracking attendance and engagementPoor email marketing features Limited branding and customization capabilitiesNo mobile-friendly |
7. Socio
Socio provides virtual software and a live-event app for hybrid events. Acquired by Cisco, the software includes drag-and-drop customization and data analytics.
| Pros | Cons |
| Switching between content tracksAttendee tracking metrics and analyticsGamification features | Privacy issues with attendees personal informationNo captioning ability or integrationNo flexible standard template Poor exhibitor capabilities |
8. SpotMe
SpotMe is one of the most popular B2B event marketing platforms for hybrid events. Starting as mobile technology, the company expanded its services, including onsite or hybrid event management tools.
| Pros | Cons |
| Invitation via links or Social Media User-friendly interface Intuitive CMS | Considerable pricing plan Limited live broadcasting and breakout session functionalitiesPoor analytics and inability to data export on sponsor’s boothsHard backend to navigate for event admins Limitation to edit registration pages |
9. Bizzabo
Based in Israel, Bizzabo enables professionals to organize virtual and hybrid events. Initially created as a networking tool for professionals, the company evolved the cloud-based event management platform to integrate multiple tools for live events.
| Pros | Cons |
| Inside navigation for the event environment Updated agendaHTML customizationRegistration and check-ins Payment management | Restricted customizationNo budget-friendly (each additional feature adds up the final price)Hard to edit push notifications Weak polling feature Poor report system |
10. Swapcard
Swapcard software focuses on matchmaking to users with AI technologies during hybrid and virtual events.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface and navigationEasy to log in and useReady-made graphics | Poor streaming and video capabilitiesWeak live Q&A feature Poor third-party services and SSOSlow customer support |
Hybrid Events Platforms: A Comparison Chart
| Platform | Features | Pricing |
| InEvent | Virtual lobby and virtual conferencing CRM, integration, and data management Check-ins, badges, and access control Registrations, landing pages, forms, and mailsAnalytics, reports, and compliance Logistic, hotels, and travel plans | Basic: US$ 2990 (annual subscription)Express: US$ 3990 (annual subscription)Advanced: TBA Full: TBA |
| Hoping | Multiple ticket types to maximize event revenueSponsorship opportunities Email marketing tools Centralized registration for in-person and virtual attendees for data analysis Marketing and brand identity services Cashless PaymentsAdmin Entry technologies (QR, UHF/NFC, face recognition)Pre-printing badges and check-ins | Free up to 100 registrants Starter: $99/monthGrowth: $799/month Business: TBA Enterprise: TBA |
| Cvent | Targeted promotions, web, and email campaign Online event registrationBranded event websiteSource safe venues Contactless tech Space diagramming toolsDigital-first planFully connected digital experience Capture measurable insights (attribute scores and integrating insights) Automated room block management | Contact sales |
| vFAIRS | 3D designs for live venuesInclusive and animated avatarsVirtual booths and help deskAlerts and notifications for the audienceBroadcast in-person presentations to the virtual audienceLive Q&As with in-person and virtual audiencesBroadcast remote meetings to in-person audienceMatchmaking features and user profile search to connect the audienceVirtual open chat Hybrid polls, Q&As, and surveys to collect feedback and data Attendee arrivals verification Easy navigation Functional reporting dashboard for hosts and exhibitorsDownload chat and transcripts | Contact sales |
| Whova | Same features from mobile and desktop accessible for remote and in-person audiencesAnnouncements and updating for the audience Security and password systemReal-time analytics Q&A, polling, and audience engagement Different agendas for different audiences Artifact CenterConference moderators | Vary depending on the event model and size. |
| Hubilo | SurveysBadge ManagementConferences (Seminars)Lead RetrievalMeetingsAttendee ManagementCustomizable BrandingReal-time ChatVirtual LobbyMultiple Events24/7 customer support | Vary depending on the event model and size. |
| Socio | RegistrationCheck-In and badge printingVirtual event platformMobile event appCommunity platformAudience engagementEvent branding and customizationLive streaming and videoAttendee networkingSponsorship toolsVideo breakout roomsEvent schedule and digital guideEvent gamificationAccessibilityEvent data and analytics | Vary depending on the event model and size. |
| SpotMe | APIMobile devices accessReport and data management Notifications and announcements for audience Customizable brandingCRMAgenda and surveysQuality control managementCheck-ins and registration managementReal-time information Third-party integrationsBoardLive ChatCustomizable templatesEngagement monitoringEvent planningEmail campaign and memorandumMulti-host systemWebinar on request | Several plans, pricing varies depending on the event model and size. |
| Bizzabo | Platform overviewEvent orchestrationMoments creationIntegrationsEnterpriseData and insightsEvent marketing and management Sponsor managementContent creationAudience engagementNetworkingOnsite solutionsBroadcast | Contact sales |
| Swapcard | Engagement module (Schedule, attendees networking, sponsoring, branding, analytics, admin set-up, security, etc)Matchmaking Module (Exhibitors booths, marketplace, and matchmaking, exhibition smart lead capture)Registration Module (Attendees and exhibitors registration, marketing, and sponsor features, On-site support)Speakers & Abstracts Module (Call for speakers and abstract management) | Free for small events Meetup: $120/monthEvent: $590/month Community: TBA |
The Conclusion : Best hybrid Event Management Platform
To recap, hybrid events are an effective marketing strategy to reach a wider audience and increase a company’s leads. Organizations can connect in-person and remote attendees worldwide with the right hybrid platforms technologies, growing their brand awareness and authority.
So, without further ado, choose the right platform for you and boost your marketing campaigns with engaging content and interactive hybrid events.
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