Regarding networking chances and face-to-face engagement, an in-person event is superior. However, virtual events allow planners to invite speakers, performers, and attendees from around the globe without worrying about the expense of airfare and lodging.
But, organizing and running a hybrid event has its special difficulties. For instance, not every venue is perfect for hosting hybrid events, making it much harder to select the best location for a hybrid event than it already is for traditional events. This article will review the 5 venue selection criteria for hybrid events. So, stay with us here and keep scrolling below.
Top 5 Venue Selection Criteria for Hybrid Events
The best of both worlds are combined in hybrid events, which are growing in popularity because they provide both the reach and accessibility of online events and the engagement and interaction of in-person events. However, picking a location for a hybrid event can be difficult since you need to consider several variables that impact both the physical and virtual components of your event. This post will examine a few crucial elements to consider while selecting a location for a hybrid event. So, consider these top 5 venues selection criteria for hybrid events.
1. Health and Safety
Health and safety are the most important factors to consider when choosing suitable sites. Event organizers must be especially watchful to prevent breakouts at the event venue, given the emergence of the COVID-19 Delta Variant. The venue should have established safety standards and regulations to reduce the danger of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, you must consider all safety precautions regarding health and ensure your audience is in safe hands. Therefore, you must consult the Exhibition Venues Dubai service providers to pick the best event location.
2. Spacing
The size and area of the venue come after health and safety. Even if the location meets your other requirements, it is not the perfect place for you if it lacks sufficient room to handle your capacity while maintaining social distance. For instance, a location that could have held up to 100 people before the pandemic may now only hold up to 50 people. Examine each section of your event location carefully, including the entrances, meeting rooms, seating areas, exhibit/sponsor areas, networking area, stage, etc. The more room you have, the more secure and assured you’ll feel about following health rules.
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3. A/V Equipment and Technology
It would be best to consider the virtual attendees when choosing the venue, even though space and health & safety are top priorities. In this regard, seek out a location that has modified its layout, AV equipment, and technology to better serve virtual attendees to meet hybrid event expectations.
So, consider whether the location has a stage with high-quality cameras for filming and expert lighting to provide the virtual audience with a wonderful experience. A cheap camera at the back of the room won’t cut it if you want to build a hybrid event that engages virtual attendees. Look for venues with LED Walls and backdrops to assist you in creating a special and engaging setting for both audiences. It will help you improve the experience even further. In general, think of your hunt for a hybrid event space as a TV broadcast production. Find a location to set up several cameras and still provide your remote audience with high-quality content.
4. Wi-Fi
A strong Wi-Fi connection is needed rather than just a good bonus. Your entire online audience is dependent on it. The overall success of your event will suffer if the venue has a slow or unreliable internet connection because it will irritate virtual attendees, who will leave a negative impression. To prevent this, examine the internet bandwidth and connection speed at potential locations and conduct additional tests as necessary. Additionally, enquire about venue wireless access points that can increase the Wi-Fi network’s signal strength and range. Additionally, look for venues with on-site IT staff dedicated to supporting you if a problem occurs.
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5. Accessibility
Accessibility is one of the most important factors in venue selection. Event planners should approach hybrid with a similar mentality because virtual events have made access to a larger audience possible. Which location allows more people to attend in person without any problems? Do not close doors because of a lack of in-person accessibility if you open them by providing a virtual component to your event. To begin with, confirm that there is accessible parking and that your facility is wheelchair accessible. Establish whether the conference rooms, stage, restrooms, elevators, catering, and networking areas are all wheelchair-accessible portions of the building. So, you must hire exhibition venues Dubai service providers to give the best experience to your audience by choosing the perfect location.
Conclusion
The search for a hybrid venue differs greatly from a regular live event. Even though only a portion of the audience will be there in person, you must still consider their wants to provide a great event experience. So, consider the above-mentioned criteria, for instance, health and safety, room size, AV technology, Wi-Fi, and accessibility whenever you choose an event venue.
