As communicators, we know that it is essential to continue communicating with our stakeholders. Even in this particular context. We must at all costs create/maintain a strong connection with our customers, employees, and other members of our ecosystem. 🔗
With the Covid-19 crisis, which has now been going on for over a year, we have become accustomed to digital events. This has been a necessary shift that has been difficult for some of us. But it is a necessary change in the context of this health crisis.
But what about today? Should we continue with digital events, return to in-person events, or be more cautious and opt for a hybrid approach? 🧐
No one really knows when physical events will resume. So two things are possible: anticipate this resumption and/or wait for the government announcements on Thursday evening, hoping that...
At AppCraft, we have decided to do both. Anticipate while adjusting our approach with each new announcement. So, here is what we are planning: 🔍
To minimize risk, digital formats should continue to be prioritized until at least this summer. The arrival of vaccines and warmer weather may give us hope for some recovery starting in September. But for now, it's a good idea to plan your events virtually. To do this, it is important to choose a platform that meets your needs:
• Does the solution you are considering manage the before, during, and after of the event? If I have to use three different solutions to organize my event (invitations, streaming, interactivity, for example), then it becomes more complicated for the organizer. But it also (and above all) impacts the user experience. Users who have to leave the live platform to participate in interactive modules... a real headache!
• Does the solution meet my needs (appropriate modules)? See if it allows networking, 1-to-1 or 1-to-many appointments if your goal is to convert or acquire leads, for example. Does it have a matchmaking solution for recruitment fairs
• Does it allow you to chat with exhibitors? Make sure that your objective will be achieved with the chosen platform.
• Does it allow me complete customization? Will the platform be completely white label?
• Is it secure enough ? In the current context of massive cyberattacks against France, it is important to opt for a highly secure technical infrastructure to enable companies like yours to communicate safely. To organize your communication with peace of mind, choose a solution that is regularly audited and complies with GDPR standards.
• Does it offer personalized support? Will I have a specific person to assist me (on site or remotely, a hotline, or other)?
These questions are essential if you want to create an effective event that reflects who you are. Choosing the wrong platform can cost you a lot. And not just money! 💸 A poorly chosen platform can have serious consequences for your:
• Image: A company that mismanages new technologies, an uninteresting event that attracted few visitors
• Credibility: With your external speakers and sponsors, who will not enjoy any visibility and may therefore not respond to your future invitations
• Time: Your teams will have dedicated several hours to a project that will not be successful or will be poorly executed
Also consider scripting your event, scheduling breaks, and incorporating interactivity. For 31% of event professionals, engagement is the main challenge of virtual events (EventMB, 2020). Participants are tired of bland webinars and want to have a real experience and get something out of your event—whether it's the content, the speeches, or the discussions!
According to Evénement.com, 63% of companies will continue to implement a digital strategy when in-person events resume. This applies to both 100% digital events and hybrid events.
While 2020 was a virtual year, most industry players predict that the second half of 2021 will be hybrid! This mix of digital and in-person events seems perfect for the new year for several reasons:
• We still don't have a date for the resumption of physical events.
• Despite this, there is a need to meet locally when it becomes possible again.
• This format allows for more flexibility for both the organizer and the participants. Those who want or are able to travel can do so, while others can stay at home at their convenience. There are many advantages to this format. It allows us to continue communicating with our stakeholders while inviting certain VIPs to the venue for face-to-face meetings. It is possible to comply with capacity limits during a health crisis. It is also more environmentally responsible than a physical event. In fact, it requires less transportation (80% of the CO₂ emissions of a physical event). But it is also more economical for the organizer in terms of lower costs for venue rental, catering, accommodation, and transportation. 👌
To stack the odds in your favor when organizing a hybrid event, it is a good idea to:
• Choose a single solution: one provider for your digital platform and mobile app. This will make organization easier. Less time and money spent!
• Think about creating a real experience for people on site as well as those participating remotely. One world, two tailored experiences.
• Scripting and pacing are essential! Think about break times with video or audio for remote participants, countdowns before resuming, etc.
We're all dreaming about it! In-person events are set to resume from the end of 2021. After months of waiting, it will happen quickly. ⏱ And when it does, you'll need a mobile app that's up to the task. A real compass for participants, it has several advantages:
• It's an additional way to communicate with your participants. It gives you greater visibility over the long term: it can be used before your event to generate buzz, or after to stay in touch and potentially be reused for your next event.
• It allows users to interact with you, exhibitors, or other participants. Networking through a mobile app dedicated to your event is a real plus!
• It allows participants to take part in the interactive features and activities on offer. Quizzes, polls, chat, photo and document sharing, content library, participant directory—it's all there!
Of course, this can't be improvised at the last minute, and preparations are already underway for the start of the 2025 school year in September.
