25 Easy and Creative Ways to Keep Your Hybrid Audience Engaged

These days, event planners are charged with modifying almost every aspect of an event to accommodate audiences composed of in-person and virtual attendees. The big question on everyone’s mind: How can I keep both audiences consistently engaged?

The key is interactivity. But how do you make virtual attendees active participants and not just observers of the in-person action? And how do you bridge the gap between both audiences?

We have good news for you: There are many ways to make this happen (25 and counting!). But before we share them, let’s dive into the unique challenges presented by a hybrid audience — and how to meet those challenges as opportunities.

The Challenge with Hybrid Events

Why is it more challenging to keep an audience engaged at a hybrid event? Like educators who had to find creative ways to help students learn remotely during the height of COVID-19, event planners must develop creative approaches to make hybrid events impactful for all participants.

There are a million distractions behind the computer screen of a virtual participant. Their attention span is very short — an hour with a five-minute break is about what you can expect — and you’ve got to command attention from start to finish to compete with the distractions.

An event planner experienced only with in-person events will face a steep learning curve in understanding the technology required for a hybrid event. Hybrid events are often more expensive because each audience requires different technology and content delivery, and they take more creativity and planning time than in-person-only events. Ensure success by partnering with a team experienced in hybrid events, audience management, and budgets. The right partner will have a toolbox of ideas — and the experience to know which will work best — to keep your hybrid audience actively engaged.

Without further ado, here are 25 of our creative ideas to capture your audience.

25 Easy Ways to Keep Audiences Engaged at Your Hybrid Event

1. Music. Include music that matches the mood and theme of the moment throughout the event. Everyone loves a song, and the emotions that music evokes make it a powerful tool to connect with your audience.
2. Bands and DJs. Inviting attendees to join a virtual band or choir is a fun way to boost engagement.
3. Moderators and MCs. Moderators and MCs who acknowledge and invite participation from both in-person and virtual attendees can keep the conversation flowing — and everyone’s attention.
4. Celebrities. Like MCs, celebs can be a great bridge between in-person and virtual attendees. Having celebrities participate both in-person and virtually is ideal.
5. Animation and effects. Your slide deck should be more than just words on a screen. Try cool effects or PowerPoint animations to elicit “oohs” and not “ughs” during presentations.
6. Green-screen studio. A green screen can transport speakers or MCs to any environment and can be used for both virtual and in-person segments.
7. Upscaled production. Use your budget wisely, but creating an above-and-beyond experience for both virtual and in-person attendees can make your event exciting and memorable.
8. Gamification. Games can be a fun engagement tool. Try trivia, virtual karaoke, or a map showcasing where attendees are from.
9. Quizzing and competition. Polling, trivia, or pitting the virtual audience against the in-person audience can fire up the crowd.
10. Compelling content. High-quality videos, speakers, and stories keep both live and virtual audiences engaged.
11. Great run of show. A detailed schedule keeps everyone aligned. Include what is happening and when for all stakeholders.
12. Engaging graphics. Great visuals entertain and inform.
13. High-quality in-room experience. Don’t forget your in-person attendees while planning the virtual experience.
14. High-quality online experience. Likewise, don’t forget your remote participants while planning the in-person experience.
15. Connect in real time. Use apps or devices that link the in-room and online experience.
16. Make the connection overt. Ensure remote attendees are seen and heard in the physical event room.
17. Remote-specific content. Create segments just for remote attendees so they never feel like an afterthought.
18. Marketing. Solid promotion and communication before and during the event help audiences stay oriented.
19. Storytelling. Engaging stories translate well, even to virtual audiences. Just look at TED Talks!
20. Social media. Leverage platforms for pre-event buzz and live posting during the program.
21. Virtual photo booth. Link in-person and remote participants with a real and virtual photo booth and shared hashtag.
22. Real swag. Mailing remote attendees physical items tied to the event helps them feel connected.
23. Teasers. Whet attendees’ appetites with sneak peeks during your event marketing.
24. Icebreakers. Choose activities that involve virtual and live audiences to spark dialogue.
25. Networking. Schedule time for in-person attendees to connect with remote participants.

Should I Use All of These?

This list is not meant to be used exhaustively for every hybrid event. The nature of your event will determine which strategies to employ. Is it a product launch, an educational session, or a large convention? Each calls for different engagement methods.

Select techniques that will have the greatest impact. Planning a hybrid event is not easy, but keeping your goals and audience in mind drives focus and engagement. The extra time, effort, and cost will pay off: hybrid events offer wider reach, and a memorable experience strengthens your brand.

These helpful hints just scratch the surface of what our production experts bring to the table. If you’re ready to bring your hybrid event vision to life, connect with our hybrid event experts today!