The pandemic has led to many adaptations in the event landscape, most notably the evolution of hybrid events, allowing delegates and speakers to participate virtually. While hybrid options have been around for a number of years, they have never been more important. The fluidity of the current climate has resulted in a higher focus on flexibility and hybrid is now the norm rather than the exception.
Planners contending with a reluctance towards mixing and travelling, as well as increased costs are aware of the impact these barriers to attendance can have. Hybrid events offer the perfect solution as they combine both physical and digital participation to suit every attendee.
Hosting a hybrid event or conference allows planners to take advantage of several benefits including:
Attendance – Offering greater flexibility enables vulnerable attendees or attendees travelling from further afield to still participate virtually. This accessibility allows for a wider audience to be part of the event and reduces many barriers to entry.
Profits – With enhanced attendance and the opportunity to increase capacity, event planners can add profit to events. Hybrid events retain atmosphere through in-person attendees, but the number of virtual delegates can be limitless, resulting in higher profits than traditional events.
Sustainability – By offering a first-rate interactive experience as part of hybrid events, not only can planners offer different options to delegates, but fewer in-person delegates will reduce the need for physical travel, lowering the carbon footprint of the event.
Longevity – Using modern audio/visual technology, planners can follow up events with content or even re-purpose it, distributing to those that could not attend, presenting an opportunity to generate extra revenue.
Access to Data – With delegates using online platforms and apps at hybrid events, planners can obtain data for learning purposes and remarketing (when executed in accordance with GDPR). Planners can run live Q&A sessions or quizzes to obtain feedback and understand which subjects attract the most visitors from log ins and duration information.
Hybrid Facilities at Keble College
Keble College has had hybrid functionality for over a decade. Keble offers a wide range of virtual solutions, allowing delegates to participate both in person and remotely. The College boasts 14 conference rooms across its two sites, each with varying capacity and functionality. Accommodating every brief, rooms can be split into smaller areas or used standalone, hosting anything from 8 to over 250 delegates.
Leveraging technology, Keble’s digital options replicate every facet of a regular conference with impressive detail. All rooms feature AV and WIFI accessibility, built in projection and sound facilities with mobile TV connectivity.
Keble’s main site provides a range of meeting rooms where historical charm meets modern facilities. The O’Reilly Theatre is a purpose-built auditorium with an in-built AV booth and tiered seating for up to 250 delegates. This modern theatre provides state-of-the-art conference facilities including individual writing tablets as well as projectors, cameras and microphones to allow video/audio recording for virtual participation. The O’Reilly Theatre includes access to six additional hybrid enabled meeting rooms – ideal for breakout sessions and workshops.
A short walk north of the main site, The H B Allen Centre further extends the hybrid conference offering with unique, multi-purpose buildings equipped with the latest in hybrid technology. Its main Lecture Theatre is the perfect setting for hybrid events, boasting a Harvard style lecture space that can accommodate up to 100 guests with audio-visual facilities to support recordings and live streaming.
Ensuring that digital participants are fully supported, Keble’s WIFI accessibility promotes the use of hybrid event apps to give attendees a complete virtual experience. They can view details of speakers and interact with other delegates, just as they would on site.
Keble’s useful room finder allows event planners to source hybrid enabled rooms and check facilities or capacity at a glance. For guests looking to stay on-site, Keble College offers over 250 single, double and twin bedrooms in distinctive settings. Accommodation includes standard and ensuite rooms with tea and coffee making facilities, towels, free WIFI and a generous selection of toiletries.
Keble College provides a unique setting combined with state-of-the-art hybrid facilities to create lasting memories for your delegates. What’s more, Keble’s dedicated Conference and Events Team are on hand to ensure that each event runs seamlessly and that remote participants have identical experiences in terms of quality, interaction and access to other delegates. Speak to a member of our dedicated team by clicking here and find out how Keble College can support your next hybrid event.
