10-11 Carlton House Terrace shares trends for hybrid events in 2021

8 March, 2021

Following the rapid development of virtual and hybrid events over the past 12 months, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace explores the emerging hybrid trends in the events industry for the year ahead.

So, what is a hybrid event?

A hybrid event incorporates both a physical in-person event with a virtual online audience.

This isn’t a new concept however… Prior to 2020, it’s likely you had already attended a few without realising. Take the popular non-profit TED as an example. What started as an annual conference in the 1990’s became a “viral video phenomenon” and now encompasses a huge platform of hybrid events including TED Talks, TEDx and the TED-Ed series – all with aim of spreading ideas far beyond the room they are presented in.

The global pandemic has certainly thrown a few spanners in the works for event profs who are still running events. There’s increased demand for the best technology for every virtual event element, as well as the COVID-safe considerations for any in-person gatherings.

Over the coming months, the London venue expects the following hybrid event trends:

More innovative ways for delegates to engage
The necessary introduction of more breaks during events with suggestions like networking, virtual performances and fun icebreakers
Bigger and bolder creative ideas to keep people engaged
Much broader, far-reaching marketing to attract international virtual audiences
The introduction of VR into hybrid events