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Get StartedThe past several years have been challenging for the event industry, but we've learned a powerful lesson: The digital world is bursting with opportunities. This is especially true for immersive events, which have evolved to become more convenient and cost-effective. Suddenly, hosting a series of events online feels less daunting compared to the traditional approach.
As we find ourselves in a period of revival, with in-person events making a triumphant return, the relevance of virtual events isn't fading. If anything, the online sphere has solidified its role as a trusted platform for events, not just an understudy to the "real" thing.
But what if you yearn for the best of both worlds? A perfect fusion of the accessibility of virtual events and the tangible connection of in-person gatherings? Enter the realm of hybrid events. This blog post serves as your guide, exploring the essence of hybrid events, their benefits to businesses, and the key aspects of a quality hybrid event platform.
Moreover, to empower your decision-making, we've curated a list of the Top 18 Hybrid Event Platforms for 2023. This is designed to align you with the event technology that best fits your unique event aspirations and requirements.
A hybrid event is essentially an 'online event' that also invites on-site participation. Imagine an event platform where people can physically attend, while others across the globe tune into a live stream from the comfort of their homes. It's an ideal strategy for events that cater to both local and international audiences who prefer engaging in the event activities according to their convenience and access.
Corporate events can effectively leverage hybrid events to overcome limitations posed by restricted travel budgets or chosen venue’s seating capacity. The hybrid approach ensures flexibility, paving the way for innovative event marketing opportunities and increased 'sponsors and exhibitor ROI'.
The compelling evidence lies in the figures. The global virtual events market size was valued at 94.04 billion dollars in 2020 and is expected to grow at a rate of 23.7% until 2028. With astute planning and the right technology, a successful hybrid event promises even better returns.
However, unforgettable audience experiences require more than just planning - you need advanced event technology. And the market today offers a range of these technologies from simple one-way broadcast systems to immersive virtual realities. Selecting the right one enables you to maximize its benefits such as:
To explore further, you might want to check our previous blog where we discussed the 9 reasons to choose a hybrid events platform. Spoiler alert - new revenue opportunities are just one of the enticing reasons.
Choosing a hybrid event platform largely depends on the nature of your event and the goals you aim to achieve. However, certain features are indispensable for crafting a remarkable 'space for attendees, both online and offline:
A streamlined entry point for attendees to purchase tickets, register their names, and receive alerts about event details is a must-have, irrespective of whether they participate virtually or physically. This is achievable with a comprehensive ticketing system that caters to both realms of your hybrid event.
Your virtual event should reflect your brand identity. Therefore, the capability to customize your broadcast page or the complete virtual event space with your logo and brand colors is a key feature to look for.
Virtual spaces may require a little more effort to instigate interaction. Incorporating live chats, polls, and Q&A widgets are effective 'audience engagement tools'. Check if your chosen event technology provider offers these functionalities.
If networking is a significant aspect of your event, a virtual networking room is essential. These spaces simulate the spontaneous social interactions that naturally occur during physical events, offering 'remote audiences' equal opportunities to expand their network.
Choose a system that aligns with your event objectives and can handle the type of event you intend to organize (e.g., conference, workshop, trade show). The platform should be easy to navigate and manage, which is beneficial for both organizers and attendees.
The chosen platform should be capable of handling large attendee numbers and managing substantial traffic simultaneously.
Ensure your platform has stringent security measures in place to protect attendee privacy and personal information.
Opt for a platform with quick-to-respond and helpful customer support. They should be readily available to assist with any issues that may crop up during the event.
Hybrid events, seamlessly marrying virtual and physical realms, can amplify your reach, engagement, and revenue potential. So, which platforms are best equipped to orchestrate such a unique event?
Looking for more tips on hybrid meetings? Check out Toptal's article for more.
The 18 Best Hybrid Event Platforms For 2023:
What better way to kick off our list than with Eventcube? In our opinion, the best hybrid event platform and one of the champions of ticketing and event management pre-pandemic. Guess what? That conviction hasn't wavered. Be it for a physical or a virtual event, Eventcube stands tall. The exciting part? It's only getting better!
Eventcube empowers you to craft multi-channel streams and design an immersive virtual experience tailored to your event specifications. Coupled with its acclaimed ticketing system, you've got an event platform that thoughtfully caters to your guests' needs at every interaction point.
Designed with a focus on fostering audience engagement, Eventcube brings a host of interactive features to the table. Cutting-edge hybrid event management software, social media plugins, virtual polling, interactive Q&A sessions, or dynamic chat rooms—you name it, Eventcube has it. These features work together to establish a stronger connection between you and your audience, as well as among the audience members themselves.
But why stop at just hosting an event when you can make it a visual spectacle? Eventcube equips you with innovative production tools like custom display units and enhanced virtual designs that add a pop of excitement to your events. There's little room for doubt—Eventcube is undoubtedly one of the standout hybrid event platforms in the market today.
Ticketing
Virtual Events
RingCentral Events (formerly Hopin Events) is an all-in-one video-first hybrid event platform that strives to create highly customizable hybrid events for businesses. With its long list of features and functionalities, RingCentral Events makes the planning, producing, managing, and reliving of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events as easy as it can be.
You can do a lot of things with RingCentral Events—build efficient, hassle-free registration and landing pages, create virtual venues and live streams to complement your real-world events, optimize online marketing strategies, enable various event ticketing options, inspire audience participation through interactive Q&As and polls, and the list goes on.
On the ground, RingCentral Events got you covered, too. It comes with attendee management systems that ensure secure and seamless check-in. This connects to a detailed reports page that allows you to track sales, get to know your audience demographic and determine which content is most in demand.
Boomset offers a potent suite of backend tools, positioning it as a true asset for event organizers orchestrating on-site operations. From the moment your event kicks off, this hybrid event software streamlines attendee management, ensuring a swift and seamless check-in process, printing badges, and capturing leads on-the-go. Moreover, it neatly consolidates attendee data, making report generation and analytics a breeze.
In an era where health precautions are paramount, Boomset's mobile apps offer a thoughtful feature: contactless self check-in for attendees. They also offer innovative cashless payment options for walk-in guests, further enhancing safety measures.
Ticket admission becomes effortless with Boomset's arsenal of advanced tools, including QR codes, UNH/NFC, and RFIDs to name just a few. Plus, these tools smoothly integrate with Hopin's product suite and complement its virtual event platforms, creating a comprehensive and interconnected event management ecosystem.
It's important to note that Boomset is especially suited for large-scale productions, promising to bring unmatched efficiency and sophistication to your event management processes. For those planning a smaller event, other platforms may be a better fit.
Canapii embodies the most straightforward definition of hybrid as it advertises itself as a solution for simultaneous virtual and in-person events.
You can set-up your conference, workshop or launch events like you usually would and Canapii will work alongside you to stream your event online through its own virtual platform. This allows you to engage with audiences from both worlds and through the help of Q&A and polling features, it would feel as if attendees are all one and in the same room.
Canapii ensures that virtual attendees are not at a loss when it comes to networking. Both in-person and online guests can interact with each other through chat and breakout rooms, and engage in 1:1 discussions–an absolute hybrid dream.
The best part: Canapii has a built-in ticketing system and lets you create multiple ticket types for every type of attendee. All this means that you can host global events and usher greater visibility for your brand.
Localist takes a refreshing approach by prioritizing local communities and grassroots organizations over the allure of the international market. Its mission is to empower these groups by providing a user-friendly platform for hosting, selling, and promoting their own virtual events.
At the heart of Localist's offerings is its centralized calendar, which serves as a hub for all events within an organization. This ingenious feature ensures that community members stay informed and up-to-date with the latest happenings. Additionally, the calendar doubles as a marketplace where users can discover events, purchase and sell tickets, and register their attendance seamlessly.
Another great selling point of this online event platform apart is its compatibility with your existing tools. Whether you use popular virtual conferencing software like Zoom, Hopin, or leverage platforms like Facebook Live, Localist provides seamless integration. Furthermore, it harmonizes effortlessly with your website's content management system, allowing you to enhance your site's functionality without the need to learn new software. With Localist's reliable API, you can effortlessly integrate it with other standard programs without encountering any known compatibility issues.
Localist's dedication to simplicity and its commitment to serving local communities make it a standout choice for those seeking an efficient and user-friendly virtual event platform.
On quotation
Communique Conferencing is a hybrid conference platform specializing in creating immersive virtual environments and engaging in-person experiences for mid-to-large enterprises. The platform integrates AI technology to build unique, personalized experiences for all stakeholders involved.
Communique offers clients two options: an immersive 3D virtual environment you can tailor to your organization’s needs and a simpler 2D plug-and-play event space that meets any budget. Both services come with a range of tools and features including dynamic data and analytics, email communication, and a ticketing system.
Its many winning features notwithstanding, the highlight has to be the Communique mobile app—the place where in-person and virtual guests convene. Not only can attendees create profiles and join challenges to earn a spot on the leaderboard, but can also start conversations in their own activity feed and invite fellow attendees to chat one-on-one. If you’re looking to gamify your event and enhance peer-to-peer interaction, Communique is the way to go.
As the name suggests, Communique Conferencing really does mean business. It’s specifically aimed at the enterprise-level conference market. This means there's a relatively hefty price tag attached to it which might put off some smaller businesses.
On quotation
Converve is all about networking, which is arguably the hardest aspect of real world conferencing to recreate in the virtual space. The headline here is the use of finely tuned algorithms that make it easy for people to find the right connections. What’s fascinating about the software is that you get to decide your own matchmaking rules, whether that be based on attendee descriptions, interests, and behaviours. The system then makes recommendations based on keywords, paving way for more targeted conversations.
More than being a matchmaker, Converve is a fully functional event management platform. You can host immersive video meetings, breakout sessions, and interactive workshops through its broadcast system. You can even embed your custom live streams and link pre-recorded videos from streaming providers of your choice.
Meanwhile, participants can build their own agenda of online sessions and set it in their local time zone so they don’t miss an event.
6Connex is a hybrid event platform that's built on HTML5 with robust enterprise-grade security. This effectively means that it delivers a smooth mobile experience while attendees can participate with any device that supports a browser.
Because the company understands that today's modern event organizers value engagement, they offer custom virtual booths and real-time chat. Plus, the ability for organizations to upload their marketing or sales collateral before the event starts.
6Connext makes no secret of the fact it's all about the virtual trade show, virtual job fair, and virtual summit market. And it caters to that client base excellently, with the system robust enough to facilitate virtual events with attendance numbers in the tens of thousands. Despite this, pricing remains flexible enough to entice those hosting just a handful. Oh, and did we mention the E-Learning Program development options?
Where SpotMe truly shines as a hybrid event platform is it's a hassle-free user experience. It offers a suite of event products, but its standout feature lies in its ability to unite both in-person and virtual attendees through its web and mobile apps. Like other platforms with robust networking capabilities (such as Eventtia or Mighty Networks), SpotMe matches attendees based on shared interests and provides private chat rooms that encourage one-on-one interaction.
The hybrid events platform also prioritizes accessibility by partnering with top-tier live captioning AI tools, ensuring support for over 20 languages. This foresight showcases SpotMe's readiness to cater to the global reach of businesses transitioning from virtual to hybrid event formats.
For those seeking simplicity and a true hybrid event experience, SpotMe allows you to effortlessly stream live-stage events. By integrating professional live broadcasting systems such as OBS and VMix with SpotMe Streaming, you can easily share your content with attendees.
All things considered, SpotMe delivers a seamless and engaging hybrid event solution, making it a preferred choice for businesses and organizations aiming to create immersive and inclusive event experiences.
Aventri has all bases covered when it comes to hybrid events. On the virtual side of things, Aventri offers an event platform where you can stream live events or on-demand videos and facilitate attendee networking in-between sessions via a virtual lobby. In the real-world, the software ensures safe and seamless guest check-in through NFC-powered technologies. And to help your team enforce venue limits and regulate crowds, you have tools that track session attendance.
An event platform that keeps your logistics in mind, Aventri boasts an all-in-one event management service that simplifies your planning, marketing, and lead capture tasks. Brand awareness is also top of their list as they set out design features you can use to fully brand your landing pages and event campaign materials. If that’s not impressive to you, we don’t know what is!
BigMarker advertises itself as the most customizable virtual events platform in the market. And while many event software claims to be just as easily configured, BigMarker backs its word with over 15 virtual event modules you can mix and match to create a one-of-a-kind virtual or hybrid event experience.
Clearly, they went beyond slapping your brand colors on a webpage and dove deep into curating the virtual venue of your dreams. No wonder they’re trusted by reputable broadcast companies like TED and CNBC.
BigMarker also houses an arsenal of event management tools on its event microsite. However, it’s not only the registration and ticketing system that’s most impressive; it’s their mobile event app that takes centerstage—the place where the ‘hybrid’ in hybrid event is brought to life.
Geared toward attendee engagement, it serves as an integrated space for virtual and in-person attendees to relay and upvote questions, allowing moderators to hone in on the most in-demand queries. AI-driven networking is also a key feature of the app. Powered by LinkedIn, attendees enjoy a full-feature Networking Centre where they can find relevant connections, chat, and further their professional and business agenda.
EventMobi, a well-versed player in the hybrid event space, understands the diverse needs of its market and embraces flexibility as a key feature. Hybrid events come in various formats, but one consistent aspect is the potential to enhance attendee engagement—an area where EventMobi truly excels. Regardless of your hybrid event configuration, EventMobi ensures that its networking capabilities remain at your disposal.
By providing private chat rooms and discussion halls, EventMobi enables you to bring like-minded guests together, fostering productive conversations and connections. Whether you are delivering a one-way presentation to both online and in-person audiences or seeking interactive engagement, features like live chats, polls, and Q&A sessions keep the event vibrant and dynamic. Moreover, EventMobi offers the option to host challenges, rewarding active participants with a place on a shared leaderboard.
This impressive software goes beyond the event itself by empowering you to extend the lifespan of your event content. Its robust video library allows you to monetize the content beyond the event date, offering ticketed access and continuous revenue opportunities.
With its focus on attendee engagement, networking capabilities, and content monetization, we think EventMobi is a reliable and versatile choice for successful hybrid events.
Event App and Virtual & Hybrid Event Platform
Registration, Website & Ticketing
Recognizing the critical importance of engagement in all types of events, Brella has embarked on a pioneering journey to become a leader in event networking technology. Through its AI-driven attendee matchmaking feature, Brella has positioned itself as a pioneer in creating meaningful connections among participants.
The platform's ability to match attendees based on intent and interests sets it apart, ensuring that connections formed during events are relevant and valuable. By prioritizing attendee retention and fostering productive conversations, the software creates a dynamic networking environment that leaves a lasting impact.
In addition to its networking prowess, Brella offers a comprehensive suite of event management tools. From streamlined ticketing and registration processes to robust lead-generation mechanisms for sponsors, Brella empowers event organizers with the necessary resources to run successful events. And it doesn't stop there! While networking and engagement remain at the forefront of its mission, Brella's holistic approach encompasses all aspects of event management. With a focus on seamless integration and user-friendly features, the hybrid event platform enhances the overall event experience for both organizers and attendees.
It's also worth noting that Brella's white-label service provides organizers with the freedom to customize and brand their event's streaming experience. This level of flexibility allows for a tailored event atmosphere, enhancing the overall event experience for both organizers and attendees.
InEvent boldly positions itself as the ultimate solution for professional events, and this may not be an exaggeration. This platform goes beyond expectations by managing flight itineraries and rooming details, which is a rarity among event platforms.
The platform excels in catering to incentive travel events. The hybrid element comes into play when attendees gather in a Virtual Lobby for networking and sponsor interactions, or when live and virtual sessions are held simultaneously.
What's more, InEvent prioritizes convenience by offering mobile registration and check-in tools. Attendees need only bring their phones, eliminating the need for additional devices. Moreover, InEvent integrates marketing tools that seamlessly work with popular CRM platforms, simplifying event promotion and attendee engagement.
The concept of "hybrid" is a spectrum, and with InEvent, organizers have full control over the extent of virtual or physical elements in their events. This flexibility allows for customized event experiences tailored to specific needs and preferences.
While InEvent has its limitations in terms of options, it undoubtedly adds an intriguing dimension to in-person conferences. Furthermore, the online environment facilitates easier data collection compared to traditional methods used in physical events.
Hybrid, In-Person and Virtual (V&H)
Webinars - $10,800 billed annually (500 attendees_
Webex has emerged as a visionary hybrid platform. It surpasses mere integration, providing a user-friendly experience for presenters, sponsors, attendees, and those seeking on-demand content.
In the realm of streaming, Webex excels without compromising on flexibility. Whether you prefer to showcase your event on TV or mix live and pre-recorded videos for added freshness, Webex equips you with user-friendly tools to schedule and broadcast your content.
Webex's exceptional reputation extends to the realm of hybrid events, making it a standout choice. Its proven success in revolutionizing trade shows demonstrates its ability to meet the unique needs and demands of innovative events.
Overall, Webex stands as an innovative and reliable hybrid platform that seamlessly bridges virtual and in-person experiences. With its advanced streaming capabilities and a track record of creatively disruptive trade shows events.
Webex Suite
Events - On quotation
Webinars (1000 attendees) - $68.75/month
Eventdex has cemented itself as a one-stop platform designed to efficiently "manage, market, and monetize" hybrid events. Let's explore the exceptional features that uphold this promise.
To begin with, Eventdex seamlessly welcomes both in-person and remote attendees to partake in the same event. Supporting this seamless experience is a powerful conferencing platform, complemented by a user-friendly online registration system that attendees can conveniently access.
Furthermore, the software goes above and beyond by offering specially curated events tailored to the needs of each attendee type. As if that's not enough, Eventdex provides the unique capability for no-shows to access recorded content at their convenience—a testament to its true hybrid nature.
Engagement takes center stage within the platform through the inclusion of live Q&A sessions and polling widgets. These interactive features consolidate valuable data from both in-person and virtual audiences, fostering enriched participation and insightful experiences.
While Eventdex may offer features that can be found in other platforms, what truly sets it apart is the solid and simplified event planning experience it provides. With its seamless integration, Eventdex can be an invaluable addition to your tech stack, streamlining and optimizing the organization of hybrid events.
Accelevents truly grasps the essence of community building within events, leveraging virtual capabilities to expand local interactions into global communities. With a host of features aimed at fostering connections, it offers tailored networking solutions, integrated chat rooms, and interactive Q&A and polling widgets to fuel in-session engagement.
For a more personal networking experience, it provides an attendee directory and an instant meeting scheduler, turning prospects into leads. Accelevents excels in facilitating revenue generation by offering multiple ticket types and enhancing exhibition spaces for sponsors.
But what sets Accelevents apart is its versatility, catering to a broad spectrum of uses. Whether you're hosting a small gathering or a global conference, this platform equips you with the tools to make it a success. This unique blend of features and flexibility makes Accelevents a preferred choice for many.
Per Event
Unlimited Events
*All prices are accurate at the time of re-publication and update (06/06/2023) and may have since changed
Seamless AV setup is key for hybrid events—discover how to get it right with our Complete Guide to AV Setup for Events.
There you have it! That's our exhaustive round-up of the best hybrid events platform to explore in 2023.
All 18 are top contenders in the category yet each has its own pros and cons. We encourage you to use this resource to weigh your options on a scale defined solely by your goals and event needs. If, after this, you’re still at a loss, remember to opt for the choice with the greatest flexibility.
At Eventcube, we recognize that no two events are alike, which is why we put a prime on customizability. This is evidenced by our pricing structure, the innovative technology powering our virtual events, and additional features we incorporate at your request.
We also offer production studio services where our studio experts work alongside you on the day of your event to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the virtual side of your event. For these reasons, we can confidently say that hybrid events are an area Eventcube excels, rivaling some of the industry’s giants.
Why not find out how this translates to your business? Let’s breathe life into your hybrid event plan and build immersive virtual environments that jettison you to success!
Request a demo today.
Disclaimer: The reviews on this blog represent the independent opinions of our writers and are for educational purposes only. We are not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned. All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. Pricing information is accurate as of the time of writing, based on the public pricing pages of the reviewed products; however, prices are subject to change by the product owners. We recommend checking the companies’ websites for the latest pricing.
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