The Basics: This year’s forum for the National Association of Workforce Boards, held on June 24, 2021, used a hybrid model, drawing just under 500 people to an in-person gathering in Washington, D.C., and an additional 300 virtually. Event producer Stacy Heit of sassēvents worked with Cvent and Encore on the virtual components, which included a central attendee hub where guests could watch livestreams, schedule appointments and view sponsors’ virtual exhibits.
Photo: Courtesy of NAWB
Steal-Worthy Innovations: Organizers took a number of effective steps to ensure that the two audiences were able to absorb the needed information—and interact with each other. The stage design for general sessions was intentionally “TV-ready,” as Heit described it, and all breakout sessions were available virtually as well as in person. Speakers were able to join virtually as well.
“Breakout sessions included speakers who presented remotely as well as in person (sometimes in the same session!), and were livestreamed for all attendees, even those who were at the venue but may have had meetings on the Hill, or who just wanted a break from gathering together,” explained Heit. “Virtual attendees were able to use Q&A or chat features to ask questions of all the speakers, while virtual speakers could hear questions asked by those attending in person.”
What’s more, sponsors hosted a trivia night that was open to all attendees, allowing virtual attendees to come together with in-person guests in real time.
Photo: Courtesy of NAWB
Lessons Learned: “Hybrid events are an amazing way to widen your reach and allow those whose organizations have smaller travel budgets or restrictions to participate,” noted Heit. “This is likely the model we will follow going forward. … We were able to offer creative benefits to our sponsors such as constant on-screen branding during general sessions and virtual signage.”
BizBash's 10 Most Innovative Meetings 2021 is sponsored by Bevy, a community event engine fueling virtual, hybrid and in-person events.
