67% of businesses use virtual events complementary to in-person ones, proving the combination to be a popular one. There are a number of benefits that your business can reap when choosing to incorporate both methods. From being a prime method for flexible communication to offering a simpler way of operating while still keeping in-person events when needed, here’s how the combination can offer a powerful and valuable method to businesses who choose to mix their event style.

The benefits of virtual events

While it’s still a new concept for many businesses, using online events can bring several benefits — from increasing brand awareness to providing flexible accessibility and allowing for a wider reach to potential consumers (thus allowing for a high level of sales). Additionally, holding virtual events has also become commonplace in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it’s a reliable way to prevent and limit the spread of the virus. However, it’s predicted that virtual events may become a regular occurrence even after the pandemic ends, according to U.S. marketing professionals that were polled in May 2020 by the 614 Group.

Aside from being an accessible and flexible way of reaching a wide and targeted audience, online event platforms can also offer unique features, like the ability to hold interactive Q&A sessions, live presentations from influential figures, and even virtual breakout rooms. Group video conferencing software allows for businesses to effectively collaborate and brainstorm directly after an online event takes place, which can bring a number of benefits in itself. Additionally, such features allow for after-event networking to take place as well, bringing a unique and interesting form of interaction that otherwise wouldn’t take place during in-person events.

The future of conducting business?

While online events have a lot of beneficial aspects to them, there’s still a need for in-person events as well, which is why many choose to use a combination of the two. The combination can allow for a fully well-rounded and effective way of conducting business, by using each when their individual strengths call for them. For example, while online events can be useful for obtaining a global audience and raising brand awareness on a larger scale, in-person events can be more effective when it comes to raising local awareness.

Using online events in conjunction with in-person ones can be a fantastic strategy when it comes to reaping the benefits of each. From raising brand awareness both locally and worldwide to flexibility options, there are a number of reasons why utilizing both is becoming more popular.