By Kevin Cato, Coordinator and Technician at OneBXL

Producing next-gen hybrid experiences requires thoughtfully assembling a robust technology stack. While the options may seem overwhelming initially, focus on addressing four core needs:

1. Interactive virtual platform: The foundation for remote attendee participation and engagement.

2. Onsite tech and AV: Ensures smooth physical event execution and seamless streaming.  

3. Production tools: Empowers teams to create professional online productions.

4. Data and analytics: Provides attendee insights and drives optimization.

Within each category, evaluate multiple vendor options to find the right fit for your organization and events. Move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and assemble a customized stack tailored to your specific goals and audience. 

Also, don't overlook the human element. No technology can entirely replace skilled producers, moderators, technicians, and other hybrid event specialists. Invest in team training and leaders with hybrid expertise.

Let's explore these four technology pillars in greater detail:

Interactive Virtual Platform

The virtual platform is central to the hybrid event experience, enabling remote attendees to participate actively. It's your virtual venue. When evaluating options, look for:

• Intuitive interface: Attendees shouldn't need a tech degree to navigate the platform. Prioritize simplicity and ease of use.

• Engagement features: Options like chat, polls, Q&A, and virtual networking spaces drive participation. 

• Custom branding: Match the platform styling and assets to your event branding for a cohesive look and feel.

• Seamless streaming: Enable flawless broadcasting in sync with your onsite production.

• Data and analytics: Gain attendee insights to refine future events.

The experience mirrors an in-person venue while removing complexity for attendees. And comprehensive analytics empower data-driven decisions.  

Onsite Tech and AV 

While the virtual platform caters to remote attendees, onsite technology and AV ensures in-person participants enjoy an equally dynamic experience. Key elements include:

• Large format displays: Strategically placed screens showcase presentations, speeches, and more. Attendees feel immersed in the content.

• Sound system: A multi-zone system distributes clear, balanced audio across the entire venue for all to hear.  

• Lighting: Theatrical and architectural lighting adds drama and draws focus to the stage and displays.  

• Streaming gear: HD cameras, encoders, and other equipment enables broadcasting in sync with the virtual platform.

• Tech support: Dedicated technicians handle any issues to keep production running smoothly.

Work with experienced partners like OneBXL who understand hybrid-specific tech requirements. They can design and integrate an end-to-end system tailored for your hybrid event's needs.

Production Tools 

Hybrid events blend pre-recorded and live content streamed out to virtual attendees. Production tools empower your team to create this professional broadcast-quality programming. Look for:

• Simple switching: Seamlessly toggle between various content sources like slides, video, and live camera feeds.

• Graphics and effects: Brand your production with animated lower-thirds, intros, outros and more.  

• Multi-camera mixing: Cut between angles and shots for added dynamism beyond a basic wide shot.

• Recording and playback: Capture event proceedings to share on-demand later.

• Remote contribution: Bring in presenters or segments from separate locations.

• Cloud-based: Remove geographical barriers to remote team collaboration.  

Modern hardware and software solutions give your production crew intuitive control of dynamic switching, overlays, recording and virtual communications. This expands creative possibilities and interactivity.

Data and Analytics

The final component of your hybrid technology stack should provide data-driven insights before, during and after your event. Key analytics to track include:  

• Registration metrics: Monitor conversions to refine promotion and outreach.

• Attendance: See total participation and breakdowns by session. 

• Engagement: Track content resonance via chat volume, poll responses, etc.

• Sponsorship: Measure booth traffic, lead generation and other ROI.

• Networking: Analyze connections made and matchmaking activity.

• Surveys: Collect direct feedback on preferences and satisfaction.

• ROI: Compare hard metrics to expenses for future planning.

Platforms such as OneMetrics centralize all this data into digestible dashboards and reports. Having comprehensive analytics empowers smarter decisions and continuous optimization.

The Human Aspect

While the technology enables hybrid event execution, experienced professionals ensure everything runs smoothly. Key roles to have on your team include:

• Producers: The visionaries who spearhead creative direction and overall production.  

• Directors: Manage real-time switching, camera work and broadcasting. 

• Moderators: Keep sessions and activities flowing through audience engagement.

• Technicians: Handle any technical glitches to avoid disruptions.

• Speakers: Deliver engaging presentations tailored for hybrid delivery.

Invest time upfront to align your team on goals, tools and processes. Schedule tech rehearsals to refine direction and roles. With the right expertise behind the tech, your attendees enjoy a polished, integrated experience.

In summary, balance technology investments across four pillars: virtual platform, onsite AV, production tools and analytics. Complement solutions with skilled team members to operate everything seamlessly. This comprehensive approach enables you to craft a custom hybrid stack tailored to your specific events and audiences.

The result? Next-generation hybrid events that engage participants across physical and virtual environments. 

Further reading

Engaging Your Pan-European Audience: Tips for Planning Inclusive Hybrid Events
Innovative Ways to Blend In-Person and Virtual Experiences in Hybrid Events
Maximizing Engagement: 5 Keys to Hybrid Event Success
Hybrid Event Trends 2024: What to Expect in the Business World