The best ways to get better attendance at your next virtual and hybrid events

The events industry has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years due to the pandemic driving demand for more virtual and hybrid events. As the world continues to navigate the new normal, our venues in Nottingham have risen to the challenge by embracing innovative technologies and adapting our offerings to accommodate virtual and hybrid event formats.

Join us as we explore how Nottingham Venues have evolved to meet the demands of the ever-changing event landscape.

What is a hybrid event and the importance of them?

A hybrid or virtual event blends both in-person and virtual participation, allowing attendees to join physically at a venue or remotely via digital platforms. This format combines the energy of live events with the accessibility of virtual attendance, creating an inclusive and flexible experience for all involved. 

This accessibility is key to improving attendance rates by removing barriers such as geography, cost, and time.

Benefits of hybrid events

1. Better attendance

Hybrid formats significantly increase attendance by removing barriers related to travel, time, and cost. This accessibility invites a wider, more diverse audience — whether they’re across the city or across the world. Whether it’s a busy executive or an international client, hybrid events allow them to join without the traditional limitations of in-person-only formats.

2. Lower carbon footprint

By reducing travel needs, hybrid events contribute to sustainability goals, cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and promoting greener event practices. Nottingham Venues supports this with sustainable meeting initiatives like the ‘Meetings for Change’ programme.

3. Enhanced content engagement

Hybrid events offer interactive sessions, live Q&As, polls, and on-demand content, allowing attendees to engage with event material in the most convenient and impactful ways.

How to get better attendance at your next event with hybrid events

Getting people to attend your event will always be a challenge. Schedules clash, travel is expensive, and some simply prefer to join from afar. That’s where hybrid and virtual events come in. By combining physical and virtual elements, you remove many of the barriers that keep people from attending. Here’s how to make the most of hybrid events to boost your attendance…

1. Design spaces for dual audiences

Hybrid events aren’t just about streaming a stage, they’re about crafting an experience that works equally well for in-person and virtual attendees. Consider camera angles, lighting, audience interaction, and sound.

We have reimagined our spaces to support this kind of setup, incorporating tools like Clickshare and strategic layouts that make both the room and the livestream feel equally engaging. The more engaging the format, the more likely people are to join, whether from their home office or in person.

2. Invest in strong virtual infrastructure

One of the biggest turn-offs for remote attendees? Poor audio, glitchy video, or tech failures. Reliable, high-quality streaming infrastructure is critical to keeping your virtual audience engaged, and attending again in the future.

Our venue hire for hybrid events, have responded by building in dedicated AV support and platform integration to ensure events run smoothly from start to finish.

3. Offer flexible, tailored packages

Not all attendees, or organisers, have the same needs. Some might want full virtual access, others just the on-demand sessions. Customisable access options and hybrid-ready packages help meet people where they are, making it easier for them to say “yes” to your event.

Our venues have started offering modular hybrid event support, making it simpler for organisers to scale their events without overspending, and more appealing for attendees with different preferences.

4. Make registration seamless

An easy sign-up process can significantly increase your attendance rate. Confusing forms, poor mobile interfaces, or unclear event info, can lead to drop-off before the event even begins.

Smart venues are now integrating digital tools like QR codes and user-friendly platforms to simplify registration and ticketing. The easier it is to register, the more likely people will commit to attending.

Is a hybrid or virtual event right for you?

Hybrid events are not just a temporary trend but a strategic evolution in how we gather, communicate, and collaborate. Whether you aim to expand your audience, enhance inclusivity, or reduce your environmental impact, hybrid formats offer significant advantages.

We’re ready to help you harness these benefits with innovative spaces, expert support, and tailored packages designed to make your hybrid event a success. Through investment in technology, including, digital virtual event platforms, reimagining physical spaces and tailoring services to meet specific needs, our venues have become pioneers in hosting engaging and successful virtual events. 

Ready to host your next hybrid event in Nottingham? Contact us today to explore how our venue hire for hybrid events can elevate your event experience and connect you with audiences near and far.