The events sector resumes its activities, but not as before. A new hybrid event format is emerging. It is an event modality in which some participants attend in person, while others participate virtually from home or from the office, a trend that seems set to continue in the immediate future. In fact, according to recent research, 67% of those surveyed recognize that the future of events is hybrid.
The landscape is changing after a very difficult time for both event organizers and professional AV equipment providers. Events that weren’t completely canceled went fully online almost overnight. Having no other option, everyone working in this sector had to look for virtual alternatives for face-to-face events. The COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for change.
Good audio = good experience
One thing quickly became apparent: Without quality audio for live streaming of events, organizers would have a hard time keeping attendees interested and coming back for more. If people can’t hear or be heard, neither video nor other visual tools like presentations would make an event worth attending.
At Events world, we have been analyzing the trends that are shaping a new landscape, at a time when organizers and professionals in the audiovisual sector are working hard to make their events a success. Companies that adapt to these trends will be able to maintain and even improve their position in an events sector that is reinventing itself as it gains strength again.
There is a clear demand for a combination of technological solutions that ensure natural communication in virtual, face-to-face and mixed formats, and that are capable of adapting to ever-changing conditions. What other trends should we be aware of when it comes to audio?
- Audio is essential, visual is optional
Facilitating audio-only or streaming audio options and providing a podcast of the event increases virtual participation. It also allows you to avoid the growing (and new) phenomenon known as “zoom fatigue”
2. Security is essential
Attendees want to feel safe and comfortable. That is why it is essential to offer the possibility of participating in the event both in person (with physical distancing) and online, with excellent sound for all participants.
3. Interaction matters
A survey revealed that a third of event planners consider the level of interest from attendees to be their biggest challenge when moving to a virtual format. Event organizers aspire to offer interaction similar to live events, but virtual event technology often falls short. I
4. The rise of less traditional venues to hold events
According to a recent report, the majority (over 90%) of event planners are willing to book events at less traditional venues that offer more space or are located closer together to avoid congested urban areas. A wireless installation will make these special venues more accessible, as well as reduce the impact of temporary audiovisual installations.
5. Virtual events give way to productions on TV sets
It is becoming more and more common for productions to take place on a set, as organizers prefer to coordinate events in a controlled environment that allows for a reliable and high-quality experience. In virtual broadcasts, the presenter’s “moderators” who interact with the attendees must have professional audio solutions in which there are no interferences or signal drops.
6. The emerging role of the audiovisual event producer
Since the production of hybrid conferences requires a higher technical level, from local installations that integrate software for online meetings, to the supervision and real-time support of both the face-to-face and virtual event, the responsibilities of the audiovisual producer of events will be increasingly increasingly complex.
An advanced audio system that supports it all efficiently can help ease your workload, as well as reduce time, cost and effort.
Obviously, not every event will have dedicated professional support, but easy-to-use technology will allow even non-technical users to set up their own audio in a matter of minutes.
7. The capacity remains between 50 and 100
Whether virtual, face-to-face or mixed, the average attendance at conferences has hardly changed, although small and uncomplicated meetings will be the most in demand this year. As the event landscape continues to evolve and more in-person attendees are likely in the near future, the ability to adapt to different sizes and user groups will be critical. The ideal for this new normal will be to have an audio system that adapts easily and offers clear and reliable audio in all event formats.