Today\u2019s lesson will be on why micro-events are the key to successful hybrid events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Hybrid Events Fail Virtual Attendees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe technology for hybrid has been around for a while; they just hadn\u2019t taken off because there wasn\u2019t a demand for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, they became a necessity due to the outbreak of covid-19. And now that they\u2019re here, they\u2019re here to stay. A staggering 73% of event planners<\/a> agree that these events will become even more common in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThese events are still ironing out early problems, however. For example, the no-show rate for virtual attendees is 35%<\/a>. Perhaps these events still lack focus, with the debate raging on between engagement or revenue<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd as much as 71.1% of event <\/a>organisers say connecting the in-person and virtual audience is their biggest challenge. That\u2019s why event planners are investigating fantastic new techniques such as micro-events. It\u2019s why you\u2019re reading this right now. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are Micro-Events?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTo put it as simply as possible, micro-events are precisely what their title suggests. They\u2019re traditional events condensed in size and scope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, to add one small caveat, you can differentiate between two different types of micro-events: Stand-alone events and events within events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For stand-alone events, the premise is simple: instead of attracting as many attendees as possible and not connecting with any of them, you attract less and connect with them all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And as for events inside of events, the premise is likewise straightforward: there is the overarching event, and then there are smaller mini-events within that, such as mini-workshops, side games, networking opportunities, and exclusive entertainment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Micro-Events Engage Virtual Attendees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWith in-person events, attendees are at leisure to move around and explore. There is nowhere to go with virtual events. You\u2019re stuck at the chair at your desk, staring into the square of your zoom chat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By utilising micro-events, you\u2019re giving your guest somewhere to go, somewhere to explore, going someway to replace the roaming freedom of in-person events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most importantly, micro-events give attendees a more personal experience instead of feeling like one square of many on a zoom screen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They empower attendees, giving them a voice and hands-on opportunities to be active participants in your event instead of passive viewers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fun Examples of Micro-Events <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe possibilities are endless when it comes down to what kind of micro-events you can put on. But the biggest question you should ask yourself is what do attendees want? What is going to make them click the all-important attend button? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, it could be for your crucial expert advice and industry insights. It could be for networking opportunities or just because they want to experience something unique and fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regardless, figuring out what your prospective attendees want and where it matches what you can offer is the quickest way to develop a list of micro-events options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Workshops<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOne thing we know about the motivation of virtual attendees is that they\u2019re more motivated by learning than anything else. It turns out that 72% of virtual attendees are primarily hoping to learn something new, and just 7.7% are hoping to network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, that same research shows that 51.2% of virtual attendees don\u2019t learn as much as they had hoped. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Offering hands-on workshops for small groups is a highly effective way to engage virtual attendees in a hybrid setting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyone can learn from watching lectures or reading blogs, but you can offer a personal tutoring session in a micro-workshop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So show off your expertise, or bring in a respected professional from your field, and offer attendees something they can\u2019t google in two seconds! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Networking Sessions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOne thing that in-person events absolutely have over virtual events is their networking opportunities. Especially in larger events, virtual attendees will get lost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Networking](\"https:\/\/eventscase.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/networkingg-1120x630.jpg\" "\\"-\\"")
<\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nBreaking up into smaller networking groups is excellent to foster communication and could be a fundamental way to begin disseminating your key messages. But more importantly, it will give your guests a voice. It will start to compensate for lost networking opportunities that you get with in-person events. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
And here\u2019s something that might help, some actionable creative ice-breakers for event networking<\/a>. After all, strangers on the internet might need a slight push to get to know each other. And what\u2019s more, they\u2019re enjoyable! <\/p>\n\n\n\nEntertainment <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHere\u2019s the thing, sometimes it\u2019s nice to do fun things for the sake of doing them. Yes, of course, the core theme of your event should be the star of the show, but a little bit of light entertainment could be the cherry on the cake! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nIn terms of a micro-event, it could be special guests entertainers such as influencers, comedians<\/a>, musicians<\/a>, etc. Maybe it could be a cocktail or cooking workshop? The possibilities are endless, but you know your target audience better than anyone, so you\u2019ll know what they like best. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n![\"Entertainment](\"https:\/\/eventscase.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/cookingg-1120x630.jpg\" "\\"-\\"")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nGames<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGaming is an accessible and attractive option for micro-events. They give your event much-needed depth, and what\u2019s more, they intrinsically demand engagement. In short, they lead to an enjoyable and memorable experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The great thing is that gaming micro-events don\u2019t have to be superfluous to your overall event or brand. Through effective gamification, you can disseminate your message through a micro-event gaming experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These events are still ironing out early problems, however. For example, the no-show rate for virtual attendees is 35%<\/a>. Perhaps these events still lack focus, with the debate raging on between engagement or revenue<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And as much as 71.1% of event <\/a>organisers say connecting the in-person and virtual audience is their biggest challenge. That\u2019s why event planners are investigating fantastic new techniques such as micro-events. It\u2019s why you\u2019re reading this right now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To put it as simply as possible, micro-events are precisely what their title suggests. They\u2019re traditional events condensed in size and scope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, to add one small caveat, you can differentiate between two different types of micro-events: Stand-alone events and events within events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For stand-alone events, the premise is simple: instead of attracting as many attendees as possible and not connecting with any of them, you attract less and connect with them all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And as for events inside of events, the premise is likewise straightforward: there is the overarching event, and then there are smaller mini-events within that, such as mini-workshops, side games, networking opportunities, and exclusive entertainment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With in-person events, attendees are at leisure to move around and explore. There is nowhere to go with virtual events. You\u2019re stuck at the chair at your desk, staring into the square of your zoom chat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By utilising micro-events, you\u2019re giving your guest somewhere to go, somewhere to explore, going someway to replace the roaming freedom of in-person events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most importantly, micro-events give attendees a more personal experience instead of feeling like one square of many on a zoom screen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They empower attendees, giving them a voice and hands-on opportunities to be active participants in your event instead of passive viewers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The possibilities are endless when it comes down to what kind of micro-events you can put on. But the biggest question you should ask yourself is what do attendees want? What is going to make them click the all-important attend button? <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, it could be for your crucial expert advice and industry insights. It could be for networking opportunities or just because they want to experience something unique and fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless, figuring out what your prospective attendees want and where it matches what you can offer is the quickest way to develop a list of micro-events options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One thing we know about the motivation of virtual attendees is that they\u2019re more motivated by learning than anything else. It turns out that 72% of virtual attendees are primarily hoping to learn something new, and just 7.7% are hoping to network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, that same research shows that 51.2% of virtual attendees don\u2019t learn as much as they had hoped. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Offering hands-on workshops for small groups is a highly effective way to engage virtual attendees in a hybrid setting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone can learn from watching lectures or reading blogs, but you can offer a personal tutoring session in a micro-workshop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So show off your expertise, or bring in a respected professional from your field, and offer attendees something they can\u2019t google in two seconds! <\/p>\n\n\n\n One thing that in-person events absolutely have over virtual events is their networking opportunities. Especially in larger events, virtual attendees will get lost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Breaking up into smaller networking groups is excellent to foster communication and could be a fundamental way to begin disseminating your key messages. But more importantly, it will give your guests a voice. It will start to compensate for lost networking opportunities that you get with in-person events. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n And here\u2019s something that might help, some actionable creative ice-breakers for event networking<\/a>. After all, strangers on the internet might need a slight push to get to know each other. And what\u2019s more, they\u2019re enjoyable! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s the thing, sometimes it\u2019s nice to do fun things for the sake of doing them. Yes, of course, the core theme of your event should be the star of the show, but a little bit of light entertainment could be the cherry on the cake! <\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of a micro-event, it could be special guests entertainers such as influencers, comedians<\/a>, musicians<\/a>, etc. Maybe it could be a cocktail or cooking workshop? The possibilities are endless, but you know your target audience better than anyone, so you\u2019ll know what they like best. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Gaming is an accessible and attractive option for micro-events. They give your event much-needed depth, and what\u2019s more, they intrinsically demand engagement. In short, they lead to an enjoyable and memorable experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The great thing is that gaming micro-events don\u2019t have to be superfluous to your overall event or brand. Through effective gamification, you can disseminate your message through a micro-event gaming experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are Micro-Events?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why Micro-Events Engage Virtual Attendees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fun Examples of Micro-Events <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Workshops<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Networking Sessions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nEntertainment <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nGames<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n