Companies are excited to return to in-person conventions in 2021 to network and develop connections with clients. A Harvard Business Review study demonstrated that face-to-face meetings are 34 times more effective in getting a response than emailed ones! The good news is that most event organizers plan to resume in-person events and meetings in 2021. However, anxiety around large crowds still exists. To ease the attendees’ stress, 97% of the organizers plan to host hybrid events, which will provide both in-person and virtual experiences.
This new convention style is unprecedented and might take time to adapt to, but there are tips and tricks to help navigate the hybrid forum. Continue reading our guide to get the most out of your next hybrid business event as an attendee.
Utilize Mobile Apps
There is a mobile app for almost every convention that both in-person and virtual attendees can download to keep track of speakers and announcements. Some hybrid convention organizers use their apps to deliver important messages and engage with online attendees. In 2021, the organizers of conventions are implementing live polls on the app to engage both in-person and online attendees. For example, Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s 2021 convention will implement live polls and interactive sessions to allow audiences to determine the future of Biotech Networks.
New convention technology will give hybrid conventions a larger networking potential. Because hybrid conventions are more accessible, the number of participants and total capacity is higher. To help its attendees network with the in-person and remote participants, conventions’ apps include a professional “matchmaking” service, which allows people in the same industry or similar job positions to connect easily. It’s crucial for attendees to be social and reach out to virtual attendees to establish a connection or share knowledge in the industry.
Engage and Interact on Social Media
Lastly, being active on social media is a must. Posting about your attendance before the event and adding the official hashtag can help get you noticed and introduce you to other participants. It will help if you start networking with those who tweet the hashtag before arriving at the convention, and knowing someone before arriving at the convention can help ease those nervous jitters of attending alone.
Another way to utilize social media professionally during conventions is with the speakers and guest lists. can create one and share it publicly for attendees to follow. You can check the event’s pages on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and Instagram. There may also be group chats on Facebook or Slack channels created by the organizer or attendees. It’s important to utilize these spaces by introducing yourself in the group chat and connecting with attendees. By introducing yourself, you can promote your work and what you want to get out of the convention. This way, people with similar interests will know how to approach you.
After the convention, it is essential to follow up with people you are interested in maintaining a professional relationship with. Depending on what you have available, it’s best to write an email or LinkedIn direct message. When following up, you should include a personalized message that reminds the recipient about shared memories from the convention. Be sure not to wait more than a few days to make sure that you will stay in touch with them!
Save Time for Yourself
No matter how exciting, conventions can also be tiring. In order to be on your A-game, recharging is crucial. Try to minimize unnecessary time-consuming activities, like long commutes. One way you can do so is by ensuring that your hotel is not located in a traffic hotspot before you book. You can also check if the hotel offers a shuttle service, and if necessary, sign up ahead of time.
Vacayz can get rid of time worrying about your commute. We have partnered with multiple hotels across the world, including many business travel hot spots like New York, Chicago, and Boston. We’re here to help you secure a flexible deal to use for up to 5 years. Let us book for you and save you from the hassle of handling the travel.
