The global virtual events market size is valued at USD 78 billion in 2019 and was projected to grow at a rate of at least 23% per year from 2020 to 2027. The coronavirus pandemic is one of the drivers of this major surge because they saw that virtual and hybrid events allow attendance of participants who would not otherwise be able to attend in-person events.

Spurred by the lockdown, it was reported that the number of organizations and businesses who ran virtual events more than doubled in 2020, and 90% of these companies said that even when live events are allowed again, they would still continue to host virtual and hybrid events. It is highly likely that the post-COVID future will have a hybrid mix of on-site and virtual events. Therefore, it is to your benefit if you invest in virtual and hybrid events as early as now. 

What are virtual and hybrid events? A virtual event is an organized meet-up or activity that happens online rather than in a physical location. Hybrid events on the other hand, combine the power of face to face meetings with the massive audience reach that comes with a virtual component. Virtual and hybrid events can range from small sessions to large scale conferences with thousands of attendees. With virtual and hybrid events, the physical limitations imposed by on the ground events are avoided. They offer the advantage of geographic flexibility and work‐from‐anywhere. Additionally, hybrid and virtual platforms encourage asynchronous communication and social interaction between participants through networking lounges, virtual booths as well as video call and chatting systems. With the removal of communication barriers, virtual and hybrid event platforms also mean global exposure. This allows organizers to invite top notch speakers from all over the world, leading to a higher engagement rate from the audience.

Virtual and hybrid platforms are built using a flexible software design framework. This is the reason why it can provide clients with their specific requirements such as tailored immersive environments, detailed registration processes, schedule assistants, matched online meetings, livestream halls, on demand contents, sponsor exhibits and a variety of other interactive activities and custom features. All of these and more ensure that your event goals will be fulfilled in a seamless manner. 

Webplay Interactive helped event organizers realize their goals of conducting virtual and hybrid events in the Philippines amidst this pandemic. Webplay has an impressive track record of successfully executed highly customized virtual events for some of the biggest brands and organizations with a portfolio ranging from product launches, grocery expos, medical conferences, brand events, business conventions, exhibits, showrooms, virtual booths, and more, with one of the biggest Philippine virtual events this year accommodating up to 15,000 concurrent users. 

It’s time to keep up with the trends; choose a reliable virtual and hybrid event technology platform that will support the kind of event you envision to have.