Some consider it a fantastic alternative, others call it a necessary evil. Either way: an online event is a safe way to meet. Are you considering organising an online event, but not sure in what form? Discover the different possibilities.
Difference between hybrid event and online event
Let's start with the difference between an online event and a hybrid event. Indeed, even in the industry, these terms are still used interchangeably. Within Jaarbeurs, we mean a hybrid event when we are dealing with both physical participants and people participating (live) behind a screen. This is where online and offline come together, so to speak.
In an online event, there are only online participants. This type of event has different forms. Of course, there are people walking on the production floor or in the studio, but these are not participants. They belong to the production team or perform a guest role within the programme.
So in short:
- An online event has online participants
- A hybrid event has both online and physical participants
Types of online events
There are different types of events you can organise online. Think of an online meeting via Zoom or Teams. You simply organise these from the comfort of your armchair. However, you can also go a bit bigger.
These are the 7 most commonly used online events:
- Hybrid
- Talkshow
- Webinar
- Keynote
- Online conference
- Award ceremony
- Online show
Hybrid
A hybrid event bridges the gap between online and offline participants. Although it sounds simple, organising a hybrid form is quite intensive. We hear you thinking: 'Just create a livestream of the event, right?' But the opposite is true.
After all, in a hybrid event, you create not one, but two programmes. And that requires a lot of time and energy. Merely offering a live stream via a camera in the corner is a dead giveaway for online participants. At the same time, it is distracting for live participants if they are constantly facing cameras. Exciting and new, but definitely the event of the future as far as we are concerned.
"Hybrid is more than just offering a live stream"
Talkshow
A talk show is - as the name suggests - a talk show. Think of a daytime chairman or presenter with guests around a table. You can pre-record the whole talk show. But: do you want to turn viewers, participants? Then you need to interact with them. And this is obviously easier to do in a live broadcast. For instance, give them the opportunity to send in questions that you ask directly to the guests.
The trick to a good talk show is variety. Vary with:
- Music
- Cabaret
- An artist
- Pre-recorded reports
- Breaks
Webinar
Want to give a presentation, lecture or workshop? Then a webinar will best suit your needs. The word webinar is an amalgamation of the words 'web' and 'seminar'. Webinars are often used for internal communication, product launches, lead generation or an e-learning. It is often said that a webinar should not involve interaction between speaker and participants. This is not true. In a webinar, interaction may not be the main objective, but it is certainly possible.
Keynote
In a keynote, one person speaks or presents. It is possible to have several speakers speak within a broadcast, but never at the same time. A keynote event is really about giving a stage to an expert. Think, for example, of TEDtalks, where people deliver a personal message to a large audience. A keynote event is used to wake up viewers and inspire them.
Online conference
A congress is a large-scale gathering with a theme. Often subject-related, and with a clear main objective: to disseminate information. Congresses are characterised by plenary sessions, break-outs, an exhibition floor and, for example, a networking opportunity. It is the way to meet like-minded people and receive information. And it can all be done online - even down to a digital exhibition floor!
The possibilities with an online congress are just as extensive as with a physical one. So, are you looking for a good alternative to a physical congress and afraid of having to compromise on certain components? You don't have to. You can organise the entire congress online.
"Conferences can take place online from A to Z."
Award ceremony
Due to corona measures, many award ceremonies have been cancelled. Although a professional jury often still awards the prize, the actual presentation is postponed. And that is a shame, because especially in times of crisis, it is good to give someone a pat on the back or appreciation. Yet an award ceremony can 'just' be done online. Often it is as part of a bigger picture, but it also lends itself well as a stand-alone broadcast. It can be done as a full show with entertainment, but also in a talk show setting where nominees are interviewed.
Online show
An online show is like a television show, but online. With an online show, you pull out all the stops. Think of it as a film-like set, possibly switching between live material and pre-recorded content. Speakers, music, interviews, a talk show and/or an award ceremony: it can all be included in one broadcast. Actually, there are no rules, as long as it is bursting with interaction, experience and creativity. In short: anything you can't pigeonhole can therefore be an online show. Have fun!
Do you want to organise an online event soon?
Take a look at Jaarbeurs Studio: the professional base to record or live stream an online event.
