Before 2020, it was estimated that 1 in 4 work meetings had already gone hybrid (virtual). When Covid hit, we had no other alternative than to switch to virtual conferencing (meetings) & events. After a year of mandatory remote work, the shift to hybrid conferencing is here to stay.
What is Hybrid Conferencing?
Hybrid conferencing is when part of those attending the conference join from the office and the other attendees join remotely. Hybrid conferencing is helpful when team members live in different time zones and locations. The combination of both settings is invaluable. It’s important to have a human connection together in person as well as the remote benefits of being able to record, communicate and share information.
What do the people prefer?
BNI (Business Network International) conducts all its business networking in and through meetings. When Covid hit, they only had one option and that was remote. They recently did a survey of over 2,300 members worldwide asking them how they would like their meetings to be held: In-person only, online-only, or a blend of in-person and online meetings.
The results:
- 33% wanted in person only
- 16% wanted online only
- 50% wanted a blend of online and in person.
What are some benefits of Hybrid Conferencing?
Hybrid Conferencing is a low-cost way for people to establish relationships, collaborate and communicate. Employees are saving both time and money from not having to commute. This also eliminates unnecessary travel costs. Instead of having to pay for a hotel, transportation, and food they can stay at home and still be very involved in the meeting.
The digital approach has so much more to offer when it comes to data. Cloud storage can archive recorded videos of your meetings, shared whiteboards, and notes. It’s a great way to provide full documentation of meetings for everyone. Detailed Analytics can be collected to observe audience engagement, attendance, presentation watch time, and so much more.
Hybrid-forward?
It only took a few months for the world to figure out how to continue to thrive economically during a pandemic. As a result of faster networks, driven workers, and an unpredictable virus, we the people, adapted. Maybe, a little bit too much. LiveCareer surveyed over a thousand professionals in the US about their experience with remote working. Almost, 1/3 of employees said they would quit their job if they could no longer work remotely. 62% said they would give preference to employers who offered remote positions.
Many people moved out of state with the assumption that working remotely was the way forward. They could live on a decent salary in a more affordable place with fewer taxes. That being said, the mental health specter has numerous reports and statistics that working in isolation has taken a toll on 55% of people. Human contact is relevant which is what makes the hybrid meetings work.
Conclusion
If 2020 & 2021 have taught us anything, it was that trying to figure out where normal will land is unfeasible. But that we as humans are incredibly resourceful and dependent on each other. Hybrid conferencing brought us together when we were separated through lockdowns. It brought efficiency and collaboration in a time of unseen days ahead. Not to mention comfort, in only having to dress up from the waist up with slippers on instead of heels! Also, seeing faces outside of the masks is top-notch! This being the way forward, seems pretty good to me.
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