10 Best Hybrid Event Platforms in 2023

As a result of the two-year lockdown, businesses and event organizers have realized that you can do just as much online as in the real world. This realization also revolutionized the way we organize events. Organizing many events in a row is easier than it used to be, and events have gotten more cost-effective and convenient. While in-person events are once again popular and society is reverting slowly toward the old way of life, virtual events do not appear to be a dying breed, but a promising addition in the event industry.

However, if you seek to create a balance between the advantages of virtual events and the personal touch that you can only find at an in-person event, hybrid events will work best for you.

Definition of a hybrid event

A hybrid event allows your attendees to attend the event in person while providing a live stream for those who want to participate from home. This event strategy is best suited for events with local and international audiences who wish to take advantage of the event activities' accessibility and ease. Corporate events can also leverage hybrid events and fill the gaps created by limited travel costs or limited seating capacity at the chosen venue. Regardless of the demographic or logistical reasons why you organize hybrid events, they will undoubtedly provide you with more flexibility and opportunities for event marketing.

When you have a huge event to manage, you may find it challenging to keep track of all the details, especially if the event takes place in the real and the virtual world. To successfully manage all the details, you need good hybrid event software.

Organizing an event with a hybrid event software

A hybrid event management software allows you to combine the best of both worlds. Its main goal is to bring together the on-site audience and the audience at home, allowing them to communicate as if they were in the same location. Event planners can use a hybrid event networking platform to plan both online and offline components of events.

By automating all administrative tasks, including registration, check-in, and sending email invitations, a hybrid event tool can save you a great deal of time. You can access post-event analytics and data that provides you with a thorough understanding of the attendee experience. That is very helpful in figuring out how to be more efficient in the future.

With so many event software platforms on the market, choosing the right one for you and your organization can be daunting. Here is a list of 10 of the best hybrid event platforms to consider for your next event.

1. b2match

b2match brings all your hybrid event needs together. This all-in-one hybrid event networking platform offers a virtual event solution that features advanced hybrid event networking features, high-speed streaming, live-stage integration, built-in ticketing and online payment, as well as quick chat and messaging. b2match uses an AI event matchmaking algorithm that filters event attendees, gives a clear picture of the audience present in-person and remote viewers, but is primarily used to connect the best business matches.

The software automatically detects a hybrid event's requirements. For instance, if we specify that we want to plan a hybrid event, the program automatically adds extra features, like table allocation, to speed up the planning process.

b2match also has a mobile event networking app that serves as a conduit between the audience, primarily for the built-in chat before and during the event, but it also keeps attendees informed of meeting notifications and gives them access to the meeting list with all relevant meeting information.

2. Eventmobi

EventMobi is a hybrid event platform known for its flexible pricing. The platform is unique in that you can tailor it to your needs. EventMobi offers features like polls, questions and answers, and gamification. Popular platforms like Marketo and Salesforce are simple to integrate into the software.

The hybrid event platform's interface, however, doesn’t look appealing to some people, as it does not have a modern design. That might have an impact on event attendees' experiences. Overall, EventMobi is a fantastic platform that is among the most widely used ones out there.

3. vFairs

VFairs’ hybrid conference platform makes its audiences feel like they are physically attending the conference by using incredibly life-like 3D virtual environments. It is one of the best hybrid event platforms to recreate a classic face-to-face experience virtually with visually appealing animations and interactions.

Due to its complexity, managing the backend of this hybrid event platform can be difficult for event organizers. Furthermore, not everyone can afford the price. But this is a good option if you have experience with event technology and are prepared to spend extra money.

4. Cvent

Cvent’s cloud-based platforms provides a wide range of tools to manage every part of an event, including venue selection, on-site booking and management, attendee tracking, and financial reporting. Although extremely efficient, Cvent's event management platform is ultimately more expensive and less customizable than other hybrid event tools on this list.

5. Eventcube

Eventcube's hybrid event platform is known for its excellent real-world ticketing system. It offers live virtual participation features and several ways for attendees to engage with event content, including Q&A sessions and polls. The hybrid event software also provides more in-depth data reporting capabilities to assist in event evaluation.

6. Canapii

Canapii is a digital solution for all types of virtual events, conferences, and meetings. Canapii provides you with a platform that allows you to design interesting and interactive events and assists in the efficiency of your event. They offer live streaming capabilities with automatic subtitles and real-time translations as part of their Virtual Arena product offering. Additionally, it has a built-in gaming feature that enables users to earn points for sending messages, scheduling meetings, stopping by booths, and other activities. However, customers have complained that the broadcast or playback begins far too slow and that notifications about incompatible browsers or drivers frequently appear.

7. Webex Events

One advantage of Webex Events (formerly known as Socio) is that it has both a live event app and a hybrid event platform. It started out as a webinar tool but has now developed into a hybrid conference platform that can organize a variety of events. Gamification makes it appealing to event attendees, although there have been occasional problems with privacy and personal information.

8. Glisser

Glisser is a hybrid event software that focuses on audience interaction and engagement. This hybrid event platform was created by professionals who incorporated the tools you need to create events of any size. With Glisser's hybrid event tool, attendees may take digital notes, access slide files, and watch on-demand videos in addition to having a highly engaging experience whether they are physically present or not.

9. Hopin

To replicate the atmosphere of a conventional venue, Hopin offers several interactive zones where visitors can roam about the arena. The networking area gives visitors a fun way to meet other visitors by setting up random video chats that begin automatically at the predetermined chat time. However, if you are looking for a reliable and fast support team to help you with glitches during your presentation, you may want to look elsewhere. Another drawback is that you do not have full access on all devices and browsers. Still, Hopin is a well-known brand among hybrid event platforms and is generally a good choice.

10. Aventri

No matter where your event is taking place, Aventri offers event management software that allows you to manage everything linked to it in one place. It supports all event sizes, from small meetings to conferences with over 100,000 attendees. It has tools for attendance registration and is simple to use for event organizers. Its most useful feature is the ability to create templates out of routine events. You won't have to worry about starting from zero while creating your hybrid event.

But keep in mind that Aventri charges more for additional features outside the basics. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the cost of this hybrid event software before your event starts.

So, there you go: if you are organizing an event or conference soon, consider a hybrid event networking platform to make the most of the experience. There are plenty of choices, so do your research and choose the right one for you. Whatever platform you choose, remember that technology can never replace human interaction. Events will always have their place in real life, but technologies like these can help attendees spark the connection, even if they are far apart.