Best Hybrid Event Software Platforms for 2024

What if you could combine the energy of live events with the flexibility of virtual platforms? Hybrid events are reshaping the future of event planning, offering the best of both worlds. They offer flexibility, allowing attendees to engage in real-time, no matter where they are.

In fact, 34% of event organizers plan to increase their investment in hybrid events in the coming years, recognizing the value they bring. Hybrid event software is the driving force behind successful hybrid events, ensuring smooth operations and high-level participation.

In this post, we’ll explore the top hybrid event software platforms for 2024, discuss the must-have features for event success, and guide you on choosing the right platform for your needs.

What are Hybrid Events?

Hybrid events combine in-person and virtual elements, allowing participants to engage from anywhere. These events blend the best of both worlds by offering live interaction at a physical venue while providing virtual access to remote attendees. 

Hybrid events are increasingly popular because they broaden reach, accommodate different attendee preferences, and maximize engagement. For organizers, exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees, hybrid event platforms are essential for seamless interaction, effective communication, and real-time data tracking across both environments.

Benefits of Hosting Hybrid Events

• Engage both in-person and virtual attendees, expanding audience size and geographical reach.
• Hybrid platforms offer more visibility through digital ads, virtual booths, and branded content.
• Participants can choose how to attend, boosting convenience and overall engagement.
• Real-time analytics on audience behavior and engagement benefit organizers and exhibitors.
• Hybrid events reduce travel and venue costs while still delivering impactful experiences.
• Tools like live polls, Q&As, and virtual networking encourage interaction across both audiences.
• Bring together international attendees and speakers without the need for travel.
• Easily scale events to accommodate more attendees, both physical and virtual, without significant cost increases.

Ensuring Success with Hybrid Event Software

Hybrid event software is crucial in managing the complexities of blending in-person and virtual experiences. They provide the essential infrastructure for organizers to deliver seamless events, ensuring physical and digital attendees are equally engaged and connected. Here’s how they ensure success:

• Efficient Audience Management: Sync attendee data across physical and virtual spaces for streamlined registration and participation tracking.
• Enhanced Interaction: Facilitate real-time networking through features like live chat, polls, and breakout rooms.
• Cross-Platform Integration: Ensure a seamless experience by integrating with AV, CRM, and other event tech smoothly.
• Post-Event Analytics: Detailed reports on attendee engagement help organizers evaluate event performance and optimize future events.
• Multi-Channel Content Delivery: Supports live, pre-recorded, and on-demand content to reach a wider audience.
• Cross-Platform Accessibility: Allows participants to join from any device, ensuring a smooth experience regardless of location.
• Enhanced Sponsor Visibility: Provides digital opportunities like branded sessions and virtual booths to maximize sponsor engagement.

Features to Look for in Hybrid Event Software Platforms

Choosing the right hybrid event software platform requires specific features catering to in-person and virtual attendees, ensuring seamless interactions and smooth event management. Key features include:

• Connecting Onsite and Online Attendees: A mobile event app enables one-on-one meetings, group discussions, and spatial networking lounges to bridge the gap between physical and virtual participants.
• Event Mobile App: Offers access to schedules, speaker profiles, interactive maps, personalized agendas, push notifications, and in-app networking, enhancing attendees’ convenience and engagement.
• Versatile Content Delivery: Supports live streaming, pre-recorded sessions, and on-demand access, providing flexibility for attendees to engage with content at their convenience.
• Audience Analytics & Reporting: Provides real-time insights into attendee behavior, content engagement, and session participation, allowing organizers to optimize future events based on data-driven decisions.
• Engagement Tools: Live polls, Q&A sessions, chat functions, and virtual networking foster interactivity and active participation, keeping in-person and virtual attendees engaged.
• Tech Support & Training: Comprehensive technical support ensures that both organizers and attendees receive assistance, while training sessions and documentation provide guidance on maximizing the platform’s capabilities.
• Accessibility Features: Closed captioning, screen reader compatibility, and multi-language support ensure the event is inclusive and accessible to all attendees, regardless of their needs or location.
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Provides dedicated spaces for sponsors, such as branded banners, sponsored sessions, and customizable virtual booths, enhancing sponsor visibility and engagement.
• Security: Offers end-to-end encryption and data privacy features to ensure a secure experience for all participants and protect sensitive attendee information.
• Global Reach: Multilingual support and time zone flexibility allow hybrid events to engage international audiences, ensuring no one is left out based on geographical limitations.

Top 7 Hybrid Event Software Platforms for 2024

Hubilo

Hubilo is a virtual and hybrid event platform that maximizes audience engagement and delivers excellent user experiences. The platform is fully brandable and supported by a dedicated customer success team, ensuring seamless event planning and execution.

Key Features:

• Attendee Experience: Hubilo offers various engagement and gamification tools that boost interaction during sessions, breakout rooms, lounges, and between attendees.
• ‘White Glove’ Customer Service: The full-time customer success team provides onboarding, speaker/exhibitor support, and assistance with post-event analysis.
• Custom Branding: Create branded event experiences for your organization, sponsors, and exhibitors with tailored branding options.
• Interactive Sessions: Hubilo supports live chats, Q&A, and polls during virtual keynotes, panel discussions, and masterclasses for an immersive experience.
• Event Spaces: Fully customizable virtual spaces, including sessions, lounges, and one-on-one networking opportunities.
• Analytics & Security: Advanced analytics track engagement and attendance, while enterprise-grade security ensures compliance with GDPR and ISO standards.

Pros

• Comprehensive engagement features.
• Strong customer support throughout the event process.
• Customizable branding for events and sponsors.

Cons

• It may have a learning curve for new users.
• Require initial set-up and customization.

vFairs

vFairs is an all-in-one platform that enables event organizers to run successful hybrid events, blending in-person and virtual experiences effortlessly. With powerful tools for engagement, branding, and analytics, it ensures a cohesive event experience for physical and digital attendees.

Key Features:

• Custom Registration & Ticketing: Create branded registration pages for in-person and virtual participants, with options for payments and event access.
• Immersive Virtual Environment: Offer virtual attendees a 3D environment with webinars, exhibit halls, and networking tools to mirror the in-person experience.
• Branded Mobile Event Apps: Launch apps that allow seamless check-ins, badge scanning, lead capture, and networking for physical and online attendees.
• Real-Time Analytics & Reporting: Access detailed reports that track attendee behavior, engagement, and event performance across virtual and in-person segments.
• Interactive Engagement: Features like scavenger hunts, matchmaking, polls, and roundtables ensure that attendees across both formats remain engaged and interactive.

Pros

• Enables immersive, visually appealing virtual environments.
• Offers seamless integration of physical and digital attendee data.
• Provides comprehensive real-time reports for event performance.

Cons

• It can have a steep learning curve for new users managing hybrid setups.
• Advanced customization might require assistance from support or a dedicated project manager.

SpotMe

SpotMe is a versatile hybrid event platform designed to bridge the gap between in-person and virtual audiences. It offers B2B marketers the tools to create seamless hybrid experiences, ensuring wider reach and stronger engagement through mobile and web apps, networking, and interactive features.

Key Features:

• Seamless Event Registration: Create tailored registration experiences that integrate with your existing SpotMe content and track registrations effortlessly.
• Hybrid Streaming & Engagement: Offer high-quality streaming with interactive features like live polls, Q&A, and applause, ensuring all attendees stay engaged.
• Inclusive Live Captioning: Break accessibility barriers with live captioning and interpreting in over 30 languages, enhancing event inclusivity.
• On-Demand Content: Instantly turn live streams into gated content for post-event engagement and boost your ROI through automated marketing.
• Flexible Event Production: Manage every detail with SpotMe’s Backstage or leverage their delivery network for professional event production.

Pros

• Offers seamless integration for virtual and in-person attendees.
• Provides powerful networking tools with interest-based matchmaking.
• Accessibility tools include industry-leading captioning and interpreting services.

Cons

• Advanced features may require a learning curve for new users.
• Production services could involve additional costs for complex setups.

Bizzabo

Bizzabo is a comprehensive platform designed to deliver seamless hybrid events that engage in-person and virtual attendees. With its powerful tools, you can create immersive, personalized experiences that increase audience engagement and enhance ROI, all while collecting actionable data insights.

Key Features:

• Centralized Hybrid Event Management: Manage in-person and virtual attendees from one platform, extending your brand’s reach and boosting event ROI.
• Engagement Tools for All Audiences: Open pre-session lounges, facilitate live Q&A, and engage attendees through interactive chat channels on any device.
• The Venue for Hybrid Events: A visually immersive space where virtual and in-person attendees can connect, explore content, and build community.
• Comprehensive Event Building: Manage everything from registration to networking, sponsorship, and video production—all within Bizzabo’s platform.
• Real-Time Data Insights: Gain valuable insights from attendee interactions, helping you fine-tune events and improve sponsor engagement.

Pros

• Streamlines event management for hybrid audiences in one platform.
• Engages attendees with versatile tools like Q&A and chat channels.
• Provides comprehensive data insights to optimize future events.

Cons

• Advanced customization may require additional setup time.
• Some features may be limited for smaller events or organizations.

Cvent

Cvent’s hybrid event platform offers the flexibility to create both in-person and digital experiences, removing geographic barriers while increasing global reach. With tools to plan, market, and execute hybrid events, Cvent helps foster deeper connections and ensures event success.

Key Features:

• Dynamic Registration Paths: Tailor the experience for in-person and virtual attendees with personalized event agendas and content.
• Attendee Hub for Web and Mobile: Engage both audiences with features like AI-powered networking, live Q&A, chat, and polling across devices.
• Data Integration for ROI: Track registrations, app downloads, and attendance, integrating this data with CRM and MarTech tools for a full ROI picture.
• Venue Sourcing & Design: Access 300,000+ venues and design optimal setups for physical and virtual event experiences.
• Onsite Technology: Provide seamless check-ins and lead capture solutions, ensuring a smooth attendee experience.

Pros

• Combines physical and virtual experiences in a single platform.
• Offers strong data tracking for event ROI analysis.
• Seamless check-in and lead capture for in-person attendees.

Cons

• Initial setup for hybrid events may take time to optimize.
• Higher pricing for advanced features and larger events.

EventMobi

EventMobi offers a powerful hybrid event platform that allows you to design engaging experiences for in-person and remote attendees. With flexible configurations and a wide range of interactive features, it makes creating and managing hybrid events seamless and effective.

Key Features:

• Flexible Hybrid Configurations: Choose from simultaneous live hybrid sessions, on-demand access, or run in-person and virtual sessions on different days.
• Customizable Event Apps: The dedicated experience manager makes it easy to build fully personalized mobile event apps and virtual event spaces.
• Engagement Tools: Facilitate attendee participation with Q&A, live polls, session chats, and gamification challenges to enhance engagement.
• Video Libraries: Host session recordings and videos to offer continuous learning and engagement before, during, and after the event.
• Networking Capabilities: Connect attendees with private chats, 1:1 video meetings, group discussions, and interactive breakout rooms.

Pros

• Flexible setup to suit different hybrid event styles.
• Strong networking features for both in-person and virtual attendees.
• Offers comprehensive video libraries for long-term content access.

Cons

• Requires more time for initial customization and setup.
• Some advanced features may come with additional costs.

Swapcard

Swapcard is a hybrid event platform that seamlessly combines in-person and virtual experiences. It enables you to maximize attendance and engagement by offering tools for registration, scheduling, and content delivery, all while providing comprehensive support for both onsite and digital audiences.

Key Features:

• Hybrid Event Registration: Simplifies access for both virtual and onsite attendees with digital registration and contactless options.
• Onsite Logistics Support: Expert team handles onsite event logistics, including exhibitor platform walkthroughs and customer service.
• AI-Powered Matchmaking: Provides AI-driven suggestions to connect attendees based on their interests and profiles.
• Comprehensive Engagement Tools: Offers live streaming, session Q&A, and networking tools to keep virtual and in-person audiences engaged.
• Post-Event Content Library: Maintains engagement with on-demand content and a community newsfeed after the event ends.

Pros

• Simplifies the planning and execution of hybrid events with robust tools.
• Enhances attendee engagement through AI matchmaking and live interaction features.
• Provides strong post-event support with a comprehensive content library and networking tools.

Cons

• The platform may require time to fully understand and utilize all features.
• It could be pricey compared to more basic hybrid event tools.

How to Organize a Successful Hybrid Event?

Organizing a successful hybrid event requires strategic planning and thoughtful integration of physical and virtual components to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees. Here’s how to organize a successful hybrid event:

• Define Clear Objectives: Identify the event’s goals, target audience, and success metrics for in-person and virtual attendees.
• Choose the Right Platform: Select a hybrid event platform that offers features like live streaming, audience engagement, and seamless onsite-virtual integration.
• Create an Engaging Agenda: Ensure the event schedule appeals to both audiences, incorporating breaks and opportunities for interaction.
• Optimize Technology: Test all tech components, including AV equipment, Wi-Fi, and the event platform, to prevent glitches during the event.
• Engage Both Audiences: Use live Q&A sessions, polls, and networking lounges to ensure equal participation for in-person and virtual attendees.
• Provide Tech Support: Offer comprehensive technical assistance to attendees, helping them navigate the virtual platform and tools.
• Follow up with Data: Use analytics to assess attendee behavior and engagement, which will help you improve future events based on data-driven insights.

Expert Recommendation: Elevate Your Hybrid Event’s Onsite Operations with fielddrive

fielddrive is a cutting-edge event technology platform designed to enhance your event’s onsite operations. By integrating powerful features like touchless check-ins, facial recognition, and real-time analytics, fielddrive ensures that the in-person component of your hybrid event runs smoothly, creating a seamless experience for attendees. 

Key Features:

• Touchless Check-ins: fielddrive’s secure, contactless check-ins make entry effortless, reducing wait times and ensuring a smooth arrival process for all in-person attendees. This enhances both safety and convenience, especially in post-pandemic environments.
• Real-Time Badge Printing: With fielddrive’s instant badge printing, attendees receive personalized badges on arrival, allowing for faster registration and enhancing event branding. The fully customizable badges can also feature sponsor logos, maximizing exposure and providing a professional first impression.
• Facial Recognition: Streamline the check-in process even further with fielddrive’s facial recognition technology. Attendees can be verified in seconds with just a smile, offering a high level of security and reducing the need for manual entry, making the experience faster and more efficient.
• Session Tracking and Engagement Data: fielddrive’s session tracking tools provide real-time insights into attendee behavior. Organizers can monitor session participation, gather valuable feedback, and adjust the event experience on the go, ensuring that attendees remain engaged.
• Seamless Integration: fielddrive seamlessly integrates with event management platforms, registration systems, and onsite tech like AV equipment. This ensures smooth synchronization between virtual and in-person components, offering a unified and efficient hybrid event experience.

By incorporating fielddrive’s advanced onsite technology, hybrid events can run more efficiently, better engage attendees, and deliver a seamless, professional experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Conclusion

Hybrid events offer unparalleled flexibility by blending virtual and in-person experiences, making them essential for modern event planning. Choosing the right hybrid event platform is crucial for ensuring smooth operations, real-time engagement, and effective data insights. By exploring the available platforms, you can tailor your event to meet both audience and business goals.

fielddrive is the ultimate tool to enhance the onsite operations of your hybrid event. With features like touchless check-ins, real-time badge printing, and seamless integration, fielddrive transforms your event’s logistics, creating a smooth, professional experience for all attendees. 

Partner with fielddrive to streamline your onsite operations and leave a lasting impression. Request a free demo today!