You may have heard the phrase in the events industry that ‘the future is hybrid’, but what does that mean?

Well, when in-person events begin to return, it’s likely they will be smaller or hybrid. These hybrid events combine a live experience with a virtual element, creating wide-reaching, engaging and more sustainable events – exciting right? But how do you choose the right venue?

Finding the right venue will depend on the type of event you’re intending to organise. You’ll need to consider capacities and allowing space for hybrid equipment. Assess the venue’s tech, in particular whether they are already set up to run hybrid events or if you’ll need extra support from an external supplier.

Here we round up a few of our favourite hybrid-ready venues to get you started.

58VE

Studio58VE was created in partnership with the venue’s technical production support partner, Aztec. Studio58VE offers a comprehensive virtual studio package, all from the ground floor event space at 58VE.

The studio allows you to host (or simply record) a variety of hybrid and online events covering all formats including presentations, panel discussions and interviews, mixing in person and virtual speakers and panels. The studio is also fully customisable and additional presenter green rooms, catering areas, rest areas and meeting lounges are available.

ExCel London

ExCel London has created a fully immersive, state-of-the-art hybrid event facility developed in partnership with Anna Valley.

The self-contained, versatile studio delivers broadcast-quality content from a digital platform, a flexible set features with an impressive, adaptable digital backdrop and stage floor, multi-camera and full sound system and lighting rig, as well as space for up to 30 delegates socially distanced in line with Government guidelines.

Remote presenters with broadcast quality feeds can be included in studio activity and content can be streamed to platforms such as Zoom, YouTube and Facebook. The studio is located in a central, self-contained area, above the venue’s main event halls – making it an excellent addition to a larger, live conference or hybrid event at ExCeL.   

The Belfry Birmingham

The Belfry Hotel & Resort has launched The Belfry Live and Belfry Studio, professional virtual meetings and events solutions that allows organisations to connect live with audiences across the globe.

Packages provide organisers with a suite of technology including a  6m x 3m LED wall, HD cameras and a cameraman, lapel microphones, a teleprompter and a PA system, all supported by an on-site team of technical experts.

The Belfry Studio offers filming and production in an adaptable space within the resort. The Belfry Studio package also offers a suite of technology as well as choice of stages, flash panelling (which can be branded), a green screen option, Perspex lectern, lighting package, and furniture options to ensure a high quality filming and production.

Odeon

From morning meetings to large-scale conferences, Odeon provides cutting-edge audio and visual equipment that is hard to beat. Satellite linkups and super-fast WiFi enable virtual and hybrid events to happen seamlessly. The clarity of the big screen and incredible Dolby™ sound provides brilliant production value, as in-person delegates sit comfortably in cinema seats.

Tobacco Dock

Live From Tobacco Dock helps deliver creative events in a dynamic and innovative manner, while keeping everyone safe and engaged.

Live attendees can enjoy a VIP experience whilst online audiences use a high-quality multi-streaming platform, that offers the opportunity for pre-event communication, sponsorship, virtual exhibitions, delegate networking (individuals or groups), discussion forums and much more, driving online participant engagement throughout the event.

Royal Lancaster

The Royal Lancaster has created the ‘SmartStudio’ in partnership with 4Wall to make virtual and hybrid events simple and professional.

Situated in the vast, flexible Westbourne Suite, the innovative SmartStudio features a 20sqm Extended Reality (XR) stage with LED backdrop and floor, audio, broadcast cameras and TV-ready lighting. Tthe Studio creates a fully-immersive, 360-degree experience for your guests, taking your event to the next level.

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Planning a hybrid event but not sure where to start? We can help!

Need help getting your venue hybrid-ready? Discover out Hybrid Audit – Find out more here.