As the events industry settles into a post-pandemic world — which is hopefully where we are now — planner and attendee needs continue to evolve, and event technology is adapting accordingly. The ability to support events of any format continues to be a priority, as do virtual engagement features.
Here are the latest updates on virtual event tech features and partnerships that will further improve the attendee and organizer experience:
Freeman Partners With Hubilo As Hybrid Events Take Center Stage
Global event production company Freeman has officially partnered with virtual platform Hubilo to be able to better support clients with in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Freeman clients will now have access to Hubilo’s platform when incorporating a digital component to their events.
Encore announced a similar partnership with Cvent last year as in-person event production experts seek to offer hybrid solutions all under one roof. Event platforms, on the other hand, tout hybrid capabilities, but there is a lot of legwork needed onsite beyond the tech platform to pull off a hybrid event, which is where these partnerships come in.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Hubilo because it offers our clients a scalable service for virtual and online events while still leveraging our outstanding event management expertise. By working with Freeman, all aspects of hybrid or digital events can seamlessly be managed regardless of size or needs, through a single team and contract,” said Freeman president and COO Janet Dell in a statement.
Hopin Launches App Store to Improve Attendee Experience
Hopin has launched the official Hopin App Store where eventprofs can find and download a variety of apps to enhance their event on the Hopin platform. Available apps range from captioning and translation to gamification and collaboration.
Hopin also offers apps that can connect Hopin to planners’ CRM and marketing tools, and it will be adding new options every month to better support virtual event needs.
CrowdComms Adds Video-On-Demand Library to Enhance Digital Engagement
UK-based event tech platform CrowdComms has added a robust VOD streaming service to its offering. The video library feature is modeled after streaming services like Netflix and includes two display options that allow eventprofs to organize and categorize video content as needed. Video thumbnails display views and likes, allowing videos to gain traction based on popularity.
“Having delivered millions of hours of live event content over the last two years, we can see how this new on-demand streaming service will add a whole new level of intuitive navigation to events,” said Will Custard, Product Director at CrowdComms, in a statement. “As organisers are increasingly thinking of new ways to engage and enhance the user experience, particularly for virtual events, this functionality will help events develop a long-lasting legacy.