Anticipation: noun. the act of looking forward, especially: pleasurable expectation.
If you’re an event planner, you know this feeling well. You dedicate a multitude of time, consideration, and resources into the production of an event you know will bring authentic value to your community. Anticipation, excitement, eagerness, all building up in the weeks leading up to your event – that wonderfully exciting pit in your stomach! But how can you bring this same feeling of anticipation to your community?
We say, hybrid. More specifically: our Pre-Event Preparation model.
What is ‘Pre-Event Preparation’?
In our Pre-Event Preparation hybrid event model, the virtual engagement leads into the in-person engagement. Host either a single gathering or a group of gatherings to warm up your audience, help them build connections in a less intimidating way, and begin to brew that anticipation we keep talking about during the beautiful period of time between the virtual convenings and the face-to-face convenings.
What are the benefits of hosting Pre-Event Preparation?
- You have the opportunity to cover more content in a given topic. Consider structuring your virtual sessions around some of your most poignant in-person sessions to open an avenue for deeper dives into a topic. Attendee contributions in the pre-event sessions can give your speakers a better understanding of what your audience is interested in discussing or learning more about.
- Introverts will feel more comfortable networking. An introvert’s worst nightmare is being put in a room face-to-face to network with strangers, especially for young professionals new to your field. Hosting structured, intention-based networking sessions virtually lowers the barrier of intimidation for introverts while still being stimulating enough for extroverts. Keep reading for some networking session ideas below!
- You guessed it – building anticipation! We won’t dive into this one too much, as you’ve already heard us harp in the importance of this piece. But just imagine – your attendees being so eager to arrive on day one with already-established networking connections that they don’t even need an alarm to wake up for that first 8:00am keynote!
What types of sessions are recommended for Pre-Event Prep?
Utilize the online platform to focus on what is typically the most intimidating aspect of gathering face-to-face: networking. Build those connections, baby! Here are a few of our favorite sessions that accomplish just this:
- Interactive Workshop
- Cocktails and Convos
- Trivia Game – whether for leisure or on facts about your industry!
- Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Learn more about what these methods entail by checking out the Matchbox Kitchen and our event session ‘recipes’!
What Matchbox co-hosts are saying about working with us to produce Pre-Event Preparation online
“As we navigate our way back to in-person events, Matchbox has remained an amazing and valued partner. We knew the typical hybrid route wasn’t for us. Matchbox worked with us to identify what would work for us and delivered a high-quality product that is valued by our organization. It is affordable, familiar to our membership, and guided by top-notch customer service every step of the way.”
Amy Ahart
Interim Executive Director, IBSC
How do I know if this format is the way to go for my hybrid event?
Great question! Our Pre-Event Preparation model is only the third release of our five part hybrid event model series. Check out our first two models, the Content Hub and Simultaneous Events, to see which model may be a good fit for your needs, and click the button below to be notified of new hybrid event model releases!
Looking to Host a Hybrid Event This Year?
We can help you find an event design that’s the right fit for your needs, whether it’s Pre-Event Preparation or another format in our collection of hybrid solutions!
