The events industry is returning to some semblance of normalcy after such an unusual year in 2020. There's no doubt that you're ready to plan your next corporate event, but the ideas you put to use in prior years aren't necessarily going to work these days. Be prepared for your events to look different in many ways.

Accept That Hybrid Events are Your New Normal
Hybrid events aren't just a short-term solution to pandemic problems. Hybrid elements are the norm for today's events, not just because many attendees are still wary of in-person events, but also because event planners have realized that they can increase capacity and save money. A hybrid event is more than a physical event with an online addition, so you have to approach your planning with both audiences in mind. Every aspect of your event – from schedules to speakers to networking opportunities – will require you to consider both online and in-person attendees.

Bring the event experience to the online eventgoer with perks like virtual lobbies for conversation and food delivery vouchers to make the online experience as much like physical attendance as possible. You can even consider hybrid sponsorships with opportunities to send swag in the mail or email to those who attend online.

Aim for Engagement Over Attendance
Think of those who come to your event as more than just attendees. Everyone should feel like an event is for them, which is why engagement is more important than attendance. Make your sessions fully interactive with Q&As, surveys, and networking chats. Rely on audio to cut down on screen fatigue – attendees can listen and remain engaged without being stuck in front of a computer screen.

Gamification allows you to increase engagement by turning your event into a friendly competition. Your guests can earn points for asking questions, visiting sponsors, taking quizzes, and engaging in other ways. Give door prizes to whoever earns the most points. You can leverage data by using the point system to measure engagement and adjust the content of future events accordingly.

Incorporate Mindfulness and Wellness
People are more focused on physical and mental health than ever before, and you can make wellness and mindfulness part of your event. Start sessions with mindfulness moments that include breathing exercises and relaxation to allow attendees both online and in person to center their thoughts. Make healthy snacks a norm during in-person breaks and consider sending some snacks to online attendees as well.

Include quiet areas in your event space for in-person attendees to get away from it all and unwind. These quiet spaces are all about an atmosphere of calm and tranquility. You can also build quiet moments into the schedule for online eventgoers. Use creativity zones to present opportunities to have a little extra fun and to challenge the imagination of your attendees.

Add Elements of Social Responsibility
These days, people from all walks of life are prioritizing social responsibility. Adding elements of social responsibility to your event gives attendees and sponsors opportunities to give back, and it allows you some good buzz and public relations. You can also use charitable efforts to foster a mentality of "we're all in this together."

Host opportunities to volunteer with a local charity or participate in initiatives like food or clothing drives. In-person eventgoers can bring canned goods or clothing to donate to local organizations. Involve at-home attendees and sponsors with online contributions and sponsor donations that can benefit nonprofits in your area. Rally everyone behind the cause when you share how much attendees have raised and the impact they've made.

Don't Forget That Safety Protocols Are Still Paramount
It can be easy to take for granted that we're still in a pandemic, but much of the responsibility to keep your in-person attendees, speakers, and hosts safe falls on you. Make safety a priority in every element of your event. Consider temperature checks for entry into the venue and decide early on whether you'll require masks. Be sure to sanitize event spaces and other rooms between sessions.

Social distancing is still one of the best ways to ensure safety, so make sure you have enough tables and chairs for in-person attendees to socially distance. Spread out mealtimes and breaks so that fewer people are eating or congregating at any given time. Install dividers for onstage sessions and breakouts so that speakers and panel participants can sit together onstage and remain safe.