On site or online – why not both?

Many companies, associations and organisations are reluctant to hold large events, even though they are necessary for the flow of information, for personal exchange and for communication in general. The uncertainty associated with the development of the pandemic raises serious questions about logistics and responsibility. The question is whether or not to meet in person. Or in other words, face to face or only via a screen?

And if both were possible in parallel? If a certain number of participants - determined by the evolving health situation, the size of the meeting room or the social distancing imposed by the organiser - can be present on site while the others participate from their offices or from home? And this with almost the same opportunities for participation for both groups:

Equipment

In addition to the technical equipment for the interpreters, all you need for a low-budget hybrid scenario is a suitable video conference tool (e.g. Zoom), one or more laptops, a camera and a wireless microphone for the speaker. With this basic equipment, in particular internal conferences with a manageable range can be realised very easily. A wired Internet connection is an important prerequisite for attractive sound and image quality. External or generally more public conferences require a little more material and planning. Major quality improvements can be achieved with sophisticated lighting and sound technology and with professional support from a team of technicians. In this sense, nothing stands in the way of highresolution livestream. What is necessary, desired and feasible depends on the occasion - and not least on the available financial resources.

Hybrid solutions - the order of the day

All combinations between on-site events and e-conferences are conceivable and the proportion of on-site and online viewers can usually be changed at short notice. This allows great flexibility in times of great uncertainty and thus offers the best possible protection to all participants. In addition to these pandemic-related advantages, the simplest hybrid solutions are also financially attractive, as participants living further away can avoid the long journey and thus save both money and time. The interpreters do not have to be on site in all scenarios either, and the interpreter booth can therefore sometimes be included in the list of possible savings - together with the costs of transport, set-up, and dismantling.

Given the practical and economic benefits, hybrid events will certainly remain useful beyond the duration of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. And if we come up with another brilliant idea, such as how to bring handshakes into the Internet, we will be prepared for anything. Until then, we will shake your hand virtually and look forward to your individual hybrid event.