In the latest episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox Live, Chris Dunn sits down with Bob Hanson and Nick Sal to discuss one of the most pressing challenges in the events industry: How can in-person and virtual events work together seamlessly?

For years, event professionals have treated in-person and virtual events as competitors. But the truth is—they can be powerful partners, amplifying each other’s strengths and driving greater ROI. In this episode, Bob and Nick share how to bridge the gap between these two event formats and maximize results.

🔹 Before the Event: Pre-show Promotion

Bob, Nick, and Chris kick things off by discussing how to engage your audience before the event even begins. Pre-show promotion is crucial to boosting attendance and building excitement. Virtual channels, like webinars and case studies, offer powerful ways to connect with your audience ahead of time.

As Bob highlights, “Pre-show promotion should be seen as an extension of your event, not just a promotional campaign.” Engaging with your audience early on sets the tone for the event, builds anticipation, and extends your reach.

🔹 During the Event: Creating Real Connections

Once your event kicks off, it’s time to make the most of both formats. Nick emphasizes the importance of integrating virtual components into live events to maintain engagement. Whether it’s live streaming keynotes, sharing behind-the-scenes content, or incorporating customer story videos, there are countless ways to bring virtual-first strategies into the mix.

Nick says, “Virtual events and in-person events should be partners, not competitors. Together, they can amplify the experience.”

Hybrid events not only broaden the reach but also enhance attendee engagement, making your event accessible to a larger audience while still offering an intimate, in-person experience.

🔹 After the Event: Maximizing Post-Event Impact

The conversation doesn’t stop once the event ends. Bob and Nick stress the importance of repurposing content for post-event engagement. From post-event webinars to roadshows and follow-up emails, keeping the conversation going after the event is essential for nurturing leads and driving conversions.

As Chris points out, “Repurposing content after the event is essential. Don't just create content for one moment—make it part of your ongoing marketing strategy.”

By extending the lifecycle of your event content, you can continue building relationships, driving sales, and ultimately maximizing ROI long after the event ends.

👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.

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