While the concept of hybrid meetings is nothing new, their popularity has grown significantly over the past few years. While the benefits of hybrid meetings may have been obvious before, the rise of the pandemic and the gradual shift towards hybrid working as a whole have pushed these types of meetings to the forefront. It’s no surprise that hybrid meetings have proven to be so popular: they result in collaboration that is more affordable, more global, and more inclusive.
While venues around the world have been struggling – for obvious reasons – to host in-person events, some have developed dedicated services to support associations in their digital transformation. In that regard, ICC Sydney launched ‘Connect’, a customisable virtual and hybrid event platform offer during the pandemic to ensure an end to end solution for clients, continuing to anticipate and meet clients’ changing needs.
Next Evolution
Presented at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) earlier this year, the next evolution of this service, called ‘Connect Hub’ is a new speaker preparation and events enhancement service. The offering encompasses complex program delivery support via hybrid events solutions, onsite and online speaker preparation, ICC Sydney’s Connect platform, digital concierge, a dedicated broadcast studio, edit suite and digital signage management. It is a true end-to-end solution for managing digital or hybrid events.
Toni McAllister, Audio Visual Sales Manager, ICC Sydney, explains: “Connect Hub combines the delivery of our world class services and technology into a one stop destination for clients providing one audio visual supplier and point of contact for both hybrid and in-person events. The range of services not only supports the hybrid and broadcast delivery of events, but also amplifies and enhances both the in-person and online event experience.”
Brian Nash, Director of Audio Visual Services, goes even further, saying “Some of these services might sit outside of what is traditionally considered as a standard audio visual solution, but that is where our point of difference exists – in our determination to create innovations that enhance the overall event experience, all delivered by a passionate and experienced team.”
Full support
As recently as early March, The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) successfully planned and delivered the 20th annual Pathology Update 2022 as an integrated hybrid conference and exhibition attracting 686 onsite and 614 online delegates who via the ICC Sydney’s Connect platform.
Thanks to the full support of ICC Sydney, the organization welcomed RCPA fellows, trainees, and pathology health care professionals to engage with the complex scientific program including up to 10 concurrent streams and 194 speakers. The exhibition, which also had pride of place on ICC Sydney’s Connect platform, occupied The Gallery of ICC Sydney and provided the forum for delegates to engage with 42 exhibitors. With over 40% of speakers presenting remotely, ICC Sydney’s Digital Concierge service, overseen by a Hybrid Events Coordinator, provided online speaker advice, counsel and technical support.
“With ICC Sydney’s ongoing flexibility, support and technical expertise, the 2022 Pathology Update was a true hybrid event – no small feat for a medium sized specialty medical college,” said Dr Debra Graves, CEO of The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA). “It was critically important to present the conference and exhibition – to gather our College’s network of professionals, especially with consideration to the role that pathology and our workforce play in managing the pandemic response. With ICC Sydney’s support, Pathology Update successfully facilitated knowledge exchange, education and reconnection for our fellows and the pathology community.”
Reconnect with the team today, contact Helen Mantellato, Senior Business Development Manager – International & Exhibitions / hmantellato@iccsydney.com
To discover why there’s nothing like Australia for business events, contact Kelly Maynard / kmaynard@tourism.australia.com