Hybrid events have experienced a significant shift in popularity and importance in recent years, no doubt caused by the Covid pandemic when local communities and residents resorted to that potent combination of necessity and creativity to still enjoy the festive spirit and a sense of togetherness.
Those online events which brightened the dark days of winter 2020-21 have evolved, perhaps inevitably, into hybrid events where you get the best of both worlds: in-person interaction and flexible options for those unable to attend who can enjoy the event from the comfort of their home.
Whether it’s a film night or talent show at your local village hall, a cooking class at your local pub or a seasonal craft workshop at your local place of worship, full fibre broadband is the ultimate enabler of hybrid events, providing the gigabit speeds and reliability to provide the foundation for innovation.
In this blog, we explore how local communities can maximise the power of full fibre to put on your best-ever programme of hybrid winter events.
The connectivity challenge of hybrid events
The technical requirements of staging a successful hybrid event are surprisingly broad. They include live streaming, high-definition video, real-time interactions, and accessible replays. And that’s not including any of the hardware necessities, ranging from projectors and power supplies.
But you need to delve deeper into the bedrock of your event to understand the importance of having a full fibre connection – especially for rural communities and remote locations.
Organisers will soon endure the endless frustrations and limitations of copper-based superfast broadband for their much-hyped hybrid event. Typical hiccups of unreliable digital connectivity include interruptions in live broadcasts, delays in interactions, and audience disengagement.
Full fibre’s benefits for winter hybrid events
Full fibre is essential for uninterrupted, high-quality hybrid event experiences. Here are some detailed benefits:
- Seamless streaming for remote attendees: Full fibre supports high-definition streaming and allows remote attendees to watch events without buffering or delays, helping them feel as though they are present in the event
- Real-time interactivity for better engagement: Faster speeds and low latency enhance real-time interaction through live chats, Q&A sessions and polls. For example, for hybrid Christmas craft fairs or local panel discussions, people can still engage from afar
- Inclusivity and accessibility for vulnerable groups: Hybrid events supported by full fibre enable attendance by older people or those living with mobility challenges, which is particularly beneficial in winter. Improved accessibility features (e.g. closed captioning in real-time without lags) make events even more inclusive
- Weather-proofing events with a hybrid backup: The unpredictability of winter weather can disrupt travel for many residents. However, a full fibre powered hybrid format ensures events can proceed even if in-person attendance is limited, switching easily from hybrid to virtual
Hybrid events have become indispensable in recent years, offering communities a way to gather while overcoming seasonal isolation and limited accessibility. With continued growth in full fibre broadband, the stage is set in 2025 for these events to reach new heights, creating reliable connections and more immersive experiences for attendees near and far.
By investing in full fibre broadband, communities can power up their winter events with reliability, inclusivity and reach. Full fibre doesn’t just keep us connected – it builds resilient communities and opens the door to a more connected, accessible future.
Whether you’re a resident or business, you can check if you’re covered in County Broadband’s rollout by entering your postcode at www.countybroadband.co.uk where you can also register your interest to learn more about the full fibre infrastructure and service.
