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Virtual events are a great value add to an existing conference - creating a hybrid virtual/live event. To help sell tickets online your management on the combo of virtual and live events, here are some of the biggest benefits a hybrid model has to offer.

Expanded Attendee Base. By creating a virtual component for your live event, your potential audience expands dramatically. In today's economy, where travel budgets border on anorexic, many members of your target audience may be unable to attend your live event simply due to travel costs. A virtual conference offers the consumer a cost-effective alternative to an in-person event that carries myriad budgetary, time, and travel constraints.

Additional Revenue. Companies need to begin thinking of their events and conferences as year-round revenue streams. If your event offers something of exceptional value - be it educational content, access to industry leaders, a sense of community - your target audience will want access to it, and are likely willing to pay for it. A company might consider providing live-event attendees with free access to the virtual event as a bonus for attending, but in and of itself, registration for your virtual event can be a new revenue stream for your company. In addition, using virtual elements allows you to bundle and repurpose all of the already-generated content you've captured. 

Increased Awareness and Thought-Leadership Perception. When your live event rolls around, attendees are focused on your company and its products. But when the show ends, the hype tends to vaporize. It's possible to keep the live event's momentum going if your companion online event extends beyond the show.

These are just a few of the many ways in which virtual events can positively impact your company. To take advantage of these benefits, create an effective virtual-event strategy and engage your customers and prospects year round to determine what they really value and how they typically consume virtual content. With a little research and some careful planning, virtual events can be a wonderful partner for your live events - and a new revenue and awareness generator for your company.