At hybrid events, breakout sessions are small, interactive sessions that allow attendees to dive deeper into the topics that interest them the most. While some people find networking to be the most valuable part of conferences, others find value in the breakout sessions.

Hybrid events can be overwhelming, with so many people and so much happening all at once. Breakout sessions provide a chance for attendees to slow down and have more intimate conversations.

What is a breakout session?

A breakout session is typically a smaller, more intimate meeting or workshop that takes place during a larger conference. The purpose of a breakout session is to allow attendees to dive deeper into a particular topic or issue and to network with others who have similar interests.

Breakout sessions are usually organized around specific themes, and each session will have a different focus. For example, one breakout session might focus on how to launch a successful podcast, while another might focus on how to market your podcast to attract listeners.

If you’re attending a conference and are interested in participating in a particular breakout session, be sure to check the conference schedule in advance so you can plan your day accordingly.

What leads a breakout session to success?

There are several factors that make a good breakout session. First, the topic must be well-chosen and relevant to the conference attendees. Second, the facilitator must be knowledgeable about the topic and be able to keep the discussion on track. Third, the participants must be willing to engage in discussion and share their perspectives.

If all of these factors come together, attendees will have an enjoyable and productive experience in the breakout session. They will walk away with new insights into the topic and perhaps even some new friends.

Benefits of breakout sessions in hybrid events!

One of the benefits of incorporating breakout sessions into a hybrid event is that it allows for more targeted and intimate networking opportunities. This is especially beneficial for first-time attendees or those who are shy, as it provides a more relaxed setting to get to know people within their industry.

Another advantage of breakout sessions is that they allow for a more focused and in-depth discussion on specific topics. This can be beneficial for attendees who want to learn more about a certain topic or issue, and also for speakers who want to share their expertise on a particular subject.

Overall, breakout sessions can add value to a hybrid event by providing attendees with opportunities to network with others in their industry and learn more about specific topics of interest.

How to plan a breakout session in hybrid events

When planning a breakout session for a hybrid event, consider the following five steps:

1. Define the purpose of the breakout session.

When deciding on the purpose of a conference breakout session for a hybrid event, consider what you hope to achieve and who your target audience is. If you are looking to engage with attendees and create networking opportunities, then consider hosting a panel discussion or roundtable.

If your goal is to provide attendees with information and education, then consider hosting a workshop or educational session. No matter what you choose, make sure that the purpose of the breakout session is clear and that it aligns with the overall goals of the event.

2. Choose a conference breakout sessions format 

There are a few things to consider when choosing a conference breakout sessions format that will work well for both in-person and online meeting attendees. First, you’ll want to make sure that the format is engaging and interactive.

Second, you’ll want to make sure that it’s easy for everyone to follow along, regardless of whether they’re in the room or joining remotely.

And lastly, you’ll want to make sure that there’s a way for everyone to participate, whether they’re speaking up in person or typing in their questions and comments online.

3. Identify key speakers and panelists

To ensure that your hybrid event is a success, start by identifying key speakers and panelists for each of your conference breakout sessions. Look for industry experts who can offer insights and perspectives that will engage both your in-person and online audience.

Once you have a list of potential speakers, reach out to them to see if they are available and interested in participating in your event. Once you have confirmation from your chosen speakers, start promoting their participation to generate excitement for your event.

4. Create engaging content that will keep attendees engaged

The best way to ensure conference success is to plan engaging content for the meeting room. This will keep attendees engaged and coming back for more. Here are a few tips on how to create engaging content:

– Start with an interesting story or analogy that relates to your topic. This will grab attention and set the tone for the rest of your presentation.

– Use multimedia components such as videos, slideshows, or infographics to break up the text and add visual interest.

– Pose questions throughout your talk to get attendees thinking about the material and how it applies to their own lives or work.

– Encourage participation by asking attendees to share their own stories or examples related to the topic at hand.

5. Plan for technical difficulties and have a backup plan in place

it’s important for conference leaders to account for potential technical difficulties that could arise during the breakout session in the meeting room. While most conferences these days have some sort of contingency plan in place for audio/visual issues, it’s still wise to have a backup plan in case of unforeseen problems.

One way for the conference leaders to prepare for technical difficulties is to have a team of on-site support staff who are familiar with the audio/visual setup and can troubleshoot any issues that may come up. Additionally, it’s helpful to have all materials (presentations, handouts, etc.) stored electronically so that they can be easily accessed in case of an issue with the physical copies.

As a conference leader, if you’re expecting a large number of attendees at your hybrid meeting room, it’s also worth considering renting additional audio/visual equipment so that there are backups in case of any problems with the primary equipment.

Different breakout formats for hybrid events

When it comes to hosting a successful meeting in the hybrid meeting room, there are many factors for the conference leaders to consider.

1. Livepolls

When it comes to hosting a successful hybrid, incorporating livepolls is a great way to keep attendees engaged, especially during breakout sessions. By allowing attendees to anonymously submit questions and vote on topics in real-time, you can ensure that your breakout sessions are relevant and helpful. Plus, using livepolls is a great way to encourage shy attendees to participate.

Livepolling is an incredibly valuable tool for conferences because it allows conference leaders to quickly gauge the interests and needs of attendees. It also allows for more audience participation, which can make breakout sessions more interesting and interactive.

2. Word clouds

Generating word clouds are a great way for the conference organizers to conduct breakouts during hybrid events. This allows all attendees to see what topics are being discussed and also provides a visual guide for the facilitator. Additionally, it can be used as an icebreaker or brainstorming tool.

3. Trivia quizzes

Not only are they a great way to get attendees engaged, but they’re also a great icebreaker for networking. Plus, who doesn’t love a good game of trivia?

To get started, the conference organizers should simply divide their attendees into teams and send out the quiz questions ahead of time. Then, during the event, have each team submit their answers via chat or video conferencing. The team with the most correct answers wins!

Not only is this activity great for getting attendees involved, but it’s also a great way to promote networking. After all, what better way to break the ice than by bonding over some friendly competition?

4. Live Q&A sessions

By providing a forum for the conference participants to ask questions and get immediate feedback. Live q&a sessions can help the conference leaders to create a more interactive and engaging experience for the meeting attendees

Not only do live q&a sessions allow for more direct engagement between speakers and meeting participants, but they can also help to break up the monotony of a traditional conference format.

If you’re looking to add some excitement to endless events, consider incorporating a live q&a session into your hybrid event!

Why should you gamify your hybrid events?

Conference success now hinges on audience engagement, and event gamification can be a powerful tool to achieve that goal. By incorporating game elements into the event experience, event organizers can keep attendees engaged and coming back for more.

Leaderboards are a prime example of how game mechanics can be used to drive audience engagement. They create friendly competition among attendees and give them something to strive for. Incentivizing attendees with prizes can also help boost participation levels.

Overall, hybrid events present a unique challenge when it comes to the engagement of the meeting participants. But by thinking outside the box and incorporating gamification, organizers can ensure their event is a success.

Why should you be using a mobile event app for breakouts?

Event apps make conducting breakouts easy and efficient for the conference participants. With an event app, you can manage all the logistics of your session in one place. Event planners can create a schedule, send invitations, track RSVPs, and send reminders. Plus, they can use the app to collect feedback from attendees after the session is over.

Using an event app for your breakout sessions ensures that everyone is on the same page and that the sessions run smoothly.

Additionally, event technology can help you to collect feedback from your conference attendees after each session. This feedback can be used to improve future conferences and make sure that your attendees are getting the most out of the experience.

Overall, using event technology is a great way for event planners to increase the success of their conference by making it more organized and efficient.

Check: WebMOBI event app

Wrap Up!

In conclusion, when planning hybrid events it is important to consider best practices for breakout sessions. Utilize technology to create an engaging and interactive experience for all attendees. Plan for a variety of content and activities that will maintain interest throughout the session.

Keep in mind the different time zones of your attendees and schedule accordingly. Finally, provide clear instructions and Moderation guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful session.