Niche in the short term but variations could become progressively widespread in the future. Would expect it to take time and evolve in sync with the definition of what 'work' is and what 'an employee' is.
The easiest for companies today is the status quo of the standard conference: not having to think about liability (who's responsible when something happens to family members?), about focus on the job (do we pay you to network with people who have nothing to do with the business?), about more days 'away from work' because you might as well add a few days to visit the Chinese Wall while in Bejing with family, about equal treatment towards those who are single or can't/don't want to bring their family, etc. It will take time.
Different story for those working as independents.
The long term trend of disengaged workers, the current pandemic, and a future of everything digital everywhere all create needs for more human, in-person connection to be addressed in people's personal and professional life. Hybrid events can be one tool in the toolbox.
Niche in the short term but variations could become progressively widespread in the future. Would expect it to take time and evolve in sync with the definition of what 'work' is and what 'an employee' is.
The easiest for companies today is the status quo of the standard conference: not having to think about liability (who's responsible when something happens to family members?), about focus on the job (do we pay you to network with people who have nothing to do with the business?), about more days 'away from work' because you might as well add a few days to visit the Chinese Wall while in Bejing with family, about equal treatment towards those who are single or can't/don't want to bring their family, etc. It will take time.
Different story for those working as independents.
The long term trend of disengaged workers, the current pandemic, and a future of everything digital everywhere all create needs for more human, in-person connection to be addressed in people's personal and professional life. Hybrid events can be one tool in the toolbox.