As a curious learner in the digital events space, I have always been fascinated by the blend of creativity, technology, and innovation that powers this industry. At Babilonia, we often engage with event planners who are eager to embrace digital solutions for live events but are hesitant due to prevailing myths. Today, I’d like to share a revealing case study based on one of our recent live events, aimed at demystifying some of these myths and offering insights that could inspire your next digital experience.
Myth #1: Digital Events Lack Emotional Impact
A recurring assumption we encounter is that digital or hybrid live events cannot evoke the same emotional connection as in-person gatherings. Potential clients often worry that the human connection will be lost behind a screen.
This myth was put to the test during one of our Babilonia-hosted corporate retreats, designed as a fully hybrid event with in-person attendance in Bali and a simultaneous interactive stream for international teams. The experience included breakout sessions, panel discussions, and — perhaps most impressively — a dinner with sunset views, virtually replicated for remote attendees through 4K drones and personalized catering packs.
The result? Engagement metrics from remote attendees were higher than average, and post-event surveys revealed participants felt more “included,” “emotionally connected,” and “inspired” than they had during previous strictly in-person gatherings. By designing intentional human moments and leveraging new technology, we proved that emotional impact is not confined to physical spaces.
Myth #2: Hybrid Formats Are Too Complicated to Manage
Many event planners express apprehension over managing both a physical and digital event environment simultaneously. The fear of tech mishaps, coordination challenges, and disjointed experiences has led some to avoid hybrid models entirely.
In this case study, our team used Babilonia’s proprietary event dashboard, which synchronized speaker timelines, room setups, live polling, and audience analytics. Planners received real-time updates and automated alerts, while remote moderators ensured digital attendees were smoothly incorporated into the flow.
Was it complex? Yes — but manageable. Thanks to upfront investment in a digital architecture and clear protocols, the execution felt seamless to all attendees, and our client rated the experience as less stressful than previous traditional conferences. The key is not to try and fit a hybrid model into an older framework, but rather to build it from ground up — digitally native and purpose-built.
Myth #3: Digital Engagement Stats Are Inflated and Misleading
It’s a common concern: can digital metrics like views, clicks, and emojis truly represent meaningful engagement? Many planners are skeptical, believing these numbers don’t accurately reflect attendee interest or satisfaction.
During the planning phase, our analytics team helped define success criteria in both qualitative and quantitative terms: dwell time per session, number of questions asked, attention tracking during activities, and Net Promoter Scores afterwards.
For instance, during our digitally simulated dinner with sunset views, we used personalized content streams and digital influencers to host parallel conversations. Over 85% of remote participants stayed logged in for the entire dinner segment, and conversation threads exceeded those of any other session — a clear sign of genuine, not inflated, engagement.
We learned that when digital event design is optimized for interactivity, the metrics generated are not only trustworthy, but also offer granularity and immediacy that in-person feedback mechanisms often lack.
Myth #4: Sponsors Don’t Value Digital Integrations
Sponsor skepticism is another hurdle in the digital event world. Traditional brand partners sometimes doubt the ROI of their involvement if they aren’t physically present with booths, swag bags, and signage.
Our sponsor integration strategy focused on experience over presence. Customized microsites, gamified calls-to-action, and branded interactive polls drove traffic and data in ways that static booths never could. During one panel on innovation, a sponsored giveaway mechanic was triggered by audience sentiment analysis — a dynamic way to reward actual engagement rather than just visibility.
Feedback from sponsors was overwhelmingly positive. Several asked to extend their digital presence beyond the event timeline, demonstrating not only valuation but continued interest. Digital integration isn’t a downgrade — it’s an upgrade that brings clarity and continuity to brand partnerships.
The Babilonia Perspective
At Babilonia, we see ourselves as partners and educators in the digital event space. Our goal isn’t just to deploy technology, but to enable event planners to think differently about what’s possible. This case study illustrates that the myths holding many planners back are just that — myths.
Digital and hybrid events don’t diminish human connection; they enhance it when designed thoughtfully. They aren’t overly complex with the right tools. Data is not misleading; it’s meaningful when understood in context. And sponsors? They’re more eager than ever to be part of something measurable and modern.
Whether you’re planning a client appreciation event with dinner under the stars or a multi-day digital summit, the future of events is not limited by venue walls or flight schedules. It’s elevated by innovation — something we live and breathe here at Babilonia.
Curious to see how your next event could unfold? Start your free account today and explore the possibilities.