In recent years, virtual and hybrid events have become an essential part of the event planning landscape.
As technology continues to bridge the gap between in-person and online experiences, organizers are looking for innovative ways to make these events more engaging and interactive.
One trend that has emerged as a creative solution is the use of cardboard cutouts.
These lifelike, customizable figures have become a key element in enhancing the virtual and hybrid event experience, adding a personal touch that helps connect attendees with the event, even when they can’t be there in person.
What Are Cardboard Cutouts?
Cardboard cutouts are life-sized, stand-up figures made from durable cardboard, typically featuring full-color printed images of people, objects, or brands.
They are often used for events, marketing campaigns, and promotional activities to capture attention and create a memorable visual impact. In the context of virtual and hybrid events, these cutouts have become a tool to bring the physical presence of attendees, performers, or keynote speakers to digital spaces.
The Popularity of Virtual and Hybrid Events
The shift to virtual and hybrid events began in earnest due to the global pandemic, which forced many in-person events to be canceled or postponed.
However, even as the world begins to return to normal, these types of events continue to grow in popularity because of their accessibility and reach.
They allow participants from across the globe to attend without the need for travel, reducing costs and making events more inclusive.
However, one challenge for organizers is maintaining the energy and atmosphere of in-person gatherings. While technology provides many tools for live-streaming, interactive sessions, and networking, the lack of physical presence can make virtual and hybrid events feel less personal.
This is where custom cardboard cutouts come into play.
How Cardboard Cutouts Enhance Virtual and Hybrid Events
The introduction of cardboard cutouts into virtual and hybrid events has been nothing short of revolutionary. Here are some ways these cutouts are being used:
1. Personalized Engagement
One of the most compelling features of cardboard cutouts is their ability to create a sense of personalization. Attendees can have their own cardboard likeness printed and sent to the event venue, providing them with a tangible connection to the experience
These cutouts can be strategically placed throughout the event space or even included in virtual environments, allowing attendees to feel as if they are truly part of the event.
2. Branding and Sponsorship Opportunities
For event organizers, cardboard cutouts provide a unique and effective way to incorporate branding and sponsor logos into the event.
Custom cutouts featuring a company’s logo, mascot, or product can be placed in prominent areas of the virtual or hybrid event, offering an engaging visual that helps boost brand recognition.
Sponsors can also use these cutouts to create an interactive experience for attendees, offering photo opportunities and social media engagement.
3. Photo Opportunities
Another popular use for cardboard cutouts is as fun photo opportunities. Virtual and hybrid events often include photo booths or custom event backdrops, and the addition of cardboard cutouts adds an extra layer of entertainment.
Attendees can interact with life-sized cutouts of their favorite celebrities, characters, or industry leaders, creating memorable moments they can share online. This is an especially great way to create buzz around an event and encourage participants to post on social media.
4. Supporting Keynote Speakers and Performers
In hybrid events, where some participants attend in person and others participate virtually, cardboard cutouts can be used to represent keynote speakers, panelists, or performers who are unable to be physically present.
For instance, a cardboard cutout of a speaker can be placed on stage, allowing their virtual presentation to feel more immersive. This creates a seamless experience for both the in-person and online audiences, making the event more engaging for all.
The Future of Cardboard Cutouts in Event Planning
As virtual and hybrid events continue to evolve, the use of cardboard cutouts is likely to become more innovative.
With advances in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), we may soon see 3D versions of cardboard cutouts that can be experienced in virtual spaces.
These virtual cutouts could be interacted with in real time, adding an entirely new level of engagement for attendees.
Moreover, as the technology behind custom cutouts becomes more accessible, we may see even more personalized options.
Event planners could offer attendees the chance to create their own cutouts, or even integrate animated cutouts into live streams, providing a more dynamic and interactive experience.
Conclusion
Cardboard cutouts are a simple yet effective way to enhance virtual and hybrid events. By adding personalization, branding opportunities, and interactive features, they help bridge the gap between digital and physical spaces, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for attendees.
As technology continues to advance, the potential for cardboard cutouts in the event industry will only grow, providing event organizers with new and exciting ways to connect with their audiences.
Whether it’s for a corporate conference, a trade show, or a wedding, the use of custom cardboard cutouts is an innovative way to make any virtual or hybrid event feel more memorable.
