Back in April, we got to support a two-day hybrid event in New York with the one and only Esther Perel – psychotherapist, relationship expert and all-around icon when it comes to understanding modern love, loneliness and connection.

The event brought together over 2,000 people from around the world (1,400 online and 600 in-person!) to explore some big questions around relationships in modern society. 

And honestly? It got us thinking.

Because in many ways, online dating and virtual events have the same core challenge. How do you help people feel truly connected – not just present, but seen, engaged and part of something – when they’re not physically together?

So, for this event, we took Esther’s message to heart. If we were going to help lead a conversation about connection, we had to practice what she was preaching!

Here’s what that looked like in action:

We kicked things off with a virtual pre-connect

Before the event started, we created space for attendees to meet, not just log in and wait for the content to begin. People joined from around the world to learn more about the conference speakers and what to expect, ask their questions to Esther, open up and have powerful conversations. It was low-pressure, high-energy and got everyone warmed up for the main event.

Space for real connection in the virtual setting

The online platform was full of special spaces that encouraged comfort and connection for those watching online – spaces to foster relationships, share personal experiences or subtle photos. ‘Set your stage’ allowed online participants to upload photos of their surroundings and ‘wall of thoughts’ grew into a beautiful mosaic of diverse reactions and storytelling by the online crowd.

Programming for both audience types

Virtual attendees were treated to exclusive sessions like interactive breakout exercises, a dedicated host and guided reflection, and the in-person audience had parallel experiences, adding to the depth of the experience and built with their circumstances in mind. Each programme had the same rich content, but it was delivered in a format that worked for that audience, not shoehorned for both in the same way.

The tech worked with the content. Not against it

The best tech is the kind you don’t even notice. For Esther’s event, we made sure the transitions were smooth, the livestream didn’t lag, and the online audience felt just as seen and heard as those in the room. We added interactive tools so online attendees could ask questions, share their thoughts or jump into breakout discussions – all in real-time.

We designed for actual conversation, not just consumption

Esther doesn’t just talk at her audience – she invites reflection. The awesome content team made sure to mirror that approach by building moments into the event where attendees could pause and respond to prompts, chat with others, or just take a beat to check in with themselves. It made everything feel way less webinar and way more human. 

We wrapped with a post-show hangout

To keep the energy going (and help people make the connections stick!), we hosted a virtual after-party where attendees could relax, share takeaways and just be people together. Some had a glass of wine. Some played a virtual card game. Some swapped LinkedIn’s. Some just chilled out in the background – and that was totally fine, too.

Esther’s message was clear… In a world full of noise, what we’re really craving is meaningful connection – the kind where you feel seen, heard and understood.

The same is true of hybrid events. You can’t just treat virtual attendees like second-class citizens. We’ve got to build experiences where everyone feels part of the room, no matter where they’re logging in from.

That means designing moments of warmth. Prioritising interaction over perfection. Creating the kind of spaces where people don’t just attend – they actually connect.

Because let’s be real. Connection is the thing we’re all here for!

If you’re interested in hosting a hybrid event that sparkles, get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to have a chat about your next experience.