For Jeff Devine, the president and founder of the Hybrid Group, the goal of bridging the gap for his clients led him to create a full-service convention and association management firm dedicated to customizing a comprehensive plan to fit every client’s needs. In Devine’s previous experience in the industry, event management companies were not meeting all requests or providing all of the services that clients wanted.
“There are so many moving pieces during the planning phase of an event. It’s like starting a puzzle by building the frame and filling in the picture,” says Jeanette Kilrea, Account Manager.
The Hybrid Group has brought about an evolution of standardized event planning with a wide selection of services: Registration and housing, site selection, project management, production and creative, educational development, and marketing. Devine ensures his clients receive a fully customized package without overpaying for the services necessary to complete their events.
The Hybrid Group manages a wide variety of events throughout the year in the States, internationally, and at sea. “Our events average 3,000 attendees: 80 percent domestic and 20 percent international with a combination of corporate, association, and incentive events,” says Devine. Hybrid employees plan the entirety, and they are the first onsite to ensure everything plays out smoothly.
“Once at the event, it’s like putting that final puzzle piece into place and feeling the accomplishment and pride of completing the puzzle,” says Kilrea.
They strive to stay current and create an environment that millennials want to work in. To keep up in the industry, several Hybrid Group employees are part of industry associations including Meeting Professionals International (MPI), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), and Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). “Being a member of these premier associations provides access to what is currently trending in the industry through newsletters and publications,” explains Kilrea.
As a home-based company, Hybrid Group encourages an entrepreneurial spirit in their associates and provides flexibility for them to be their own entity within a well-established company. “Working virtually has been a change, but we’re still able to collaborate as a team daily with video conference calls. I enjoy the flexibility it offers regardless of our busy schedules,” says Natalie Rivera, Meeting and Events Coordinator.
As a virtual office client, the team works around their travel schedules and has a meeting space for their team and clients when needed at Novel Coworking’s 318 W. Adams location. With Novel Coworking, they are able to find the balance that their home-based, frequently-traveling company needs. Hybrid Group is also excited about meeting other clients within Novel Coworking and utilizing their skills.
“If you take a picture of Novel Coworking, that is what I want my company to look like,” says Devine. “Flexibility, cutting-edge features, and aesthetics.”