Cisco, owner of Webex, officially acquired event platform Socio last July, shortly after acquiring event engagement app Slido, to work toward the vision of developing the “most complete, robust, and flexible event technology platform available,” according to a blog post shared by GM, Webex Events (formerly Socio CEO) Yarkin Sakucoglu.
The market for “end-to-end” virtual and hybrid platforms has become increasingly competitive over the past few years, but Cisco has added another contender to the mix with the rebranding of Socio as the new Webex Events platform.
Socio began as an in-person event management solution and built out a virtual offering early on in the pandemic. As part of the greater Webex ecosystem, Webex Events presents a powerful offering for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
With this acquisition and new product launch, Cisco is following in the footsteps of its competitor Zoom, which debuted Zoom Events last year, to capitalize on the virtual events market. However, having Socio as the backbone for this new offering makes for a more sophisticated event tool that will help the company expand beyond online meetings and go after the in-person and hybrid event space as well.
In addition, Webex Events is remaining open to other streaming solutions, meaning that organizations that use Zoom or Teams can still host an event on Webex Events without needing a Webex license.
“Hybrid events are going to become increasingly commonplace, but at this pivotal moment, it’s important to look at hybrid events differently. Hybrid isn’t just about providing the same content to two distinct audiences, based on where they’re consuming it,” writes Sakucoglu. “Moving forward, events will live on a spectrum, allowing for unique, personalized experiences, no matter how people choose to attend.”
He also shares a breakdown of the types of events planned by Socio/Webex Events clients in recent months, which shows an almost even split between in-person, virtual, and hybrid in the past three to four months.
“We are now Webex Events, but I assure you that the Socio approach to product development, service, and support will never change,” concludes Sakucoglu “What does change is that we now have the backing of Cisco Webex to supply even more fuel for our rocket, powering a new level of innovation and investment. We have never been in a better position to deliver on our vision, and I cannot be more excited to show you what’s next.”