5 Hybrid Event Ideas
Virtual fundraising events have been incredibly successful this past year.
They often exceed revenue, capture a broader audience and are less expensive to produce than an in-person gathering. In fact, they have been so successful that even when gathering is deemed safe again, it will be a gradual process with phases, and many organizations will likely hold on to the virtual model for events.
When it comes to events, our philosophy is “it’s easier to add than to takeaway”. So keep planning for virtual. And when the time comes you can add to the experience using one of these examples below.
THE WATCH PARTY
Overview: A virtual event hosted by the organization, with opportunities for stakeholders to host a viewing party for friends and family in their own home.
Risk = low
Cost = low
What works:
- Overlay event fundraising model with a house party fundraising model
- Intimate gathering
- Engages supporters
Recommendations:
- Stay within bounds of hosts’ comfort level
- Have a host agreement that aligns with local CDC guidelines
- Ask host to speak at their party in support of your organization
- Provide a host party packet to ease planning
- Offer mobile bidding or text-to-give so all viewers can give using a smartphone
- Follow local restrictions and guidelines
THE OPEN HOUSE
Overview: A virtual event with the option to view from the organization’s space or from home.
Risk = High
Cost = Medium
What works:
- Shine the spotlight on your organization’s space
- Connect others to your program and mission
- Save on venue rental expenses
- Give stakeholders an “inside look”
- Engage staff and volunteers to provide tours
Recommendations:
- Add precautionary measures to help guests feel comfortable and safe
- Create space for virtual event viewing
- Offer mobile bidding or text-to-give so all viewers can give using a smartphone
- Follow local restrictions and guidelines
THE DRIVE-IN
Overview: A virtual event with the option to watch from a car in front of a big screen or from home.
Risk = Medium
Cost = Medium
What works:
- Fun, interactive and charming
- A unique way to engage community partners
- Gather in a novel way
- Bring the drive-in movie experience to your guests
Recommendations:
- Broadcast the live event on a big screen and over the radio for guests in cars
- Provide drive-in guests with goodie boxes
- Air a live segment at the drive-in to give viewers at home a chance to be part of the action
- Offer mobile bidding or text-to-give so all viewers can give using a smartphone
- Follow local restrictions and guidelines
Check out how Clackamas Women’s Services did it: Case Study: Hybrid Events.
THE OUTDOOR GATHERING
Overview: A virtual event with the option to watch from where it is recorded in an outdoor space or from home.
Risk = High
Cost = Medium
What works:
- Great for warm summer evenings – good weather encourages attendance
- Broadcast live segments from the outdoor space
- Gives your event a festival-like atmosphere
Recommendations:
- Partner with an AV team to broadcast the live event
- Distance guests with theatre-style seating
- Provide adequate restroom facilities
- Offer mobile bidding or text-to-give so all viewers can give using a smartphone
- Follow local restrictions and guidelines
THE LARGE GATHERING
Overview: A live event broadcasted as a virtual event with the option to attend in person or from home (think: Academy Awards).
Risk = High
Cost = High
Pros:
- Reach your local audience in person and a broader audience online
- Broadcast live performances to viewers tuning in from home, like an awards show
- Offers a dynamic way to rethink galas in person
Recommendations:
- Offer mobile bidding or text-to-give so all viewers can give using a smartphone
- Follow local restrictions and guidelines
Disclaimer: We strongly recommend planning a 100% virtual event in 2021 to stay safe and align with CDC guidelines.
Information in this article comes from a previously recorded webinar. Watch it here: From Virtual to Hybrid Planning, Into 2021 and Ahead with Swaim Strategies.
Planning your next fundraising event? We’d love to hear about it. Reach out to us at swaimstrategies.com/rfp.
