5 Reasons Hybrid Events are Here to Stay

When the pandemic began, everything went virtual and we were forced to change the way we planned events. Now that restrictions have lifted and there are more opportunities to gather in person, many folks feel pressured to go back to the pre-pandemic event model. But we’re here to tell you that hybrid events are the future.

We don’t have to go back. We can expand our vision of what’s possible. We get to ask ourselves: what if? 

Hybrid events are here to stay. Here’s why:

1. Hybrid events are transformational, not transactional.
2. Hybrid events are purpose-driven.
3. Hybrid events are accessible and inclusive.
4. Hybrid events make room for enhanced fundraising strategy.
5. Hybrid events give you the opportunity to highlight your why. 

The hybrid event model empowers us to dream beyond the ballroom and to honor our values of inclusivity. 

5 Reasons Hybrid Events are the Future:

1. Hybrid Events are Transformational, Not Transactional

Your event is about your organization and mission. Think of it as your chance to be the star of your own television show. Your attendees are coming for you, not for the stuff. Wine walls, dessert dashes and games are all great, but they don’t say anything about YOU. Hybrid events open the door for you to create a program centered around your mission, rather than entertainment. 

2. Hybrid Events are Purpose-Driven

Priya Parker, Elevate’s 2021 keynote speaker and author of The Art of Gathering, invites us to plan events that are more purpose-driven. You can watch her keynote speech by clicking here. What we’ve learned from Priya is that there is power in asking: why are we gathering? If you’re going to put energy into planning an event, why? 

Ask yourself these questions:

• What’s the impact you want to have with your event?
• What do you hope to achieve?
• What is the purpose of gathering people?
• Who do you want to serve?
• What do you want people to walk away knowing?

3. Hybrid Events are Accessible and Inclusive

Hybrid is more accessible than any other event model. With hybrid, you no longer have to limit attendance. Instead, you can plan an accessible and inclusive event that increases opportunity for donorship. 

Accessible and inclusive practices that hybrid offers:

• Include ASL interpretation for folks who are hearing impaired.
• Offer captions and translate your program into any language.
• Encourage attendees to watch from anywhere, from any time zone. 
• Use tech support to help your audience engage across devices. 
• Record your event to use as evergreen content that folks can re-watch later and that they can share with their circles of influence for even more support.
• Offer free attendance to tune in virtually and invite your entire community to participate, especially you’re most impacted clients, volunteers and staff.

Prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity is values centered. It empowers you to nourish relationships with more people–and more donors. The folks who are most passionate about your mission don’t necessarily have the financial means, geographical access or time to support you in person. A hybrid event gives those folks the ability to participate in your event and donate to your mission.

4. Hybrid Events Make Room for Enhanced Fundraising Strategy

When the pandemic required us to go virtual, more people started asking for pre-committed gifts from donors to maximize participation during events. We no longer had the atmosphere of an in-person space or the ability to host activities like a dessert dash or game to encourage participation. Excitement had to be generated somehow; pre-committed gifts moved the needle at virtual events and encouraged other participants to give more. With hybrid, you can combine strategic elements of in-person and virtual gatherings. There’s more room to focus on strategy rather than transactional activities.

5. Hybrid Events Highlight Give You the Opportunity to Highlight Your Why

When you’re not confined to one event space, you can more poignantly highlight your why. Try integrating pre-recorded video into your event so attendees can join you from your office, school or other significant place. Invite your audience into your world to make a deeper impact and connection. 

Ultimately, people come to your event to celebrate you. They can play games and eat corn on the cob at a BBQ. But you—you and your mission—can’t be replicated. That’s why it’s vital to highlight your why. 

For a deeper dive into how to do this, listen to our interview with Nonprofit Storytelling Conference Living Room podcast, “Creating a More Compelling Special Event Using Stories” and watch Simon Sinek’s TED Talk, “How great leaders inspire action”.

You can create a powerfully inclusive, mission-driven hybrid-event. We hope you’ll dream with us and expand your definition of what’s possible.